While Blade is still a few years away from entering the MCU, the studio is wasting no time in attaining the services of its director.
As first reported by Deadline, Bassam Tariq is in early talks to direct the film, capping off a search that began in fall 2020. Tariq is known for directing the rap drama Mogul Mowgli, which he also co-wrote with star Riz Ahmed.
Two-time Academy Award winner Mahershala Ali is playing Blade, a half-human, half-vampire who stalks the night to hunt down vampires. Marvel boss Kevin Feige revealed the casting of Ali at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2019, with the executive noting the actor informed Marvel he’d like to play the character after he won his second Oscar, for Greenbook.