Marvel’s Blade Loses Director Bassam Tariq, Reported Frustration with Process From Mahershala Ali

Marvel’s Blade Loses Director Bassam Tariq, Reported Frustration with Process From Mahershala Ali

Marvel Studios‘ upcoming Blade film has lost its director as Bassam Tariq steps away from the film. The film’s process is reportedly an issue that has led the film’s star Mahershala Ali to be very frustrated. With shooting set to begin in November, this has now caused a delay as Marvel sets to look for a replacement to helm the film. Ali is set to star in the film alongside Delroy Lindo and Aaron Pierre. Tariq is reportedly stepping away from the director’s chair but will remain as executive producer on the film.

Marvel released a statement to THR, saying:

“Due to continued shifts in our production schedule, Bassam is no longer moving forward as director of Blade but will remain an executive producer on the film. We appreciate Bassam’s talent and all the work he’s done getting Blade to where it is.”

Tariq also released a statement thanking Marvel, saying:

“It’s been an honor working with the wonderful folks at Marvel. We were able to put together a killer cast and crew. Eager to see where the next director takes the film.”

The film has seen a delay once already with a possible second delay if the shift in director causes any speed bumps. There are reports of apparently repeated script rewrites with sources revealing that the current script is about 90 pages and only features “two (lackluster) action sequences, which has led Ali to become frustrated with the process and Kevin Feige apparently being spread too thin according to a social media post by Jeff Sneider.

Blade is currently slated to release in theaters on November, 3rd, 2023. Stay tuned as more information becomes available.

Source: THR