Yann Demange Exits 'Blade' Reboot: Marvel's Production Challenges Continue

Yann Demange, the acclaimed director behind "Lovecraft Country," has withdrawn from helming Marvel Studios' much-anticipated "Blade" reboot, featuring Mahershala Ali as the lead. This marks the second departure of a director from the project, following Bassam Tariq's exit in 2022. Sources close to the production reveal that Demange's departure was amicable and occurred several weeks ago, underscoring the protracted development timeline of the film.

The script for "Blade" has undergone multiple revisions, with Eric Pearson, known for his work on "The Fantastic Four" for Marvel, being the latest to take on the project. Notably, the screenplay has passed through the hands of at least five other writers, including Michael Green, Stacy Osei-Kuffour, Michael Starrbury, Beau DeMayo, and Nic Pizzolatto.

Despite Marvel's official stance of keeping the release date for "Blade" on Nov. 7, 2025, industry insiders suggest that the film's production timeline may not align with this schedule. With several other Marvel projects already completed, nearing completion, or well into production, including "Deadpool & Wolverine" in 2024 and "Captain America: Brave New World," "Thunderbolts," and "The Fantastic Four" in 2025, the studio's CEO, Bob Iger, has indicated a relaxed approach, stating that Marvel will release a maximum of three movies annually. The announcement of Demange's departure was initially reported by TheWrap, adding another layer to the ongoing saga of the "Blade" reboot.