Marvels highly anticipated reboot of the iconic Blade franchise, which was set to star the acclaimed actor Mahershala Ali, has been the subject of much speculation and disappointment among fans. Originally slated for release in November 2023, this version of Blade has faced numerous hurdles, including the loss of its director not once but twice, leading to its eventual cancellation. However, insights from the former costume designer of the project, Ruth E. Carter, have shed light on what could have been, revealing intriguing details about the films original direction.

In a recent episode of the Designing Hollywood podcast, Carter, a two-time Academy Award-winning costume designer known for her remarkable work in films such as Coming 2 America and the Black Panther series, shared her experiences while preparing for the Blade reboot. Interestingly, Carter disclosed that the version she was working on was envisioned as a period piece set in the 1920s, a unique twist for the vampire genre. Unfortunately, this project was ultimately shelved due to the simultaneous writers and actors strikes that disrupted Hollywood.

I was prepping Blade for Marvel, and it was a 1920s Blade story, and it got shut down because of the writers strike and the actors strike, so I was just in limbo, Carter explained. Although she faced challenges during the development of Blade, her extensive research for this vampire-themed period piece was not in vain. It serendipitously opened the door for her to collaborate with director Ryan Coogler on another vampire film, titled Sinners.

According to a report published by Hollywood Reporter in 2024, the Blade franchise has seen various iterations of its script, each presenting dramatically different settings and narratives. One potential version even included an elaborate scene taking place on a massive train. In the iteration Carter was involved in, the character of Lillith, a vampire villain, was to be portrayed by scream queen Mia Goth, who was on a mission to hunt down Blades daughter. Although Goth remains attached to the project in some capacity, its fascinating to contemplate the stunning costume designs that Carter could have crafted for both her and Ali had the period reboot made it to production.

Despite the disappointment surrounding the cancellation of Blade, there is a silver lining for fans of the vampire genre. Carter's transition from the Blade project to Sinners has proven to be remarkably beneficial. The film, which is now one of the most anticipated releases of 2025, has generated significant buzz and excitement, demonstrating that sometimes setbacks lead to unexpected opportunities. The success of Sinners is not only a testament to Carters talent but also highlights the potential for innovative storytelling within the vampire genre.

As for the future of the Blade reboot, fans are left to wonder whether it will emerge from the shadows of development hell. With the immense popularity of vampire-themed narratives in recent years, there is hope that the new Blade film will rise to prominence and find its way into theaters, rather than becoming a mere footnote in cinematic history. As the anticipation continues to build, the possibility of Mahershala Ali stepping into the iconic role of Blade remains a tantalizing prospect for both audiences and filmmakers alike.