Original “Blade” trilogy star Wesley Snipes has broken his silence and congratulated two-time Oscar winner Mahershala Ali on being cast as the vampire hunter in the reboot of the Marvel Studios franchise.
“To all the DAYWALKERS losing their minds right now, chillaaxx,” said Snipes in a statement to TheWrap. “Although the news comes as a surprise, it’s ALL GOOD. Such is the ‘business’ of ‘entertainment!’ Much peace to the MCU crew — always a fan. Honor and respect to the grandmaster Stan. Congratulations and Salaam to Mahershala Ali, a beautiful and talented artist whose expressions I look forward to experiencing for many years to come. Inshallah, we will someday work together.”
“Most importantly to my loyal fans, the incredible outpouring of love is overwhelming. I am grateful for the never-ending support. So, ‘nah fret nah worry, it’s not de end of de story.’ Welcome to the Daywalker Klique,” added Snipes. (In the franchise, daywalkers are human-vampire hybrids who can survive in the sun.)
Snipes portrayed Blade in the 1998 film “Blade” written by David S. Goyer and directed by Stephen Norrington, which was followed by “Blade II” in 2002 and “Blade: Trinity” in 2004.
The character is a half-man and half-vampire who hunts vampires and fights to protect the human race, with abilities as a master swordsman and marksman. Created by Marv Wolfman and drawn by penciler Gene Colan, Blade first appeared as a supporting character in 1973 and shortly thereafter starred in his own title.
“Blade” is part of Marvel Studios’ Phase Five following the “Infinity Saga” that was announced during Marvel’s Hall H presentation at Comic-Con on Saturday. Other films announced as part of the presentation included “The Eternals,” “Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” a “Black Widow” standalone movie and sequels to “Thor” and “Doctor Strange.”
Ali is a two-time Oscar winner for “Moonlight” and most recently for 2018’s “Green Book.” He also starred in the most recent season of “True Detective” and in “Alita: Battle Angel.”
Comicbook.com first reported the news about Snipes.