Mahershala Ali says Kevin Feige "should feel" like Blade cancellation is his "biggest failure"

Mahershala Ali has opened up about Marvel's Blade reboot, which was announced back in 2019. The actor was set to play the titular antihero before the movie was scrapped following a number of departures and delays.

In an interview with GQ, Ali addressed the cancellation of the project, saying it was a question for Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige.

"I don't know why it didn't [happen]. To this day, I don't know why it didn't happen. I just know that it was Kevin. He said it was the biggest failure of his career and I agree. 100%. He should feel that way," the star said.

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Ali pointed out that the studio had a "two-time Oscar-winning actor under contract" and "billions of dollars" to fund the movie. He also shared how much time and energy he poured into preparing for the role amid constant production delays.

"I spent a year training. Yeah. I trained so hard 'til I blew my knee out," he recalled. "I'm training, I'm learning sword work. Like, name a martial art, I'm training in it.

"I literally moved, uprooted my family. Moved to Atlanta. We're there waiting to go and they just keep pushing it back, pushing it back, pushing it... and then it doesn't happen."

He added: "I'm saying no to things in that time because they own my schedule basically."

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Despite the disappointment and frustration surrounding the axed movie, Ali said he's now "grateful" it didn't come to fruition. He explained that the cancellation made way for him to work on his latest project Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother, which he stars in as the lead.

"In the end, the failure became a blessing in disguise. It helped me stop waiting for the golden ticket and start building my own path," he said.

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Divya is a freelance writer with experience in entertainment and lifestyle news. Described as a "telly addict" since childhood, Divya was able to translate her interests into a BJTC-accredited, Honours degree in Journalism and Media. After working in communications and marketing, Divya joined Digital Spy as a Freelance News Reporter. She has also written for various publications including Metro, Asian World News and TwitCelebGossip; as well as interviews, features and reviews on her own blog. Divya prides herself on her TV, film and showbiz knowledge, always offering (not so) fun facts to her long-suffering friends and family. From soaps to superheroes, Divya is the go-to person for tailored recommendations and up to date information.