Joseph Jenkinson with five suggestions for Marvel Studios should they decide to recast Blade…
Marvel Studios’ long-troubled Blade reboot has finally reached an unfortunate conclusion. After seven years of rewrites, director departures and production delays, lead actor Mahershala Ali has stepped away from the project altogether, bringing one of the MCU’s most turbulent developments to an end. What began as one of Marvel’s most exciting announcements at San Diego Comic-Con in 2019 has instead become a cautionary tale of development hell, with the Oscar-winning actor never once getting the chance to wield the Daywalker’s iconic sword and shades.
With Blade’s future now seemingly back at square one, Marvel faces a crucial decision. Should Kevin Feige prioritise finding the right creative team for the character, or pursue a new actor above all else? If the latter, several talented performers possess the charisma, physicality and gravitas needed to bring Eric Brooks into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Here are five actors who could become Marvel’s next Blade.
Damson Idris
Damson Idris has long been one of the most popular fan choices for a major Marvel role. For a while, speculation centred on him portraying the son of T’Challa (the late Chadwick Boseman) following the tease at the end of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. With David Jonsson now set to inherit that mantle, however, Blade could prove to be an even better fit.
At just 34 years old, Idris has already gained widespread attention with performances in Snowfall and F1 have demonstrated that he possesses both the charisma and screen presence needed to anchor a blockbuster franchise.
He is also the youngest candidate on this list, which could work heavily in Marvel’s favour. Blade is a physically demanding role requiring convincing martial arts, stunt work and intense action sequences, and Idris has the athleticism to carry that side of the character for years. At the same time, his resumé suggests he could portray the quiet intensity and restrained anger that have always defined Marvel’s legendary vampire hunter.
Aldis Hodge
Aldis Hodge is no stranger to superhero cinema, having portrayed Hawkman in Black Adam. With that version of the DC Universe effectively left behind, however, the actor now finds himself in an intriguing position. Should Marvel decide to move on from Mahershala Ali, Hodge would represent one of the safest and most compelling options available.
Throughout his career, Hodge has consistently demonstrated a commanding screen presence, whether in action-driven roles or more dramatic performances. He possesses the maturity, gravitas and physicality needed to embody Blade without relying solely on spectacle. The character has always been defined by discipline and quiet confidence as much as swordplay, and Hodge naturally conveys those qualities.
Unlike some younger contenders, Hodge also has the experience to portray a vampire hunter who has spent decades battling supernatural threats. His calm authority would immediately sell the idea that Blade has survived countless encounters long before audiences meet him. Marvel wouldn’t need to spend time convincing viewers he belongs in the role, as Hodge has already proven he can carry himself like a seasoned hero.
Ricky Whittle
If Marvel is looking for an actor who already looks like Blade has stepped straight off the comic-book page, Ricky Whittle deserves serious consideration. Possessing the imposing physique, athletic ability and action experience required for the role, he would have little trouble convincing audiences as the Daywalker from his very first appearance.
Whittle is perhaps best known for American Gods, a series that immersed him in a world of supernatural mythology, violent fantasy and visually striking storytelling. That experience feels particularly relevant given Blade’s place within Marvel’s darker, horror-inspired corner of the MCU. Having already navigated stories filled with ancient gods, monsters and mystical conflicts, Whittle would be comfortable leading another supernatural franchise.
His casting could also benefit Marvel creatively. American Gods became renowned for its bold visuals and atmospheric style, and bringing some of that artistic sensibility into Blade could help distinguish the film from the rest of the MCU. With the right creative team behind him, Whittle could headline one of Marvel’s most stylish and visually ambitious projects to date.
Trevante Rhodes
If Mahershala Ali ultimately steps away from Blade, Marvel could look a little closer to home by turning to his Moonlight co-star, Trevante Rhodes. Although he may not possess the same level of mainstream recognition as some other candidates, Rhodes has quietly built a career showcasing exactly the qualities Blade requires.
His breakthrough performance in the Academy Award-winning Moonlight revealed an actor capable of conveying enormous emotional depth beneath an intimidating physical presence. That balance of vulnerability and quiet strength would suit Eric Brooks perfectly, a character who constantly wrestles with the darkness within himself while maintaining an almost impenetrable exterior.
Rhodes has also demonstrated his credentials as an action performer. In The Predator, he proved more than capable of handling demanding combat sequences while remaining charismatic and instantly likeable on screen. Every performance carries a sense of lived experience, allowing him to communicate emotion with very little dialogue.
At 36, Rhodes sits comfortably between youthful athleticism and seasoned maturity, making him an ideal age to portray a Blade who feels experienced without appearing near the end of his journey.
John David Washington
Among all the actors linked with the role, John David Washington arguably offers Marvel the strongest combination of proven star power and blockbuster experience. While being the son of Denzel Washington naturally brought early attention, he has spent the last several years establishing himself entirely on his own merits.
Washington has already shown he can lead ambitious studio productions, fronting Christopher Nolan’s Tenet and Gareth Edwards’ The Creator. Across both films, he demonstrated an ability to portray reserved, determined protagonists who command attention without relying on constant dialogue, a quality that aligns perfectly with Blade’s stoic personality.
Beyond his blockbuster credentials, Washington has consistently balanced action with thoughtful dramatic performances, giving Marvel an actor capable of handling both the franchise’s horror elements and its emotional weight. He possesses the confidence and physical presence expected of Blade while still bringing enough nuance to explore the character’s internal struggle between humanity and vampirism. If Marvel wants a dependable leading man who can immediately shoulder an entire franchise, Washington remains one of the strongest candidates available.
Honourable Mention: Wesley Snipes
Before introducing a brand-new Blade, perhaps Marvel should consider giving Wesley Snipes one final chapter. Following years of uncertainty surrounding Mahershala Ali’s version of the character, the original Daywalker has unexpectedly found himself back in the spotlight after his crowd-pleasing return in Deadpool & Wolverine.
The cameo reminded audiences just how closely Blade remains associated with Snipes, whose portrayal helped redefine comic-book cinema long before the MCU existed. His appearance generated widespread enthusiasm, prompting renewed calls for Marvel to give the actor a more fitting farewell. Ryan Reynolds himself publicly called for Snipes to receive a send-off similar to Hugh Jackman’s farewell in Logan.
Whether that means a standalone farewell or another supporting appearance, there is certainly an argument that Snipes deserves one last outing before Marvel fully reinvents the character. His now-famous line in Deadpool & Wolverine (“There’s only been one Blade. There’s only ever gonna be one Blade”) is not only an affectionate joke among fans, but recent events have also given it an unexpectedly poignant resonance.
Who would you like to see cast as Blade in the MCU? Let us know on our social channels @FlickeringMyth…
Joseph Jenkinson
