Wesley Snipes has made a triumphant return to the role of Blade in the recently released film “Deadpool & Wolverine.” This much-anticipated comeback has fans buzzing, especially after Snipes surprised audiences at San Diego Comic-Con with his appearance alongside other notable cameos from the film.
In an exclusive interview with Entertainment Weekly, Snipes shared his thoughts on reprising the iconic character he first portrayed in the 1998 film “Blade.” He reflected on the journey that led him back to the role, stating, “Over the years, we’ve had very interesting conversations, some of them very substantive and some of them not.” He had initially thought he was moving on from the character after three successful films, feeling satisfied with what he had accomplished.
Snipes first stepped into the shoes of Blade in 1998, followed by “Blade II” in 2002 and “Blade: Trinity” in 2004. Interestingly, Ryan Reynolds, who co-starred with Snipes in “Blade: Trinity,” reached out to him during the development of “Deadpool & Wolverine.” Reynolds sent a text that simply read, “I want to talk to you.” This unexpected message sparked a conversation that would lead to Snipes’ return.
“I did not think it was possible,” Snipes admitted regarding his return to the character after two decades. He expressed doubts about Marvel’s interest, especially with Mahershala Ali already cast for a new Blade reboot. However, after speaking with Reynolds and hearing the concept for the film, Snipes was intrigued. “They said ‘yes’ and ‘it’s a go.’ ‘If you’re in, we’re in.’ Here we are,” he recounted.
Marvel has been working on a reboot of “Blade” featuring Ali for several years, but the project has faced numerous challenges. The film has gone through multiple directors and screenwriters, with significant changes to the script along the way. Despite these hurdles, Snipes’ return in “Deadpool & Wolverine” was unaffected, allowing him to step back into the role of the Daywalker.
Preparing for the role was no small feat for Snipes. He humorously noted, “I wasn’t Blade ready, man. I don’t walk around as Blade every day.” He had to get back into shape to handle the physical demands of the character. “We had to work out. We definitely had to get the body, and my biggest concern was being in condition enough to deal with whatever the action was,” he explained. Fortunately, he found that he didn’t have to perform as many stunts as he initially feared, which was a relief given the rigorous nature of action films.
In “Deadpool & Wolverine,” Snipes’ Blade joins forces with a star-studded cast, including Jennifer Garner as Elektra, Channing Tatum as Gambit, and Hugh Jackman as Wolverine. The film follows Deadpool, played by Reynolds, as he embarks on a multiversal adventure to save his reality, leading to encounters with various characters from the Marvel universe.
Snipes described the experience of keeping his role a secret as “very challenging,” even from his family. The real challenge, however, was getting back into the physical shape required to don the Blade costume once again. He humorously recounted the difficulties of filming action scenes in cold weather, saying, “Man, it was so cold out there. My nuts shriveled up to about that, brother.”
Reflecting on his past work with Reynolds, Snipes noted how the actor’s humor has evolved since their time together on “Blade: Trinity.” He acknowledged that Reynolds’ comedic style was different from his own but appreciated how it fit perfectly within the context of “Deadpool & Wolverine.” “Ryan does something that most people can’t do. He’s unique in that way,” Snipes remarked.
When asked about his thoughts on Ali’s casting as Blade in the upcoming reboot, Snipes expressed his support for the actor. He mentioned that he hadn’t had a chance to connect with Ali since the reboot was announced but had previously congratulated him on landing the role. “I shouted him out, told him he’s got all my blessings and support,” Snipes said, emphasizing that the challenges faced by the new project should not be attributed to Ali.
As the conversation turned to the future of the Blade franchise, Snipes acknowledged the complexities involved in bringing the character back to the big screen. He playfully remarked, “You need a lot of secret sauce to do the Blade thing, man. Good luck. You’re my man, though.”
With “Deadpool & Wolverine” now in theaters, fans are excited to see Snipes back in action as Blade, a character that has left an indelible mark on the superhero genre. His return not only celebrates the legacy of the original films but also opens the door for new possibilities within the Marvel universe.
As audiences flock to theaters to witness this thrilling reunion, Snipes’ portrayal of Blade continues to resonate with fans, proving that some characters are simply too iconic to fade away. The excitement surrounding his return is a testament to the enduring appeal of Blade and the impact he has had on the superhero landscape.
Source: Entertainment Weekly
