Blade Delayed: Predator: Badlands Takes Over November 2025 Release

Marvel fans hoping to see Mahershala Ali as Blade in 2025 will have to wait a little longer. Disney has announced that 20th Century Studios’ Predator: Badlands will take over the November 7, 2025 release date previously slated for the highly anticipated reboot.

The delay comes as no surprise, as the Blade project has faced numerous setbacks since its 2019 announcement at San Diego Comic-Con. Production and development were impacted by the global pandemic and subsequent dual industry strikes.

The film has also seen two directors depart: first Bassam Tariq, who was aiming for a fall 2022 start, followed by Yann Demange. Despite the challenges, actress Mia Goth, who is set to play the villain Lilith in Blade, assures fans that Marvel is dedicated to delivering a quality film.

“They really care, they do. They want to make a great movie. That’s the sense that I get from them and that feels good,” Goth told Deadline’s Natalie Sitek at the world premiere of her A24 movie MaXXXine.

Marvel Boss Kevin Feige has emphasized the importance of crafting a compelling script before moving forward with production. He’s stated that Marvel won’t release Blade until they have a script worthy of the iconic character.

In the meantime, Wesley Snipes, the original Blade, made a memorable cameo appearance in the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time, Deadpool & Wolverine ($1.3 billion).

The Blade franchise, launched in 1998 by New Line Cinema, stands as a landmark in superhero cinema, pioneering the R-rated genre. The original trilogy, comprising Blade, Blade II, and Blade: Trinity, grossed a combined $418.1 million at the worldwide box office (unadjusted for inflation).

Furthermore, Marvel has set three untitled movies for release in 2028: February 18, May 5, and November 10.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Blade reboot and the rest of the Marvel Cinematic Universe!