Deadpool & Wolverine has hit theaters, and true to form, the film doesn’t shy away from poking fun at the Marvel universe. With a plethora of jokes aimed at past projects, the film also takes a jab at the ongoing issues surrounding the MCU’s Blade reboot.
The journey to bring Blade back to the big screen has been anything but smooth. Initially announced five years ago, the project was set to star Oscar-winner Mahershala Ali as the iconic vampire hunter. Bassam Tariq was brought on to direct, with Stacy Osei-Kuffour writing the script. However, just two months before production was slated to begin, both Tariq and Osei-Kuffour exited the project. Yann Demange then stepped in as director, and Michael Green was hired to rewrite the script. Yet, in June, it was revealed that Demange had also left the project, leaving fans wondering about the future of Blade.
In Deadpool & Wolverine, one of the most surprising moments was the cameo of Wesley Snipes, who originally portrayed Blade in the late ’90s and early 2000s. Snipes reprised his role, delivering memorable lines, including the iconic “ice skate uphill.” However, one particular joke seemed to directly reference the ongoing troubles with the MCU’s Blade reboot. At one point, Snipes’ character boldly claims he is the only Blade, prompting Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool to look directly into the camera.
This moment can be interpreted in two ways. On one hand, it could be seen as Deadpool acknowledging that more Blade content is on the way, suggesting that Snipes’ character is mistaken in claiming exclusivity. On the other hand, given the lengthy delays and uncertainty surrounding the Blade reboot, it might be a tongue-in-cheek commentary on the situation, implying that Snipes could very well remain the only Blade for the foreseeable future.
Regardless of the interpretation, it was a delight for fans to see Snipes back in action as Blade. Following his cameo, Snipes spoke with Entertainment Weekly about his return to the character. He reflected on the years of discussions he had regarding the role, noting that while he had moved on from the franchise, he was surprised to receive a call from Ryan Reynolds after two decades. Snipes expressed his initial skepticism about the possibility of returning to the Marvel universe, especially with Ali cast in the upcoming version of Blade. However, after hearing Reynolds’ pitch, he was intrigued and ultimately agreed to join the project.
The film’s playful jab at the Blade reboot issues highlights the ongoing challenges Marvel faces in bringing beloved characters back to life. With the MCU’s ambitious plans, the delays and changes in direction for Blade serve as a reminder that even the most anticipated projects can encounter significant hurdles.
As Deadpool & Wolverine continues to entertain audiences, it also serves as a commentary on the state of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film’s humor and self-awareness resonate with fans, especially those who have been following the ups and downs of the Blade reboot saga.
In a landscape where superhero films are a dominant force, the challenges faced by Blade’s revival underscore the complexities of adapting beloved characters for modern audiences. The interplay between Deadpool and Wolverine, along with Snipes’ return, adds a layer of nostalgia while also addressing the current state of the franchise.
As fans eagerly await the future of Blade, Deadpool & Wolverine provides a humorous yet poignant reminder of the unpredictability of the film industry. The film’s ability to blend humor with commentary on real-world issues makes it a standout entry in the Marvel canon.
In conclusion, Deadpool & Wolverine not only entertains but also cleverly addresses the ongoing challenges of the Blade reboot. With its mix of nostalgia, humor, and self-referential commentary, the film captures the essence of what makes the Marvel universe so engaging. As audiences continue to enjoy the antics of Deadpool and Wolverine, the fate of Blade remains a topic of interest, leaving fans to wonder what the future holds for this iconic character.
Source: Entertainment Weekly, Marvel News
