Marvel's Blade Delayed to 2026 - Predator: Badlands Takes 2025 Slot

It has been announced that Marvel Studios' highly anticipated "Blade" reboot has been delayed from its expected release date of November 7, 2025. Instead, Disney has chosen to open 20th Century Studios' "Predator: Badlands" on that date.

The "Blade" reboot, which was first revealed at San Diego Comic-Con in 2019, will star two-time Oscar winner Mahershala Ali. However, the project has faced numerous setbacks, including delays due to the global pandemic and dual industry strikes. The film has also seen two directors exit, with Bassam Tariq leaving in 2022 and Yann Demange following suit. 

Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has stressed that Marvel Studios is determined to create the best possible version of Blade, emphasizing the importance of having a strong script before moving forward with production. While fans eagerly await the new "Blade", they got to see Wesley Snipes, who originally portrayed the character, make a cameo as Blade in "Deadpool & Wolverine". The original Blade trilogy, launched in 1998, played a pivotal role in popularizing R-rated superhero films and collectively grossed $418.1 million worldwide.

In the meantime, Disney has shifted focus to "Predator: Badlands", directed by Dan Trachtenberg, who previously helmed "Prey" for Hulu. The upcoming film, starring Elle Fanning, will be released theatrically, marking a reversal from Disney's streaming-first strategy with "Prey". 

The Predator franchise, which began in 1987 with the original film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, has generated six titles, including two "Alien vs. Predator" movies, and has grossed $750.6 million worldwide.