Mahershala Ali Tipped for Justice League After Blade Axed

Marvel enthusiasts have been left rather deflated by the latest word on Mahershala Ali’s solo outing as Blade. Announced with much fanfare at San Diego Comic-Con back in 2019, the project quickly became a talking point for those keen on seeing Ali’s take on the vampire hunter. Yet, after a string of delays, rewrites, and a fair bit of behind-the-scenes wrangling, the film now seems to have been quietly shelved.

Industry chatter, particularly from Jeff Sneider on a recent podcast appearance, suggests the project is “dead”—though, to be fair, Marvel has yet to make anything official. The rumour mill, however, has been working overtime, and the news has certainly sent ripples through the fanbase.

Blade is dead. It’s a rumour. He will not be introduced in a solo movie.

With the prospect of Ali’s Blade fading, attention has shifted elsewhere. The question on everyone’s lips: what’s next for the actor in the world of capes and superpowers? As it turns out, fans have wasted no time in proposing a new direction—one that involves a leap from Marvel to DC.

Martian Manhunter: The Fan Favourite

Now that Marvel’s plans for Blade appear to be on ice, a groundswell of support has emerged for Ali to join the Justice League. Social media has been abuzz with calls for him to step into the shoes of Martian Manhunter, a character known for his quiet strength and moral compass. Harry Lennix previously portrayed the role, but many reckon Ali’s gravitas and measured delivery would be a proper fit.

It’s not just idle speculation, either. The online campaign has gathered momentum, with fans highlighting Ali’s calm authority and emotional depth as ideal qualities for the Martian from Mars. There’s even a bit of hope that James Gunn, now at the helm of DC’s cinematic universe, might be persuaded to give Ali a ring.

James Gunn you know what to do. https://t.co/7ocf0uK19p https://t.co/2XnvQMdZ3J

Gunn taking all the actors MCU wasted and putting them to good use

Get it done James

if martian manhunter really is that casting call this is perfect timing

With the DC Universe in the midst of a shake-up and Blade’s future in limbo, the timing does seem rather fortuitous. Many believe Ali could bring a fresh perspective to the role, free from the scheduling headaches that have plagued his Marvel commitments.

Blade’s Future: Midnight Sons Beckons?

Despite the apparent demise of the solo Blade film, there’s still a glimmer of hope for those wanting to see Ali wield the sword. According to Sneider, Marvel may yet introduce the character as part of the supernatural team-up, Midnight Sons, rather than through a standalone origin story. Nothing has been confirmed, but the suggestion has certainly sparked debate about where Ali’s character might pop up next.

I’m hearing Blade is dead and that it is a Midnight Sons movie… He’ll be introduced in Midnight Sons.

Word is, Marvel has been quietly accelerating development on the Midnight Sons project, with a director search reportedly underway. Updates have been thin on the ground, but the idea of Blade joining a larger ensemble rather than headlining his own film is gaining traction among insiders.

Fans Weigh In

As speculation swirls, the question remains: is Ali the right choice for Martian Manhunter, or do viewers have other names in mind? The debate is lively, with many eager to see how the actor’s next move in the superhero world will unfold.

This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire