If you’re reading this and haven’t seen Eternals yet, or you’ve forgotten that Marvel Studios likes to use mid and post credits scenes to tease upcoming projects… SPOILER AHEAD. The post credits scene in Eternals revealed Dane Whitman looking at a sword (the Ebony Blade) and as he was about to hold it, a mysterious voice said, “are you sure you’re ready for that Mr. Whitman?” Eternals director Chloe Zhao has revealed that the voice was non other than Mahershala Ali’s Blade. Blade is rumored to start filming in July of 2022, so expect a release somewhere in mid 2023.
Created by Marv Wolfman and Gene Colan, Eric Brooks debuted in "Tomb of Dracula" #10 in 1973, though that version of the character is drastically different than the one most fans would recognize. Eric's mother was slaughtered by a vampire during his birth, which transformed him into a Dhampir: not fully a monster, but no mere mortal either. Referred to by many as the Daywalker, Eric made it his life's mission to hunt vampires. Having their strengths, but not their weaknesses, it's a task he was uniquely suited for.
Image via: The Direct
Blade has previously been portrayed on the big screen by Wesley Snipes in the 1998 film of the same name. The movie was financially successful enough to spawn two sequels, Blade II in 2002 and Blade: Trinity in 2004. A TV series meant to continue the story, which starred Sticky Fingaz, aired on Spike in 2006, but was canceled after just one season. While not a popular genre at the time of the original film's release, comic book films have dominated cinema in recent years and there is an argument to be made that Blade helped usher in the current superhero fixation.
Considering how little information about the project has come to light thus far, it’s hard to say just what this film will be about. Many MCU heroes have begun their onscreen journeys with a classic comic book origin story, though Marvel has been making attempts to break from this formula. Blade's origins have already been seen on the big screen, though it differed enough from his comic backstory enough that co-creator Marv Wolfman lost a lawsuit attempting to retain rights to the character from Marvel. So, we could see the British Blade who was raised in a brothel, rather than something more akin to Snipes' iteration of the character.
Image via: The Direct
Of course, it's possible Marvel will avoid using an origin story altogether. The studio might even choose to go the Spider-Man route and introduce Blade in another project first. There are rumors circulating that the Daywalker could debut in Disney+'s Moon Knight, though there is currently no official confirmation. This would be a sensible way to introduce Blade, as he and Moon Knight have teamed up previously in the comics, and there are also rumors that Ethan Hawke's as-yet-undisclosed role in the show is actually Dracula. It is true we have yet to see any real evidence of vampires in the MCU, but Mobius did briefly mention them in Loki, so we know that they do exist in the MCU.
No other cast has been announced yet besides Ali, but Watchmen writer Stacy Osei-Kuffour has been tapped to write the screenplay for the film, and Bassam Tariq (Mogul Mowgli) will direct the film. Cameos are pretty common in the MCU, so it wouldn't be a stretch to see Benedict Cumberbatch's Doctor Strange, who has history with Blade in the comics, appear. Little is known at this point, but one thing is certain: Ali is going to be outstanding in this role.
Image via: YouTube/C-Reel Productions
What stood out to me in the post credits scene, is seemingly how important of a role Blade will have in Dane Whitman’s transition into becoming the Black Knight. Black Knight has never been a member of the Midnight Sons or Hearts of Darkness before in the comics, but if Marvel Studios and Kevin Feige are indeed working on a team-up film between characters such as Blade, Moon Knight, the Punisher and Ghost Rider, having Black Knight in there as well would be a huge win. It would also bring some heart to the movie as well. Blade is near emotionless, the Punisher is as dark as they get, Ghost Rider is a blend of the previous two, and Moon Knight has the most complex personality in all of Marvel. Thanks to his extreme dissociative personality disorder. Black Knight is a curse, and slowly drives the wearer of the armor and bearer of the Ebony Blade mad. Dane always tried to rid himself of the curse, and even sought after Doctor Strange’s assistance numerous times.
Blade is a fascinating character, and one that fans will come to love in no time. Marvel Studios getting an actor of Ali’s caliber to portray the character is a HUGE win.