Aaron Pierre is no longer attached to Marvel‘s upcoming “Blade” film, Variety has learned.
The actor revealed the update to Variety on the red carpet for the 55th NAACP Image Awards.
“Early on, there were conversations,” Pierre said of his involvement. “As the project evolved, I’m no longer part of that — attached.”
Pierre was set to star alongside Mahershala Ali, who plays the vampire hunter originally brought to life by Wesley Snipes. Pierre’s role remained undisclosed, although it was reported that he was chosen for the part after an expansive and thorough casting process. Marvel has only officially announced Ali’s casting as the eponymous vampire slayer.
Pierre is far from the first person to exit the Marvel film, which has had a fraught development process. Since July 2021, multiple directors and writers have been attached. Bassam Tariq was originally slated to direct, with Stacy Osei-Kuffour penning the script, who exited two months before production was set to commence. Yann Demange then came on board as director and Michael Green was hired as screenwriter. Variety reported that at least five writers have been attached to the movie.
“We’re working on it. That’s the best I could tell you,” Ali told Entertainment Weekly in December 2023. “I’m really encouraged with the direction of the project. We’ll be back at it relatively soon.”
“I’m sincerely encouraged in terms of where things are at and who’s on board and who’s leading the way as far as the writing of the script and the directing and all that,” Ali added. “So that’s the extent of what I can tell you.”
Pierre, named one of Variety‘s 10 Actors to Watch, expressed enthusiasm about other upcoming projects he has in the works. After announcing his departure from “Blade,” he added, “But there are a number of things that I’m tremendously excited about. ‘Rebel Ridge’ with Jeremy Saulnier. And ‘The Lion King’ prequel with Barry Jenkins. All things that are coming out this year that myself and the team are deeply excited about and can’t wait to share with the world — and have people engage with it and experience it in whatever way they feel fit.”
