An upcoming Marvel film was set to begin filming this Fall in Atlanta but may be delayed due to a recent leave from its set director.

Blade, the story of a half-blood vampire hunter, starring Oscar-winner Mahershala Ali as Blade. The Blade reboot was set to release next year on Nov. 23 but its director, Bassim Tariq, is no longer moving forward with the project. There has been no news on how this would affect the production of the film. Many are worried that it may delay the planned release but it is still undecided.

“Due to continued shifts in our production schedule, Bassam is no longer moving forward as director of Blade but will remain an executive producer on the film. We appreciate Bassam’s talent and all the work he’s done getting Blade to where it is,” Marvel has stated to The Hollywood Reporter. 

Jeff Sff Sneider, a film reporter on Collider, reports from the behind-the-scenes of the project stating that Ali is “very frustrated” with the entire production process. Sneider has also stated, “I’m told that the current Blade script is roughly 90 pages and features exactly two lackluster action sequences.” 

Blade’s launch was announced way back during the San Diego Comic-Con in 2019, and its anticipation amongst fans has grown throughout the years. The search for a new director is currently being looked into. Tariq expressed gratitude for the film, saying, “It’s been an honor working with the wonderful folks at Marvel. We were able to put together a killer cast and crew. Eager to see where the next director takes the film.” 

This film would dive more into the horror side of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which fans have been wanting for years. Another Marvel project that will delve more into this side is Werewolf by Night, which will be released on Friday, October 7. The project was rumored to have a full appearance of Blade for the first time but it is disclosed whether or not Ali will appear as the vampire hunter.