The upcoming Blade (2025) marks the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s reboot of the iconic vampire hunter, starring Mahershala Ali as Eric Brooks, also known as Blade. Set to expand the supernatural dimension of the MCU, the film is expected to follow Blade’s battles against vampires and other dark forces. It promises a mature tone, with an R-rating being considered to match the original trilogy’s gritty style.

The original Blade (1998) is a superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character Blade, directed by Stephen Norrington and written by David S. Goyer. The movie is a blend of action, horror, and dark fantasy, featuring Wesley Snipes in the titular role as a half-human, half-vampire hybrid with enhanced abilities. Blade dedicates his life to eradicating vampires, whom he views as a plague upon humanity.

Blade was born after his mother was bitten by a vampire during pregnancy, granting him the strengths of vampires (enhanced strength, speed, and healing) without their weaknesses, except for a need to consume blood. To suppress his vampiric urges, he uses a serum and receives assistance from his mentor, Abraham Whistler (Kris Kristofferson), who also aids in creating advanced weapons to combat vampires.

The film’s primary antagonist is Deacon Frost (Stephen Dorff), a rogue vampire seeking to fulfill a prophecy that would grant him the power of La Magra, the vampire blood god. Frost’s ambition threatens to unleash a global vampire apocalypse. Blade teams up with hematologist Dr. Karen Jenson (N’Bushe Wright), who becomes integral to developing a cure for vampirism.

The movie builds to an intense climax, with Blade battling Frost and his followers to stop their plans. The action sequences are marked by martial arts choreography and Blade’s signature use of swords and specialized vampire-hunting weapons.

The movie has faced multiple delays, now scheduled for release on February 14, 2025, and has seen changes in its writers and directors.