The Hollywood Reporter confirms that Bassam Tariq has decided to leave Blade after several months of developing the feature. Marvel Studios has issued a statement regarding Tariq’s departure. “Due to continued shifts in our production schedule, Bassam is no longer moving forward as director of Blade but will remain an executive producer on the film,” the statement read. “We appreciate Bassam’s talent and all the work he’s done getting Blade to where it is.”
Bassam Tariq also shared his own statement about his exit from the project. Interestingly, the director subtly dropped an update on the MCU flick. “It’s 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. Although we’re disappointed that Bassam Tariq will be leaving Blade, it’s also great that he confirmed that the team has already been firmed up and should be ready to begin production as soon as a new director joins the project. The Blade reboot was first announced during the 2019 San Diego Comic-Con where here was confirmed that Mahershala Ali will play the vampire hunter. Since then, the cast has expanded to include Delroy Lindo and Old actor Aaron Pierre. For now, it has not yet been revealed who will take over the reboot after Bassam Tariq’s departure. However, it is believed that the new Blade project will begin production before the end of the year. It is already scheduled for release on November 3, 2023.
