Two-time Oscar-winner Mahershala Ali, cast as the titular character in Marvel’s rebooted Blade, recently dodged questions about the film’s delayed status and his role in the MCU—responding with a lighthearted “Leave me out of it.” His quip came during a Vogue “Off the Cuff” segment alongside Jurassic World: Rebirth co-stars Scarlett Johansson and Jonathan Bailey.
What Ali’s Comment Signals
His remark isn’t casual banter—it reflects a deeper uncertainty surrounding Blade, which has been pulled indefinitely from Marvel’s release calendar after multiple setbacks: four directors, several screenwriters, and no release date. Marvel CEO Kevin Feige emphasizes that the project will only move forward “when it’s right”
A Troubled Production History
Since Ali’s casting at San Diego Comic-Con 2019, Blade has faced recurring challenges:
- Directors Bassam Tariq and Yann Demange departed amid creative reshuffles.
- A rotating team of writers—including Stacy Osei-Kuffour, Nic Pizzolatto, Michael Starrbury, and Michael Green—has attempted to nail the script.
- Studio delays, industry strikes, and scheduling issues have stalled production again and again.
So What’s Next?
Although Ali has voiced enthusiasm—saying he’s “ready” whenever Marvel is—the film remains in limbo. Fans are left wondering whether Blade will find its footing in Phase 6, or if it’ll need a full reset behind the scenes.
Final Take from ScoopCast
Ali’s playful deflection—“Leave me out of it”—is more revealing than it sounds. It speaks to an actor sidelined by production woes and a studio unwilling to release a ghost before it’s fully ready. When Marvel says Blade is still “committed,” all eyes will be on future announcements—not sound bites.
