Bassam Tariq reveals 1920s setting for canceled Blade reboot

Former director Bassam Tariq has revealed details regarding the initial version of the Marvel Studios 'Blade' reboot, which was previously in pre-production before his departure in 2022. Tariq confirmed that the project, starring Mahershala Ali, was envisioned as a period piece set in the 1920s, a departure from the typical modern superhero aesthetic.

The production was reportedly quite advanced; Tariq spent approximately eighteen months on the project and had relocated his family to Atlanta in preparation for filming. The production included significant set pieces, such as a railway set, and involved Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter. Some of the costumes developed for the project were later repurposed for the film 'Sinners' by Ryan Coogler.

While the specific iteration of the film led by Tariq was halted, elements of the preparation have surfaced elsewhere. Ali has utilized the sword training intended for the role in other projects, and the creative collaboration between the director and lead actor continues in different cinematic endeavors.