Out of all of the huge news to emerge from San Diego Comic-Con so far this weekend, the fact that Mahershala Ali will be playing the role of Eric Brooks in the upcoming Blade reboot may end up being one of the biggest. Fans are already head over heels for the exciting casting as they wonder how on earth the project was able to net one of the biggest stars in Hollywood and now, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has revealed that they really had no say in the matter.
The two-time Academy Award winning actor called up the studio shortly after winning his second Oscar this past year and informed them that he’d like to play Blade. As Feige so aptly puts it, “When Mahershala calls, you answer.” Those at the top instantly started putting together a plan to get the superstar at the forefront of the thrilling vampire franchise. While many high-profile actors wanted the coveted role, Ali was the obvious choice once he expressed his desire to take it on.
This news is exciting for practically everyone who loves the series, except maybe Wesley Snipes. The original Blade actor has long been advocating to reprise his character on the big screen. It seemed for a while that his wish would be granted, too, as Feige was reportedly fighting to make a new installment of the franchise with the 56-year-old back in the titular role. Those plans appear to have been squashed as soon as Ali picked up the phone, though.
Hopefully, Marvel will still include Snipes in the reboot in some capacity. The talented performer is the one whose portrayal endeared Blade to the masses. As such, it would be nice to see him getting some recognition for his contributions. If Ali feels the same way, all he has to do is make a phone call. After all, it’s not like Marvel will ever say no to him.