Delroy Lindo Reflects on Marvel’s Troubled ‘Blade’ Reboot: “It Just Went Off the Rails”

The veteran actor discusses his envisioned Marcus Garvey-inspired role and the project’s unraveling amid creative upheavals.

In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, actor Delroy Lindo opened up about his departure from Marvel Studios’ long-delayed Blade reboot, describing the project’s trajectory as having “just went off the rails.” Lindo, who joined the film in 2021, was set to portray a character with a “Marcus Garvey-esque component,” envisioned as the leader of a Black community driven by strong philosophies and ethos.

Initially, Lindo found the project promising, praising Marvel’s inclusive approach and the collaborative discussions with producers, writers, and the then-director. However, the film’s development was marred by multiple setbacks, including the departure of directors Bassam Tariq and Yann Demange, as well as several script rewrites.

The Blade reboot, starring Mahershala Ali as the titular vampire hunter, was first announced in 2019 but has since faced numerous delays. In October 2024, Marvel removed the film from its release schedule, leaving its future uncertain .

Despite the challenges, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has expressed continued commitment to bringing Blade into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with Ali still attached to the project. As of now, screenwriter Eric Pearson is working on a new version of the script
Lindo’s reflections highlight the complexities of film production, especially within expansive franchises like the MCU. While his envisioned role will not come to fruition, his insights shed light on the creative ambitions and challenges that have shaped the Blade reboot’s tumultuous journey.