By Ben Travis | Posted 24 Jul 2019

Of all the news to emerge from Marvel Studios’ massive San Diego Comic-Con panel, the one that most surprised and delighted was the reveal that Blade is coming back – this time with Mahershala Ali playing the half-vampire hero. Before X-Men, before Raimi’s Spider-Man, 1998’s Wesley Snipes-starring Blade was one of the first major Marvel comics adaptations – making it only fitting that the beloved character will be coming full circle into the MCU. While most fans seem happy that Blade is returning, some fans of the Snipes trilogy (which concluded with 2004’s Blade Trinity) have expressed disappointment that the actor isn’t returning. As for Snipes himself, he wants fans to “chillaaxx”, with two ‘x’es.

“To all the DAYWALKERS losing their minds right now, chillaaxx,” he wrote in a statement to ComicBook.com. “Although the news comes as a surprise, it’s ALL GOOD. Such is the ‘business’ of ‘entertainment!’ Much peace to the MCU crew – always a fan. Honor and respect to the grandmaster Stan. Congratulations and Salaam to Mahershala Ali, a beautiful and talented artist whose expressions I look forward to experiencing for many years to come. Inshallah, we will someday work together. Most importantly to my loyal fans, the incredible outpouring of love is overwhelming. I am grateful for the never-ending support. So, ‘nah fret nah worry, it’s not de end of de story.’ Welcome to the Daywalker Klique.”

So there it is – Snipes isn’t mad that his part has been re-cast. Still, it’s a little while until we’ll see Mahershala Ali’s version. The new Blade doesn’t have a release date yet, and it seems like it won't be out before 2022 – with Marvel having confirmed their Phase Four projects through 2021. In the meantime, we’ll see Black Widow, The Eternals, Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings, Doctor Strange In the Multiverse Of Madness, and Thor: Love And Thunder on the big screen, with Disney+ shows The Falcon And The Winter Soldier, WandaVision, Loki, What If?, and Hawkeye coming to the small screen.