Tag: blade ii

  • Every Guillermo del Toro Movie Ranked From Worst to Best

    Guillermo del Toro poses backstage with the Oscar® for Animated Feature Film during the live ABC telecast of the 95th Oscars® at Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 12, 2023.
    Guillermo del Toro poses backstage with the Oscar® for Animated Feature Film during the live ABC telecast of the 95th Oscars® at Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 12, 2023.

    Visionary filmmaker Guillermo del Toro is one of the most popular directors working today!

    He began his career directing classic horror films like ‘Cronos‘ and ‘The Devil’s Backbone‘ before turning to the superhero genre with ‘Blade II‘, ‘Hellboy‘ and ‘Hellboy II: The Golden Army‘.

    Del Toro received an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay for his work on ‘Pan’s Labyrinth‘, and would go on to win Oscars for Best Picture and Best Director for ‘The Shape of Water‘, as well as an Oscar for Best Animated Feature for his work on ‘Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio‘.

    The director has also made such popular films as ‘Pacific Rim‘, ‘Crimson Peak‘ and ‘Nightmare Alley‘, which was also nominated for a Best Picture Academy Award.

    QxzVykwNDsq2keHKXNG5A5

    Del Toro’s latest film, ‘Frankenstein‘, a long time passion project for the director, opens in theaters on October 17th before premiering on Netflix November 7th.

    In honor of the new release, Moviefone is counting down every film Guillermo del Toro has ever directed, including his latest.

    Let’s begin!

    Related Article: Filmmaker Guillermo del Toro Talks ‘Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio’


    13. ‘Crimson Peak‘ (2015)

    Tom Hiddleston in 'Crimson Peak'. Photo: Universal Pictures.
    Tom Hiddleston in ‘Crimson Peak’. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    In the aftermath of a family tragedy, an aspiring author (Mia Wasikowska) is torn between love for her childhood friend and the temptation of a mysterious outsider. Trying to escape the ghosts of her past, she is swept away to a house that breathes, bleeds… and remembers.

    10120076

    12. ‘Mimic‘ (1997)

    Mira Sorvino in 'Mimic'. Photo: Miramax Films.
    Mira Sorvino in ‘Mimic’. Photo: Miramax Films.

    A disease carried by common cockroaches is killing Manhattan children. In an effort to stop the epidemic an entomologist, Susan Tyler (Mira Sorvino), creates a mutant breed of insect that secretes a fluid to kill the roaches. This mutant breed was engineered to die after one generation, but three years later Susan finds out that the species has survived and evolved into a large, gruesome monster that can mimic human form.

    4497

    11. ‘The Devil’s Backbone‘ (2001)

    Fernando Tielve in 'The Devil's Backbone'. Photo: 20th Century Fox.
    Fernando Tielve in ‘The Devil’s Backbone’. Photo: 20th Century Fox.

    Spain, 1939. In the last days of the Spanish Civil War, the young Carlos (Fernando Tielve) arrives at the Santa Lucía orphanage, where he will make friends and enemies as he follows the quiet footsteps of a mysterious presence eager for revenge.

    938

    10. ‘Cronos‘ (1994)

    Ron Perlman in 'Cronos'. Photo: October Films.
    Ron Perlman in ‘Cronos’. Photo: October Films.

    Faced with his own mortality, an ingenious alchemist tried to perfect an invention that would provide him with the key to eternal life. It was called the Cronos device. When he died more than 400 years later, he took the secrets of this remarkable device to the grave with him. Now, an elderly antiques dealer has found the hellish machine hidden in a statue and learns about its incredible powers. The more he uses the device, the younger he becomes…but nothing comes without a price. Life after death is just the beginning as this nerve-shattering thriller unfolds and the fountain of youth turns bloody.

    20008025

    9. ‘The Shape of Water‘ (2017)

    (L to R) Sally Hawkins and Doug Jones in 'The Shape of Water'. Photo: Fox Searchlight Pictures.
    (L to R) Sally Hawkins and Doug Jones in ‘The Shape of Water’. Photo: Fox Searchlight Pictures.

    An other-worldly story, set against the backdrop of Cold War era America circa 1962, where a mute janitor (Sally Hawkins) working at a lab falls in love with an amphibious man (Doug Jones) being held captive there and devises a plan to help him escape.

    rdzaaLfT2fJTMsDCOWT8y5

    8. ‘Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio‘ (2022)

    A scene from 'Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio'. Photo: Netflix.
    A scene from ‘Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio’. Photo: Netflix.

    Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro reinvents Carlo Collodi’s classic tale of the wooden marionette (Gregory Mann) who is magically brought to life in order to mend the heart of a grieving woodcarver named Geppetto (David Bradley). This whimsical, stop-motion film directed by Guillermo del Toro and Mark Gustafson follows the mischievous and disobedient adventures of Pinocchio in his pursuit of a place in the world.

    seeSldRCQk67UhwXHAvqu6

    7. ‘Pan’s Labyrinth‘ (2007)

    (L to R) Doug Jones and Ivana Baquero in 'Pan's Labyrinth'. Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures.
    (L to R) Doug Jones and Ivana Baquero in ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’. Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures.

    In post–civil war Spain, 10-year-old Ofelia (Ivana Baquero) moves with her pregnant mother to live under the control of her cruel stepfather. Drawn into a mysterious labyrinth, she meets a faun who reveals that she may be a lost princess from an underground kingdom. To return to her true father, she must complete a series of surreal and perilous tasks that blur the line between reality and fantasy.

    ug5LEhMYDafJGzN7hk9O02

    6. ‘Nightmare Alley‘ (2021)

    (L to R) Cate Blanchett and Bradley Cooper in 'Nightmare Alley'. Photo: Searchlight Pictures.
    (L to R) Cate Blanchett and Bradley Cooper in ‘Nightmare Alley’. Photo: Searchlight Pictures.

    An ambitious carnival man (Bradley Cooper) with a talent for manipulating people with a few well-chosen words hooks up with a female psychologist (Cate Blanchett) who is even more dangerous than he is.

    Ku9EuWRb0Yx6Ly4ZJI7cS4

    5. ‘Pacific Rim‘ (2013)

    (L to R) Idris Elba, Charlie Hunnam, and Rinko Kikuchi in 'Pacific Rim'. Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures.
    (L to R) Idris Elba, Charlie Hunnam, and Rinko Kikuchi in ‘Pacific Rim’. Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures.

    Using massive piloted robots to combat the alien threat, earth’s survivors take the fight to the invading alien force lurking in the depths of the Pacific Ocean. Nearly defenseless in the face of the relentless enemy, the forces of mankind have no choice but to turn to two unlikely heroes who now stand as earth’s final hope against the mounting apocalypse.

    10056598

    4. ‘Hellboy II: The Golden Army‘ (2008)

    (L to R) Ron Perlman and Doug Jones in 'Hellboy II: The Golden Army'. Photo: Universal Pictures.
    (L to R) Ron Perlman and Doug Jones in ‘Hellboy II: The Golden Army’. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    Hellboy (Ron Perlman), his pyrokinetic girlfriend, Liz (Selma Blair), and aquatic empath, Abe Sapien (Doug Jones), face their biggest battle when an underworld elven prince plans to reclaim Earth for his magical kindred. Tired of living in the shadow of humans, Prince Nuada (Luke Goss) tries to awaken an ancient force of killing machines, the all-powerful Golden Army, to clear the way for fantasy creatures to roam free. Only Hellboy can stop the dark prince and prevent humanity’s annihilation.

    34661

    3. ‘Blade II‘ (2002)

    Wesley Snipes in 'Blade II'. Photo: New Line Cinema.
    Wesley Snipes in ‘Blade II’. Photo: New Line Cinema.

    Blade (Wesley Snipes) forms an uneasy alliance with the vampire council in order to combat the Reapers, who are feeding on vampires.

    11048

    2. ‘Hellboy‘ (2004)

    Ron Perlman in 'Hellboy'. Photo: Sony Pictures Releasing.
    Ron Perlman in ‘Hellboy’. Photo: Sony Pictures Releasing.

    In the final days of World War II, the Nazis attempt to use black magic to aid their dying cause. The Allies raid the camp where the ceremony is taking place, but not before they summon a baby demon who is rescued by Allied forces and dubbed “Hellboy”. Sixty years later, Hellboy (Ron Perlman) serves the cause of good rather than evil as an agent in the Bureau of Paranormal Research & Defense, along with Abe Sapien (Doug Jones) – a merman with psychic powers, and Liz Sherman (Selma Blair) – a woman with pyrokinesis, protecting America against dark forces.

    15961

    1. ‘Frankenstein‘ (2025)

    Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein in Frankenstein. Photo: Ken Woroner/Netflix © 2025.
    Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein in Frankenstein. Photo: Ken Woroner/Netflix © 2025.

    Dr. Victor Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac), a brilliant but egotistical scientist, brings a creature (Jacob Elordi) to life in a monstrous experiment that ultimately leads to the undoing of both the creator and his tragic creation.

    QxzVykwNDsq2keHKXNG5A5 WUiLysBR
  • Beyond Fest 2025 Plans Guillermo del Toro Retrospective

    Beyond Fest Logo for Está Vivo: The Gods and Monsters of Guillermo del Toro.
    Beyond Fest Logo for Está Vivo: The Gods and Monsters of Guillermo del Toro.

    Preview:

    • Beyond Fest has announced Está Vivo: The Gods and Monsters of Guillermo del Toro.
    • It’ll feature 12 of the director’s movies.
    • Del Toro will be on hand to talk about his work and goals.

    With ‘Frankenstein’, his latest bold cinematic vision headed to screens this year in theaters and via Netflix, it seems like a good time to celebrate the work of filmmaker Guillermo del Toro.

    QxzVykwNDsq2keHKXNG5A5

    The team at Beyond Fest thought so too, and has organized a special retrospective featuring 12 of his movies under the banner Está Vivo: The Gods and Monsters of Guillermo del Toro.

    The planned special programme runs between September 23rd and October 8th, and will also boast discussions with del Toro about his work.

    Here’s what Evrim Ersoy, Head of Programming at Beyond Fest had to say about the new programming feature:

    “Guillermo del Toro’s films have inspired generations of filmmakers and audiences alike in a way unlike any other artist we’ve experienced. To welcome him and celebrate his artistic vision on this scale truly honors who he is as both a creative force of nature and a proudly obsessive servant of Cinema.”

    Related Article: Jacob Elordi to Play the Monster in Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Frankenstein’

    Which of Guillermo del Toro’s movies are featured in the retrospective?

    Guillermo del Toro poses backstage with the Oscar® for Animated Feature Film during the live ABC telecast of the 95th Oscars® at Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 12, 2023.
    Guillermo del Toro poses backstage with the Oscar® for Animated Feature Film during the live ABC telecast of the 95th Oscars® at Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 12, 2023.

    Está Vivo is broken down into four specific sections: In The Mood For Love will feature ‘Crimson Peak’, ‘Nightmare Alley: Vision in Darkness and Light’, and ‘The Shape of Water’, exploring the emotional core of del Toro’s high wire balancing of beauty and bloodshed.

    That’s followed by From Sketch to Screen, which digs into del Toro’s deep-rooted and passionate love of comic books with three of the most radical adaptations ever committed to screen: ‘Hellboy’, ‘Hellboy II: The Golden Army’ and ‘Blade II’.

    The Early Years, meanwhile, looks at his foundational works, featuring the theatrical premiere 4K restoration of his debut feature ‘Cronos’, the L.A. premiere of the 4K restoration of ‘The Devil’s Backbone’, and his first studio feature, ‘Mimic’ presented in Director’s Cut form.

    Finally, The Revolution wraps things up in a singular evening devoted to the internationally acclaimed masterpiece, ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’.

    How can I get tickets to the retrospective?

    (L to R) Oscar Isaac, Guillermo del Toro, and Mia Goth speak onstage Netflix TUDUM 2025: The Live Event at The Kia Forum on May 31, 2025 in Inglewood, California. Photo: Amy Sussman/Getty Images for Netflix.
    (L to R) Oscar Isaac, Guillermo del Toro, and Mia Goth speak onstage Netflix TUDUM 2025: The Live Event at The Kia Forum on May 31, 2025 in Inglewood, California. Photo: Amy Sussman/Getty Images for Netflix.

    Tickets will be on sale on the American Cinematheque website Thursday, September 4th at 12:00 pm PST.

    Visit the Beyond Fest and American Cinematheque sites for more details.

    When will Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Frankenstein’ be on screens?

    ‘Frankenstein’ premiered at this year’s Venice Film Festival and will enjoy a limited theatrical run on October 17th, before Netflix releases the movie globally via its streaming service on November 7th.

    (L to R) Director Guillermo del Toro and Oscar Issac as Victor Frankenstein on the set of ‘Frankenstein’. Photo: Ken Woroner/Netflix © 2025.
    (L to R) Director Guillermo del Toro and Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein on the set of ‘Frankenstein’. Photo: Ken Woroner/Netflix © 2025.

    List of Movies Similar to ‘Frankenstein:’

    Buy Guillermo del Toro Movies On Amazon

    jRDntz8V

     

  • Musician and Actor Kris Kristofferson Dies, Aged 88

    Kris Kristofferson in 'Convoy'. Photo: United Artists.
    Kris Kristofferson in ‘Convoy’. Photo: United Artists.

    Preview:

    • Musician and actor Kris Kristofferson has died at the age of 88.
    • In movie terms, he was best known for performances in films such as ‘A Star is Born’ and ‘Blade.’
    • Kristofferson’s music also appeared on many soundtracks.

    Kris Kristofferson, who forged a wildly successful and impactful career in country music but also made an impression on the world of cinema, died on Saturday at home in Maui, Hawaii. He was 88.

    Kristofferson was that rare artist whose career crossed between both music and movies successfully, and he had several memorable roles, including in the original ‘Blade’ trilogy, and 1976’s ‘A Star is Born.’

    Related Article: John Ashton Actor in ‘Beverly Hills’ Cop and More, Has Died Aged 76

    Kris Kristofferson: Early Life and Career

    (L to R) Burt Reynolds and Kris Kristofferson in 'Semi-Tough'. Photo: United Artists.
    (L to R) Burt Reynolds and Kris Kristofferson in ‘Semi-Tough’. Photo: United Artists.

    Kristofferson was born on June 2nd, 1936, in Brownsville, Texas. His father was a career Army Air Corps and Air Force officer, and his family moved frequently.

    He attended high school in San Mateo, Calif., where he proved both a strong student and a gifted athlete. He graduated summa cum laude with a degree in English from Pomona College and attended Oxford University in England as a Rhodes Scholar.

    After initially failing in his creative pursuits (he unsuccessfully attempted to publish two novels), he joined the Army, married his childhood sweetheart, had a daughter, enlisted in the Army and was deployed to Germany as a helicopter pilot.

    After he was discharged, the Pentagon offered him a teaching position at West Point. It was a career-making honor, but Kristofferson decided to first stop in Nashville to see if he could sell songs he’d been working on with Army friends in a band he named the Losers.

    It took just two weeks to change his path once more, this time for good. “I fell in love with the whole life, of songwriters hanging out writing songs to each other,” he recalled. He turned down the West Point offer and moved to Nashville.

    It was a controversial decision for his family –– his mother, for one, disowned him.

    Kris Kristofferson: A Life in Music

    (L to R) Kris Kristofferson and Barbra Streisand in 1976's 'A Star Is Born'. Photo: Warner Bros.
    (L to R) Kris Kristofferson and Barbra Streisand in 1976’s ‘A Star Is Born’. Photo: Warner Bros.

    As a musician, he broke through as the author of such No. 1 country hits as “For the Good Times, ” “Sunday Morning Coming Down,” and “Help Me Make It Through the Night.” His song “Me and Bobby McGee” became a posthumous No. 1 pop hit for his former girlfriend Janis Joplin in 1971.

    His first four albums for Monument Records, which showcased his unique singing style and, all reached the country top 10, and 1972’s “Jesus Was a Capricorn,” which contained his No. 1 country hit “Why Me,” topped the country LP chart.

    He won three Grammys: for best country song (“Help Me Make It Through the Night”) and a pair of duets with Rita Coolidge, to whom he was married from 1973-80. Kristofferson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2004.

    He retired from performing in 2020, at the age of 83.

    Kris Kristofferson: Movies

    (L to R) Kris Kristofferson and Isabelle Huppert in 'Heaven's Gate'. Photo: United Artists.
    (L to R) Kris Kristofferson and Isabelle Huppert in ‘Heaven’s Gate’. Photo: United Artists.

    The musician made his first mark on screen in Bill L. Norton’s 1972 movie ‘Cisco Pike,’ in which he played the titular character, an L.A. musician and drug dealer under the thumb of a corrupt narcotics cop (Gene Hackman) –– in keeping with his other career, the film also employed several Kristofferson songs on its soundtrack.

    His handsome features would land him a variety of work in romantic dramas, including ‘Blume in Love’ and Martin Scorsese’s ‘Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore’.

    In 1976, co-starring with Barbra Streisand, he won a Golden Globe Award as a dissolute rock star in the third version of “A Star is Born.”

    6543

    Despite some bumps along the way –– including in the much-maligned ‘Heaven’s Gate’ –– Kristofferson enjoyed an eclectic film career both as a performer and on soundtracks.

    A sampling of his movie roles include ‘Convoy,’ ‘Honeysuckle Rose,’ ‘Big Top Pee-Wee,’  ‘Lone Star,’ ‘U Turn,’ and the three original ‘Blade’ movies, where he was craggy, fatherly Whistler opposite Wesley Snipes’ titular vampire hunter.

    In 1984, he was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score for ‘Songwriter’ alongside Willie Nelson, with whom he also co-starred in the music drama.

    1032733

    Kris Kristofferson: Tributes

    Kris Kristofferson in 2006's 'Kris Kristofferson: Live from Austin, TX'. Photo:
    Kris Kristofferson in 2006’s ‘Kris Kristofferson: Live from Austin, TX’. Photo:

    Kristofferson’s family took to social media to pay tribute:

    “It is with a heavy heart that we share the news our husband/father/grandfather, Kris Kristofferson, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 28th at home. We’re all so blessed for our time with him. Thank you for loving him all these many years, and when you see a rainbow, know he’s smiling down at us all.”

    He was also remembered by Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum:

    “Kris Kristofferson believed creativity is God-given, and those who ignore such a gift are doomed to unhappiness. He preached that a life of the mind gives voice to the soul, and his work gave voice not only to his soul but to ours. He leaves a resounding legacy.”

    Kristofferson leaves behind his third wife, Lisa; his eight children, Tracy, Kris Jr., Casey, Jesse, Jody, John, Kelly and Blake; and his seven grandchildren.

    (L to R) Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson in 1976's 'A Star Is Born'. Photo: Warner Bros.
    (L to R) Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson in 1976’s ‘A Star Is Born’. Photo: Warner Bros.

    List of Kris Kristofferson Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy Kris Kristofferson Movies On Amazon

    usm9m5Je
  • Marvel’s ‘Blade’ Delayed Again

    Marvel Studios' 'Blade.'
    Marvel Studios’ ‘Blade.’

    The hits keep coming for Marvel –– and in this case, it’s not a success like the box office launch of ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’. The company has had a real struggle getting its planned ‘Blade’ movie to screens and is facing yet another delay.

    This time, the issue is the Writers Guild of America strike. The union’s members downed tools and began picketing on May 2nd after failing to work out a new contract with the studios and other companies such as Netflix.

    Under the terms of the strike, writers in the union cannot work on movies and TV series that are signatories to its contract –– and that includes both Disney and Marvel.

    Most recently, ‘True Detective’ creator Nic Pizzolatto was hired to write the latest draft of the script, but given his union membership, he can’t keep on working for now.

    So, according to The Hollywood Reporter, team Marvel has chosen to press pause on production of the movie, which had been due to begin next month in Atlanta.

    uYH0qey00SKd9Nrn9wFZi4

    Blade: the story so far

    Despite all the excitement over the announcement that Oscar winner Mahershala Ali would play the character during Marvel’s 2019 Comic-Con panel, the progress has been slow.

    Mogul Mowgli’ director Bassam Tariq was hired to make the movie, only to depart over scheduling issues –– and given a shift in writers to Michael Starrbury, also seemed to indicate problems with the script.

    White Boy Rick’s Yann Demage came aboard in November last year, but Pizzolatto’s hiring signaled that the movie was still having issues –– mostly, apparently, with tone. ‘Blade’ was never going to be quite the usual Marvel quip-fest, choosing instead to go a slightly grittier route.

    But treading that line has apparently been trickier than anyone imagined.

    Blade from Marvel Comics. Photo courtesy of Marvel.com.
    Blade from Marvel Comics. Photo courtesy of Marvel.com.

    Related Article: ‘True Detective’ Creator Nic Pizzolatto Working on Marvel’s ‘Blade’ Script

    Comic book origins and cinematic past

    Originally crafted by Gene Colan and Marv Wolfman as a human who was immune to vampire bites, he was later changed to Eric Cross Brooks, whose mother is murdered by the bloodsucker Deacon Frost as she gives birth. The attack passes on vampire enzymes to her child, who becomes a Dhampir – a mix of both human and vampire.

    Gifted with speed, strength, and the ability to walk in the daylight (hence his other name, the Daywalker), his mission is to hunt down and destroy vampires. In his time, he’s crossed paths with many notable Marvel characters in the comics, including Spider-Man and the Avengers. He’s also battled living vampire Morbius, who had his own movie out earlier this year, starring Jared Leto.

    Yet Blade is probably most famous for the trilogy of movies released by New Line in 1998, 2002 and 2004, starring Wesley Snipes as the gruff, sword-swinging character.

    Marvel had targeted a September 6th, 2024, release date, but that is all but certain to shift.

    ‘Blade’ is just one of the projects being affected by the industrial action. While most of the movies for this year and into next are either shot or in the middle of work, it’ll impact both big screen and small screen work beyond that –– the likes of ‘Game of Thrones’ spin-off ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight’ –– and the next season of ‘Stranger Things’ have both paused their writing rooms, with the ‘Things’ team putting out a social media post explaining the situation and supporting the strike.

    Marvel Studios' 'Blade.'
    Marvel Studios’ ‘Blade.’

    Other Movies Similar to ‘Blade:’

    Buy ‘Blade’ Movies on Amazon

    ‘Blade’ is produced by Marvel Studios, and Kevin Feige Productions. It is scheduled to release in theaters on September 6th, 2024.

  • Mia Goth joins Marvel’s ‘Blade’

    Mia Goth as Pearl in director Ti West's 'X' prequel, 'Pearl.'
    Mia Goth as Pearl in director Ti West’s ‘X’ prequel, ‘Pearl.’

    It’s a good time to be Mia Goth right now. The actor, previously known for movies such as ‘A Cure for Wellness’, the remake of ‘Suspiria’ and ‘Everest’, has broken big in the last year thanks to her role as the murderous Pearl/Maxine in Ti West’s horror movies ‘X’, ‘Pearl’ and ‘MaXXXine’, the latter of which has just started shooting.

    She’s also did great work encouraging/terrifying Alexander Skarsgård in Brandon Cronenberg’s ‘Infinity Pool’. So it stands to reason that she might have hit the radar of Marvel Studios and now, according to Deadline, she’s signed a deal to co-star in ‘Blade’.

    uYH0qey00SKd9Nrn9wFZi4

    Mahershala Ali is starring as the title character, who already popped up for a voice-only cameo in one of the ‘Eternals’ post-credit scenes interacting with Kit Harington’s Dane Whitman. And, as is usual for Marvel, there is no indication as to what role Goth will play.

    Blade from Marvel Comics. Photo courtesy of Marvel.com.
    Blade from Marvel Comics. Photo courtesy of Marvel.com.

    What’s the background for ‘Blade’?

    Originally crafted by Gene Colan and Marv Wolfman as a human who was immune to vampire bites, he was later changed to Eric Cross Brooks, whose mother is murdered by the bloodsucker Deacon Frost as she gives birth. The attack passes on vampire enzymes to her child, who becomes a Dhampir – a mix of both human and vampire.

    Gifted with speed, strength, and the ability to walk in the daylight (hence his other name, the Daywalker), his mission is to hunt down and destroy vampires. In his time, he’s crossed paths with many notable Marvel characters in the comics, including Spider-Man and the Avengers. He’s also battled living vampire Morbius, who appeared in a less-than-enthusiastically received movie last year via Sony’s Spider-universe, starring Jared Leto.

    But the character is probably best known thanks to the trilogy of ‘Blade’ movies that starred Wesley Snipes, released by New Line in 1998, 2002 and 2004.

    Marvel Studios' 'Blade.'
    Marvel Studios’ ‘Blade.’

    Related Article: Marvel is Putting ‘Blade’ on Hold While it Searches for New Director

    The MCU ‘Blade’ movie development so far

    Marvel’s take on ‘Blade’ was originally announced to ear-splitting audience reaction as a surprise at the company’s San Diego Comic-Con panel in 2019. Ali was brought out wearing a cap bearing the Blade logo.

    All seemed to be moving forward properly, with ‘Mogul Mowgli’ director Bassam Tariq boarding the movie roughly a year later, and Stacy Osei-Kuffour writing the script. But it hit a major roadblock in September last year when Tariq left the movie.

    Marvel said this to The Hollywood Reporter at the time,

    “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.”

    There was talk of problems with the script and Marvel hit the pause button. Things appear to be back on track now, as ’71’ and ‘Lovecraft Country’ director Yann Demange is overseeing the movie, while Michael Starrbury, who earned an Emmy nomination for an episode of Ava DuVernay’s drama ‘When They See Us’, is on board to overhaul the screenplay. The tone is reportedly headed in a darker, grittier direction.

    Assuming it all goes well, the movie should be in theaters on September 6th, 2024.

    Marvel Studios' 'Blade.'
    Marvel Studios’ ‘Blade.’

    Other Movies Similar to ‘Blade:’

    Buy ‘Blade’ Movies on Amazon

    ‘Blade’ is produced by Marvel Studios, and Kevin Feige Productions. It is scheduled to release in theaters on September 6th, 2024.

  • Best Pre-MCU Marvel Movies

    Thomas Jane in 2004's 'The Punisher.'
    Thomas Jane in 2004’s ‘The Punisher.’

    Marvel Studios’ Marvel Cinematic Universe of movies began officially in 2008 with the premiere of ‘Iron Man,’ and the MCU has ruled the box office ever since.

    But, before there was a shared Marvel universe, different studios released self-contained films based on the popular Marvel characters.

    With ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness‘ currently in theaters, which introduces both the ‘X-Men’s Professor X (Patrick Stewart) and a new version of the Fantastic Four’s Reed Richards (John Krasinski), we thought now would be a perfect time to countdown the 10 best pre-MCU movies of all time.

    For this list, we are only including movies based on Marvel characters that were released before the birth of the MCU in 2008, so non-MCU films released after 2008 such as ‘Deadpool,’ ‘Logan,’ ‘X-Men: Days of Future Past,’ ‘The Amazing Spider-Man‘ and ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse‘ will not count.

    Without further ado, let’s begin!


    Ghost Rider (2007)

    In order to save his dying father, young stunt cyclist Johnny Blaze (Nicolas Cage) sells his soul to Mephistopheles (Peter Fonda) and sadly parts from the pure-hearted Roxanne Simpson (Eva Mendes), the love of his life. Years later, Johnny’s path crosses again with Roxanne, now a go-getting reporter, and also with Mephistopheles, who offers to release Johnny’s soul if Johnny becomes the fabled, fiery ‘Ghost Rider’.

    22042

    Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007)

    The Fantastic Four (Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, and Michael Chiklis) return to the big screen as a new and all powerful enemy threatens the Earth. The seemingly unstoppable ‘Silver Surfer’ (voice of Laurence Fishburne), but all is not what it seems and there are old and new enemies that pose a greater threat than the intrepid superheroes realize.

    24293

    Daredevil (2003)

    A man blinded in a childhood accident (Ben Affleck) fights crime using his superhumanly-elevated remaining senses.

    12580

    The Punisher (2004)

    When undercover FBI agent Frank Castle’s wife and son are slaughtered, he becomes ‘the Punisher’ (Thomas Jane), a ruthless vigilante willing to go to any length to avenge his family.

    16379

    Blade (1998)

    The Daywalker known as “Blade” (Wesley Snipes), a half-vampire, half-mortal man – becomes the protector of humanity against an underground army of vampires.

    3695

    X-Men (2000)

    Two mutants, Rogue (Anna Paquin) and Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), come to a private academy for their kind whose resident superhero team, the X-Men, must oppose a terrorist organization with similar powers.

    7659

    Spider-Man (2002)

    After being bitten by a genetically altered spider at Oscorp, nerdy but endearing high school student Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) is endowed with amazing powers to become the superhero known as Spider-Man.

    9894

    Blade II (2002)

    A rare mutation has occurred within the vampire community – The Reaper. A vampire so consumed with an insatiable bloodlust that they prey on vampires as well as humans, transforming victims who are unlucky enough to survive into Reapers themselves. Blade (Wesley Snipes) is asked by the Vampire Nation for his help in preventing a nightmare plague that would wipe out both humans and vampires.

    11048

    X2 (2003)

    Professor Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart) and his team of genetically gifted superheroes face a rising tide of anti-mutant sentiment led by Col. William Stryker (Brian Cox). Storm (Halle Berry), Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) and Jean Grey (Famke Janssen) must join their usual nemeses—Magneto (Ian McKellen) and Mystique (Rebecca Romijn)—to unhinge Stryker’s scheme to exterminate all mutants.

    20015572

    Spider-Man 2 (2004)

    Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) is going through a major identity crisis. Burned out from being Spider-Man, he decides to shelve his superhero alter ego, which leaves the city suffering in the wake of carnage left by the evil Doc Ock (Alfred Molina). In the meantime, Parker still can’t act on his feelings for Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst), a girl he’s loved since childhood. A certain anger begins to brew in his best friend Harry Osborn (James Franco) as well…

    12588
  • Wesley Snipes Is ‘All Good’ With New ‘Blade’ Star Mahershala Ali

    Wesley Snipes Is ‘All Good’ With New ‘Blade’ Star Mahershala Ali

    New Line Cinema

    Marvel made some serious waves at Comic-Con over the weekend, announcing a huge slate of new projects that will take the MCU through Phase Four and into Phase Five. Among the buzziest was “Blade,” which will be rebooted with Oscar winner Mahershala Ali in the title role. But what does the former Daywalker, Wesley Snipes, think of being replaced?

    It turns out that Snipes is actually “all good” with the news, revealing in a new statement that he was “surprised” by Marvel’s decision, but is happy to have the “beautiful and talented” Ali follow in his footsteps. The actor also saved a special shout-out for his fans, saying that their “incredible outpouring of love is overwhelming.”

    Snipes’s full statement said:

    “To all the DAYWALKERS losing their minds right now, chillaaxx,” he said in a statement provided to EW by his rep. “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.”

    Ali’s casting comes nearly 15 years after the release of the last “Blade” flick, 2004’s “Blade: Trinity,” which co-starred Ryan Reynolds and Jessica Biel. As recently as 2016, Snipes had been hopeful that a fourth “Blade” feature would be made, though that project never materialized.

    In an interview with Fandango, Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige revealed that Ali himself approached the studio to pitch himself as the new Blade. The acclaimed actor received an immediate yes, according to the exec.

    It’s not entirely clear yet when “Blade” is expected to hit theaters, though Feige told Collider that the flick will be part of Phase Five, not Phase Four, pegging it for release sometime in 2022. Stay tuned to see if it sticks to that schedule.

    [via: Entertainment Weekly]