Due to the current writers’ strike, Marvel has paused production of its upcoming Blade movie. According to The Hollywood Reporter, filming for Blade was set to begin next month in Atlanta. However, Marvel has been forced to stop movie production due to the writer’s strike, making it the studio’s first tentpole project to be affected by the strike. The cast and crew are currently being notified. This is the second time that Marvel has had to pause production on Blade, the first time being when Bassam Tariq stepped down from directing. Yann Demange was later announced as the new director.
Marvel’s ‘Blade’ Faces Another Setback From Writers’ Strike
Marvel recently hired True Detective creator Nic Pizzolatto to pen the script for Blade. However, his hiring was announced only four days before the strike commenced. Production on Blade will continue when the strike is completed, and Marvel is still planning to start shooting Deadpool 3 and Thunderbolts.
Blade is the latest project to take a hit from the writers’ strike. Several projects have been halted from the strike, including several late-night shows, Yellowjackets, Good Omens, Cobra Kai, Abbott Elementary, and the final three episodes of Saturday Night Live’s current season. But despite the setbacks this is causing for the TV and film industry, fellow artists are showing their support. Drew Barrymore bowed out of hosting the MTV Movie & TV Awards this Sunday to show support for the writers. And Page Six reports that Pete Davidson, who was set to host SNL this week, handed out pizza to participating protestors in New York City, saying, “No writers, no shows without the writers.”
Blade has been in the works for Marvel for several years, with Mahershala Ali cast as the vampire hunter in 2019. But even after many delays related to Covid-19, loss of directors, and now the writers’ strike, Marvel is still determined to get Blade going.