Wesley Snipes, the iconic actor who brought Marvel’s Blade to life, has recently opened up about the ongoing drama surrounding the new Blade movie. Snipes, who starred as the half-vampire, half-human vampire slayer in the original Blade trilogy, has been a significant figure in the superhero genre, even before the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) became the juggernaut it is today.
Snipes’ portrayal of Blade in the late ’90s and early 2000s was groundbreaking. The first Blade film, released in 1998, grossed $131 million worldwide, setting the stage for the MCU. Its sequel, Blade II, released in 2002, did even better, raking in $155 million globally. Despite mixed reviews from critics, the trilogy has maintained a cult following and remains one of Snipes’ most beloved roles.
In a recent interview, Snipes discussed the challenges and triumphs of bringing Blade to the big screen. He revealed that his initial involvement with the character came through his agent, and it was a project that followed his efforts to get a Black Panther movie off the ground. Snipes admitted he wasn’t familiar with Blade at first but saw the potential in playing a black vampire who could perform martial arts.
Snipes drew inspiration from previous black vampire portrayals, such as Eddie Murphy’s role in “Vampire in Brooklyn” and William Marshall’s “Blacula” from the ’70s. He approached Blade not as a comic book adaptation but as a unique character with no point of reference, allowing him to showcase his acting and martial arts skills.
Despite skepticism from those around him, who believed the role was beneath his talents, Snipes was determined to bring Blade to life. He saw it as an opportunity to create something cool and unprecedented—a black vampire who could fight. This vision resonated with audiences, and Blade became a success, defying expectations and proving that black-led films could perform well internationally.
One of the more intriguing aspects of Blade II was the inclusion of racial dynamics, a decision made by director Guillermo del Toro. In the film, Snipes’ character faces racial taunting from Ron Perlman’s character, adding another layer to the story. However, Snipes clarified that this wasn’t a deliberate attempt to address social issues but rather an ancillary element to the film’s entertainment value.
Snipes acknowledged the industry’s tendency to feel the need for social commentary when featuring black characters. He believes there’s a time and place for everything and that not every film needs to address racial dynamics. He hopes for more diversity behind the camera, which would lead to content that focuses on everyday experiences, regardless of race.
Reflecting on the years following Blade’s success, Snipes noted that the character was somewhat forgotten as the superhero genre exploded. He expressed that if he had known then what he knows now, he would have approached things differently. Despite this, he remains proud of Blade’s impact and its role in paving the way for future black superheroes.
Snipes also shared his excitement for the new Black Panther film, a project he had once envisioned himself. He was deeply connected to the character and the world of Wakanda, seeing it as a way to address stereotypes about Africa and showcase its rich history and culture. Snipes imagined a technologically advanced Wakanda blending modern tech with ancient customs, a vision that has now come to life in the MCU.
He recounted a story about John Singleton’s vision for Black Panther, which involved bringing the character into the civil rights movement. Snipes disagreed with this approach, believing it wouldn’t sell toys or records and might alienate audiences. He envisioned a more fantastical and culturally rich depiction of Africa, complete with advanced technology and diverse martial arts.
As the new Black Panther film hits theaters, Snipes is overcome with joy and excitement. He believes it will have a significant impact on the industry and open up new opportunities. Snipes feels no sense of loss for not being part of the new film, as he knows it will pave the way for future projects and continue to elevate black superheroes in cinema.
Wesley Snipes’ legacy as Blade remains strong, and his insights into the character and the industry highlight the importance of representation and diversity in Hollywood. As the MCU continues to evolve, Snipes’ contributions to the superhero genre will not be forgotten.
