1970s Blade Could Inspire the MCU Version

Could a 1970s-inspired Blade, complete with an afro and classic horror vibes, be the bold new direction Marvel's reboot needs?

The upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) Blade film, starring Mahershala Ali, has faced numerous delays and production challenges. Changes in the writing team, multiple Directors attached to the project, the writers strike interruption. This seems like a project that can’t catch a break. Here at CSN HQ, we think that to breathe new life into the project, Marvel Studios should look to the character’s 1970s comic book origins for inspiration.

As we all know, Blade first appeared in Marvel’s Tomb of Dracula series in 1973, created by writer Marv Wolfman and artist Gene Colan. This original version of Blade was strikingly different from the leather-clad vampire hunter portrayed by Wesley Snipes in the 1998 film. Sporting a green trenchcoat, yellow-tinted glasses, and a stylish afro, with an array of wooden stakes to combat his nemesis, this could be a fun pivot away from the black leather look from the Wesley Snipes movies. We know it sounds a little batty, but think of how cool Marvel managed to make Batroc the Leaper look in the Captain America film. If you can make Batroc cool, you can pull off the original Blade costume, including the big afro.

To extend this thought further, the film could be set in the 1970s, allowing for a period piece that captures the era’s atmosphere and style. This could differentiate the MCU’s Blade from the Snipes version, and also provide a fresh take on the superhero genre. Just like the 2017 film, Kong of Skull Island, you could really lean into a different time period to great effect.

It’s also been reported that the 1970s Blade comics were heavily influenced by classic horror films, particularly those from Universal and Hammer studios. We wonder if leaning into that strange Wicker Man/Salems Lot style vibe could be an interesting take for a new version of Blade. This would align with the success of the Werewolf by Night special, which demonstrated that classic horror can work within the MCU framework.

Furthermore, the original comics featured Blade as part of a team of vampire hunters, each with their own unique abilities and backstories. This type of ensemble approach could just the “hook” you need to find the right Blade story to tell in this reboot. It also distinguishs from the Wesley Snipes movies and gives Marvel an opportunity to introduce new characters to the MCU.

In the end, we hope the rumors that Blade is a troubled production are untrue. We think that by drawing inspiration from the 1970s Blade comics, Marvel Studios has the opportunity to create a distinctive, horror-tinged superhero film that stands out in the crowded superhero landscape. This approach would not only honor the character’s roots but also offer a fresh take on the vampire-hunting hero. Fingers crossed this project gets back on track.