Mahershala Ali is our new Blade—How does Wesley Snipes feel about that?

This past weekend, Marvel announced that two-time Academy award winner Mahershala Ali will be playing ultra-violent foul-mouthed vampire hunter Blade in a reboot of the franchise, with a movie set to come out as part of Phase 5 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, so not for a little while yet.

For those old enough to remember, Blade featured in a relatively successful trilogy of films around the turn of the millennium with Wesley Snipes in the lead role. After this tweet from Snipes, fans were wondering what he thought of being replaced:

ComicBook.com obtained this exclusive statement from the veteran action star, and it’s… gracious?

"To all the DAYWALKERS losing their minds right now, chillaaxx. 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."

All things considered, that’s a pretty courteous and considerate statement. Apologies to those expecting more fireworks from the man who was famously difficult to work with on the original Blade set.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 20: Mahershala Ali and President of Marvel Studios Kevin Feige at the San Diego Comic-Con International 2019 Marvel Studios Panel in Hall H on July 20, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

As Snipes correctly points out, this kind of thing happens in Hollywood all the time, especially with long-running franchises. Tobey Maguire is replaced by Tom Holland as Spider-Man, Mark Ruffalo replaces Edward Norton as the Hulk, and so on. And remember that Blade: Trinity was released 15 years ago, and Snipes has gotten older. A full reboot was the most logical choice.

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At any rate, speaking for myself, while Snipes original Blade was note-perfect casting, I’m excited to see what Ali can do with the role. After all, he already appeared in a Marvel property:

Let’s hope he lasts longer this time.

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