Wesley Snipes Thought Blade Return in ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ Wouldn’t Make Sense With MCU’s Reboot on the Way; He Originally Moved on After Talks for Fourth Movie Died

SPOILER ALERT: This story contains spoilers for “Deadpool & Wolverine,” which is now playing in theaters.

Wesley Snipes, the iconic actor known for his role as Blade, recently shared his thoughts on reprising the character in the latest Marvel film, “Deadpool & Wolverine.” In an exclusive interview with Entertainment Weekly, Snipes reflected on his unexpected return and the complexities surrounding it, especially with the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) undergoing significant changes.

A Surprising Cameo

Snipes made a surprise appearance at San Diego Comic-Con, delighting fans after a screening of “Deadpool & Wolverine.” His return as Blade, a character he first portrayed in the 1998 film, was a highlight for many, but Snipes admitted he had reservations about stepping back into the role. “Over the years, we’ve had very interesting conversations, some of them very substantive and some of them not,” he explained. After the talks for a fourth Blade movie fell through, Snipes felt it was time to move on.

The Evolution of Blade

Having starred in three Blade films, Snipes expressed pride in his work but acknowledged the need to explore new opportunities. “I thought they turned out pretty good. Not so bad… So we move on to other things, and bigger and better things, as well,” he stated. His portrayal of Blade has left a lasting impact on the superhero genre, paving the way for future adaptations.

The Call from Ryan Reynolds

The unexpected call from Ryan Reynolds, who co-stars in “Deadpool & Wolverine,” reignited Snipes’ interest in reprising his role. Reynolds reached out, saying, “I want to talk to you.” Snipes was initially skeptical about the feasibility of returning to Blade after two decades, especially with Mahershala Ali cast as the new Blade in an upcoming reboot. “I didn’t think it was possible,” Snipes admitted. However, the conversation with Reynolds changed everything, leading to his eventual participation in the film.

The Future of Blade

Marvel has been working on a reboot of Blade featuring Ali, but the project has faced numerous challenges, including changes in directors and screenwriters. Snipes commented on the ongoing development issues, humorously noting, “Folks still lookin for the secret sauce.” Despite the uncertainty surrounding Ali’s Blade, Snipes’ return in “Deadpool & Wolverine” was unaffected by these developments.

Preparing for Action

Returning to the role of Blade required Snipes to get back into shape. “I wasn’t Blade ready, man. I don’t walk around as Blade every day,” he joked. The actor emphasized the importance of physical preparation for action scenes, stating, “We had to work out. We definitely had to get the body.” Fortunately, he found that the action sequences were not as demanding as he had anticipated, allowing him to enjoy the experience.

Conclusion

“Deadpool & Wolverine” is now playing in theaters nationwide, and Snipes’ return as Blade has been met with enthusiasm from fans. As the MCU continues to evolve, the future of Blade remains uncertain, but Snipes’ legacy as the character is firmly established. Whether or not Ali’s version of Blade will make it to the screen, Snipes’ cameo serves as a nostalgic reminder of the character’s enduring appeal in the superhero landscape.