After it’s announcement at Comic-Con in 2019, Marvel Studios’ adaptation of Blade was finally getting ready to start production this fall. However, according to the Hollywood Reporter, director Bassam Tariq has exited the project.
Marvel gave a statement saying that, “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.” The split seems to be amicable as Tariq also gave a statement thanking Marvel Studios for allowing him to work on the film.
READ: AARON PIERE JOINS MARVEL STUDIOS’ BLADE
The (now) former director said “Its 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.”
While the news comes amid previous reports that the film has undergone several rewrites, it is interesting to note that very rarely does a film’s production schedule force a director off a project. Could it be that the studio is trying to cover up potential creative differences? We may never know.
Beau DeMayo, who worked on Marvel Studios’ Moon Knight is the project’s current scribe.
The site alleges that a search has already begun for Tariq’s replacement.
Production on Blade was gearing up to begin in just a few weeks. It’s unclear if that is still the plan, or if it will still be completed in time for its November 3, 2023 release date.
Stay tuned fore more details on this story as they develop.
SOURCE: THR