Mahershala Ali has commented on Marvel’s decision to halt its planned Blade film, saying he does not want his career to be defined by remakes. The project’s cancellation ends years of uncertain development and raises questions about Marvel Studios’ strategy for reviving established franchises.

Ali had been attached to play the vampire hunter Blade since Marvel announced the film in 2019, but the production faced repeated setbacks, including changes of director and writer. His remarks suggest he is accepting of the decision, while signalling a preference for original work over revisiting roles previously associated with Wesley Snipes.