Blade can’t catch a break.
In recent news, it’s been suggested that Xbox is considering cancelling the Blade video game and shutting down Arkane, the studio behind the game. This comes following reports of major layoffs at Microsoft as the company looks to cut costs.
Obviously, nothing is confirmed at this time, and these remain rumours, but you can’t help but feel bad for Blade. It feels like the character is completely cursed.
Mahershala Ali was announced as Blade back in July 2019 at San Diego Comic-Con, seven years ago, and nothing has come from it. The character has seemingly been stuck in development hell ever since. Seven years, by the way. You honestly have to feel sorry for Ali at this point.
Blade is a character with such a rich history, especially after the phenomenal success of Wesley Snipes. Maybe he was right in Deadpool & Wolverine, and perhaps there never will be another Blade. At least, not at this rate anyway.
Then there is the video game Arkane was making on behalf of Marvel Games. You can see the announcement trailer below, which was released two years ago.
In all honesty, based on what we’ve seen so far, the game never generated the same level of excitement as titles like Marvel’s Spider-Man or Marvel’s Wolverine. Blade deserves better. He deserves better in video game format, and he certainly deserves better in a live-action setting.
It genuinely baffles me how this character has been handled so poorly. Every time it feels like Blade is finally about to make a comeback, another setback appears around the corner.
I just hope these latest reports prove to be nothing more than rumours. Blade shouldn’t be one of Marvel’s forgotten heroes. Whether it’s on the big screen or in video games, fans deserve to see this character finally get the justice he deserves.
What do you think? Has Marvel wasted Blade, or do you still believe Mahershala Ali’s version will eventually see the light of day?
