More bad news on the horizon for the anticipated Blade reboot starring Mahershala Ali. After the film has shifted release dates, it’s been confirmed that director Bassam Tariq has exited the project due to scheduling conflicts. It appears that the delay in production is the reason Tariq can no longer helm the movie.

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,” Tariq said in an official statement.

Now Marvel is actively searching for a new director seeing that the movie is supposed to start production this November in Atlanta. This comes after the fact that the film switched writers as well. Stacy Osei-Kuffour had the job first but exited with Beau DeMayo taking over. DeMayo is coming off writing for the MCU’s Moon Knight.

Who should Marvel get? Well, if you ask me, famed action directors Chad Stahelski (the John Wick franchise) and David Leitch (Deadpool 2, Hobbs & Shaw, Bullet Train) have both been vocal in the past about directing a Blade film. It would make since to get a director who has proven themselves time and time again in the action genre and either one would definitely bring the heat when it comes to the adrenaline moments of the film.

Now, of course, scheduling with them will probably be an issue as well as both men have a lot on their plate in terms of projects. J.J. Perry, who just directed the awesome Netflix vampire flick Day Shift is another candidate in my book. Perry is another stunt pro turned filmmaker who has proven himself over the years. Day Shift was his directorial debut and just like Sam Hargrave for Extraction, he hit it out of the park.

Come to think of it, Hargrave would be another killer candidate for the job. He just recently wrapped production on the sequel to Extraction and that one looks to top the original. Plus, Hargrave did extensive stunt work for the MCU including doubling Chris Evans as Captain America. It would make perfect sense as Hargrave already has his foot in the door at Marvel.

Let’s just say that this film would definitely benefit from a filmmaker who has an extensive action background. All these men have proven that they can make films that will please audiences. Nothing against Tariq but I feel that this might be a good thing for the reboot, as long as they replace him with someone that knows the genre and can do it justice.

Let me know what you think and remember to keep it locked and loaded right here for more news to come as we are your destination for everything action in 2022 and beyond!

SOURCE: THR