Back in May 2013, Marvel re-acquired the rights to three beloved characters,Blade, Ghost Rider and The Punisher, and since then, two of those three characters have been re-introduced in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Punisher, played byJon Bernthal, made his debut in Season 2 of the Marvel Netflix seriesDaredevil, with a new stand alone series in production as well.Ghost Riderdebuted on Marvel’s ABC seriesAgents of S.H.I.E.L.D.Season 4, although the studio used the Robbie Reyes incarnation of this character, instead of the more well-known Johnny Blaze. There have been rumors that aBlademovie or TV series is happening, but while there has been no official confirmation, one actor has thrown his hat in the ring to play the Daywalker,Anthony Mackie. Here’s what the actor had to say during an appearance over the weekend at the Wizard World convention in Cleveland.
“I pretty much want to grow up to beWesley Snipes. If we can bring backBlade, I’d definitely beBladein everyBlade movie.”
Screen Geekwas in attendance at the convention when the actor made these comments, but he would not elaborate any further. Naturally,Anthony Mackiehas already been established as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe as The Falcon, so if he does end up taking the role, the actor would become the first actor to portray two completely different characters within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Then again,Wesley Snipeshimself has said in the past that he would be up for returning as Blade, but it doesn’t seem that anything is immediately in the works.Kate Beckinsalerevealed during New York Comic-Con that they had discussed the possibility of aBladecrossover with theUnderworldfranchise, but they were told that couldn’t happen since Marvel is planning something withBlade. Here’s whatKevin Feigehad to say in October in response toKate Beckinsale’s statement.
“That’s both true. They did ask a long time ago (about an Underworld crossover) and I think our answer was, ‘No, we’ll do something withBladeat some point.’ That’s still the answer. We still think he’s a great character. He’s a really fun character. We think this movie going into a different side of the universe would have the potential to have him pop up, but between the movies, theNetflix shows, the ABC shows there are so many opportunities for the character to pop up as you’re now seeing withGhost RideronAgents of S.H.I.E.l.D.that rather than team up with another studio on that character let’s do something on our own. What that is? Where that will be? We’ll see. There is nothing imminent to my knowledge.”
A report surfaced in May that Marvel was developing Netflix shows forMarvel superheroessuch asBlade,Ghost RiderandMoon Knight, but that was never confirmed, and we learned just a few months after this report that Ghost Rider will be heading over to ABC’sAgents of S.H.I.E.L.D.. Given that bothThe PunisherandGhost Riderended up on the small screen, it seems likely thatBladewould head in the same direction. However, theBladefranchise was much more popular thanThe Punishermovies and theGhost Ridermovies, spawning three movies that found modest success at the box office. Still, even if Marvel decides to develop a new movie, it remains to be seen if they would considerAnthony MackieforBlade 4.
