The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is back with another R-rated movie after Deadpool 3, and it’s none other than The Blade Reboot, starring Mahershala Ali. Marvel has announced its upcoming projects in the next two phases, i.e., Phases 5 (2025) and 6 (2027). Phase 5 of the MCU lineup will see the release of The Blade Reboot.
Marvel’s rumored movie lineup has invited harsh criticism from both fans and critics, as it has questioned the studio’s priorities for a new project over an established one.
Marvel’s Rumored Movie Lineup
Midnight Sons is an upcoming Marvel movie that includes superheroes from the cinematic universe fighting against the mother of demons, Lilith, and stopping her from awakening an ancient prophecy. Although the movie does not have an official release date, it is surely the reason behind the criticism Marvel Studios is getting.
Movies that will be announced at SDCC:
— Marvel Updates (@marvel_updat3s) June 29, 2024
• 'SHANG-CHI 2'
• 'DOCTOR STRANGE 3'
• 'YOUNG AVENGERS'
• 'MIDNIGHT SONS' pic.twitter.com/GHI2XWShIX
Movies getting announced and Blade not even filming yet.
— Flex Luthor (@Benwalk007) June 29, 2024
Another upcoming movie in the MCU is The Blade Reboot, featuring Mahershala Ali as the main protagonist. Due to script and director changes, the movie is suspected of a late release due to delays in production and development. Blade actor Mahershala Ali told Entertainment Weekly:
We’re working on it. That’s the best I could tell you. I am really encouraged with the project. We’ll be back at it relatively soon.
The Blade Reboot would be the fourth installment in the Blade franchise, and according to the audience, it should get the attention it deserves, as The Blade is a much more established franchise than the new Midnight Sons, which is based on a game featuring comic book superheroes.
Midnight Sons over The Blade
Marvel Studios is facing lots of criticism for considering Midnight Son’s production over Blade’s. Blade is an important character and a superhero who is also featured in the movie Midnight Sons. According to the critics, the studio should figure out its role and establishment first to make the Midnight Sons a running success.
They cannot get Blade right but can do Midnight Sons? Seems sus. The rest of those announcements seems legit. Is TChalla Jr or Morgan Stark going to be aged up for Young Avengers: Cause really Kamala, Kate, Riri and Wiccan seems lacking MCU star power potential
— Mirror Night (@KazAdewuyi) June 29, 2024
Actual chances of “Midnight Sons” happening are below 30%. If the Blade movie bombs, it will never happen. At this rate, Blade will be called off entirely by the end of the year. “Dark Marvel” needs to wait for the “Secret Wars” soft reboot. Call it 2030 at the earliest.
— Scott Nixon (@MrBrokenEyes) June 14, 2024
I'm almost entirely convinced that Blade will fail at this point. With this many re-writes and production delays as well as Ali not being happy multiple times. If Blade is supposed to establish Blade as a character as well as set up the Midnight Sons, it's not looking good.
— #MusicDefinesMe (@theR5archives) May 24, 2024
Although Marvel can think of making Midnight Sons without the character of Blade, that would be a bizarre thing to do. It will only prove that the MCU was unable to figure out a superhero’s place in its universe. Although rumors of the movie being scrapped after so many delays were in the works, no such official announcement has been made.
Producing a new movie before its main established franchise will only put a negative light on the studio’s decisions and priorities.
Despite delays in production, The Blade Reboot is set be released on November 7th, 2025
Frequently asked questions
What is Midnight Sons and why is it facing criticism?
Midnight Sons is an upcoming Marvel film reportedly following a group of the studio’s heroes as they confront Lilith, mother of demons, to stop her from fulfilling an ancient prophecy. It has no official release date yet. Critics argue Marvel is prioritizing this newer project over Blade, an already-announced film still without a finished script.
What is the status of Mahershala Ali’s Blade reboot?
The Blade Reboot, planned as the fourth film in the franchise, faced repeated script and director changes that delayed production. Ali said at the time, “We’re working on it. That’s the best I could tell you. I am really encouraged with the project.” The film was originally targeted for a November 2025 release, though Marvel later removed it from its schedule amid the ongoing delays.
Why are critics unhappy with Marvel’s rumored release order?
Critics argue Marvel should establish Blade as a character before Midnight Sons arrives, since Blade is expected to appear in that ensemble film. Moving forward with the newer project while the standalone Blade film remains stuck in script development has led fans to accuse the studio of favoring a new property over a long-promised, already-cast franchise film.
