How Marvel Got Mahershala Ali Cast as Blade

“When Mahershala calls, you answer.” This is what Marvel Studios President, Kevin Feige, told The Hollywood Reporter after their San Diego Comic-Con panel yesterday.

The Marvel panel did not disappoint diehard fans this year, announcing the lineup of films set to be released in Phase 4, along with which new stars would be taking on the characters. Among the list was two-time Academy Award winner Mahershala Ali, who will be resurrecting the vampire-slayer, Blade. And apparently, it wasn't difficult for Marvel to recruit him, as he sought out the studio himself.

Feige explained during the panel that Ali approached Marvel Studios, with Comicbook.com reporting that a meeting was arranged and the actor stated flat-out that he wanted the role of Blade.

Ali then surprised convention-goers by stepping out on stage and putting on a Blade hat, a symbolic confirmation of his acceptance of the part.

Though the panel announced dates for some of the other upcoming films, such as Black Widow on May 1, 2020, and The Eternals on Nov. 6, 2021, the studio has not announced the release date for Blade yet.

Needless to say, it is going to be one hell of a few years for the MCU.