Overview of Blade’s Directing Shift
- Chad Stahelski takes over as director for Marvel’s Blade following Cary Fukunaga’s departure due to reported difficulties.
- Stahelski’s other commitments may lead to further delays in the film’s production.
- This project represents an opportunity for Stahelski to expand his directorial repertoire beyond the John Wick series.
The long-anticipated Blade film has finally secured a director. As reported by Jeff Sneider’s The InSneider, Cary Fukunaga, who was previously slated to lead the project, has left amid speculation regarding his challenging reputation. In his place, Marvel has reportedly recruited Chad Stahelski, the visionary behind the acclaimed John Wick series. Stahelski’s expertise in action choreography could infuse Blade with innovative combat sequences, potentially elevating the film’s swordplay to new heights alongside the intricate hand-to-hand combat for which he is celebrated.
While fans eagerly await John Wick 5, there remains uncertainty regarding its timeline. Given the importance of giving fans a quality revival of Blade, it may be beneficial for the franchise to let John Wick simmer for now. The introduction of Blade marks a significant opportunity for Stahelski, considering the character’s long tenure in development hell. It seems fitting for Stahelski’s skills to forge a fresh perspective on Blade, creating a film that enthusiasts of both franchises would likely welcome.
Blade’s Prolonged Development Journey
It is perplexing how a property with such rich potential has faced numerous hurdles in its journey to the big screen. With Chad Stahelski now attached to the project, it feels like a natural fit. The idea of ‘John Wick with Vampires’ resonates with fans, creating anticipation for this merger of worlds. However, the question remains: why have other aspects of production been so tumultuous under the leadership of Marvel’s Kevin Feige?
When Blade was first announced in 2019, Mahershala Ali was confirmed to play the lead role, with shooting initially set for November 2022 and a release date targeted for November 2023. Before Fukunaga stepped in, two directors, Bassam Tariq and Yahn Demange, exited the project. Both directors, while talented, are not typically recognized for their work in action-heavy films, which raises questions regarding their initial involvement. It’s likely that Marvel sought directors who could align closely with studio expectations while managing budgets, but a delay of nearly six years indicates a substantial misalignment in creative direction prior to Stahelski’s involvement.
Chad Stahelski’s Extensive Workload
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51t2_o_H_Rw
Chad Stahelski’s past work has earned him considerable acclaim, making his talents in high demand across the industry. This may lead to delays in Blade as he balances multiple projects. Recognizing the significance of Stahelski’s involvement, Marvel should allow ample time for him to align his schedule appropriately. However, it remains to be seen if Stahelski can adjust his commitments to accommodate such an exciting opportunity.
Currently, Stahelski is attached to direct ten different films, with John Wick 5 not explicitly listed among them, although he is expected to maintain his role for the next sequel. His commitment to ensuring quality in the John Wick series is unwavering, as evidenced by his intervention on John Wick: Ballerina, where he felt a need to uphold the franchise’s standards following poor reception in previews. “We didn’t just work the last ten years to see it all go to s**t,”Stahelski remarked, highlighting his dedication.
Choosing Blade Over John Wick: A Strategic Move
Lionsgate is likely acutely aware of the financial potential inherent in a well-executed Blade film, especially in light of recent underperformers like The Crow and Borderlands. This strategic pivot underscores their search for a surefire success, making it crucial to revamp the John Wick sequel to capture Stahelski’s full attention in future installments.
Marvel is positioning itself for a potential resurgence with upcoming projects like Thunderbolts and Fantastic Four, following a successful reveal of the Avengers: Doomsday cast. Stahelski’s collaboration with Marvel at this pivotal juncture could solidify his role as a multifaceted filmmaker, merging his action expertise with the superhero genre.