Ryan Reynolds champions Blade’s return: A cinematic revival
A nostalgic reunion on the big screen
Ryan Reynolds is advocating for more Blade appearances in the cinematic universe following Wesley Snipes’ much-anticipated return as the iconic Marvel superhero in “Deadpool & Wolverine.” Reynolds recently shared behind-the-scenes photos on Instagram, capturing moments with Snipes on the film’s set. Snipes originally brought Blade to life in the 1998 film and continued the legacy with “Blade II” in 2002 and “Blade: Trinity” in 2004, where Reynolds also starred.
“The reaction when Wesley Snipes enters the movie is the most intense thing I’ve heard in a theater,” Reynolds wrote in his Instagram caption. “People screaming with uninhibited joy and love is also the sound of a legacy. More Blade, please.”
The legacy of Blade
Snipes’ portrayal of Blade was a pivotal moment in superhero cinema, marking one of the first successful adaptations of a Marvel character. His return in “Deadpool & Wolverine” alongside other Fox-era Marvel heroes like Jennifer Garner’s Elektra and Chris Evans’ Johnny Storm has thrilled fans. Snipes recently discussed his experience reprising the role after two decades, reflecting on the journey and the character’s enduring impact.
“Over the years, we’ve had very interesting conversations, some of them very substantive and some of them not,” Snipes shared. “I kind of resided that I was moving on from them, which is OK. I did three of them, and I thought they turned out pretty good. Not so bad… So we move on to other things, and bigger and better things, as well.”
The unexpected call
Reynolds reached out to Snipes during the development of “Deadpool & Wolverine,” sparking the idea of Blade’s return. Snipes was initially skeptical about the possibility, given Marvel’s plans for a new Blade reboot starring Mahershala Ali. However, Reynolds’ enthusiasm and the project’s potential convinced Snipes to reconsider.
“I did not think it was possible,” Snipes admitted. “I didn’t think we would be able to pull it off. I didn’t think that Marvel was into it, Disney was into it — also because they had Mahershala [Ali] cast for the next upcoming version of it… I thought it didn’t make sense to me, but [when] you get a call from Ryan Reynolds out of the blue after 20 years, you go, ‘OK, I got to take this call. Let’s see what this is about.’ He told me the idea… They said ‘yes’ and ‘it’s a go.’ ‘If you’re in, we’re in.’ Here we are.”
The future of Blade
Marvel has been working on its own Blade reboot with Ali for several years, though the project has faced numerous challenges. Recently, director Yann Demange exited the film, and a new screenwriter, Eric Pearson, known for “The Fantastic Four” and “Black Widow,” has joined the team.
Box office triumph
“Deadpool & Wolverine” has shattered records, grossing $1.15 billion globally, making it the highest-grossing R-rated movie in history. It currently stands as the second highest-grossing film of 2024, just behind “Inside Out 2.”
Personal reflections
As a cinema enthusiast, the return of Wesley Snipes as Blade is a nostalgic and thrilling moment. It not only pays homage to the character’s legacy but also bridges the gap between different eras of superhero films. The excitement surrounding Snipes’ return is a testament to the enduring appeal of Blade and the impact of his original portrayal.
For those who want to relive the magic, you can watch the trailer for Deadpool & Wolverine and explore more about the film. The anticipation for the new Blade reboot with Mahershala Ali continues to build, promising a fresh take on the beloved character.
In the ever-evolving landscape of superhero cinema, the return of iconic characters like Blade reminds us of the rich history and the potential for new and exciting stories. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the Blade saga, there’s no denying the electrifying impact of seeing Wesley Snipes don the iconic shades once more.