Everything seemed to be set for Marvel Studios Blade to begin filming in just over a month, but now there may be a spanner in the works as the MCU’s introduction of Mahershala Ali’s vampire hunter has lost its director. Additional reports have also suggested that things are not going well behind the scenes on the movie when it comes to a lack of action scenes and little involvement from Marvel boss Kevin Feige due to his many commitments.

Following the huge boost MCU fans were given yesterday with news of Hugh Jackman’s return as Wolverine in Deadpool 3, there is less encouraging news about another long-awaited addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe; Blade. Although Mahershala Ali has officially made his debut with a vocal cameo in the post-credits scene of Eternals, the reboot of the movie series is set to be released late next year, but the latest reports may end up seeing the film’s arrival in theaters be delayed.

Director Bassam Tariq has officially left the project, as was confirmed in statements from both Marvel Studios and the director himself, which were shared by The Hollywood Reporter. The statements read:

MARVEL STUDIOS: “Due to continued shifts in our production schedule, Bassam is no longer moving forward as director of Blade but will remain an executive producer on the film. We appreciate Bassam’s talent and all the work he’s done getting Blade to where it is.”

TARIQ: “Its been an honor working with the wonderful folks at Marvel. We were able to put together a killer cast and crew. Eager to see where the next director takes the film.”

Related: Blade Brings on Black Panther’s Costume Designer, Ruth E. Carter

Reports Have Suggested That There is Trouble Behind the Scenes on Blade

Marvel's Blade Reboot Has Found Its Director?

There is little doubt that Marvel Studios has a hectic and seemingly never-ending slate of projects, including blockbuster movies and Disney+ TV shows. With the current list upwards of 40 individual projects over the coming three years, it could be possible that threads are starting to fray. According to The Ankler’s Jeff Sneider, there are more problems with Blade than just a hunt for a new director. He wrote on Twitter:

“I’m told that the current BLADE script is roughly 90 pages and features exactly TWO (lackluster) action sequences. Mahershala said to be very frustrated with the process. Feige said to be spread too thin. But hey, that’s just what sources are telling me. Don’t shoot the messenger”

Of course, this is not a confirmed update, but Feige will need to find a new director relatively quickly to be able to keep the arrival of Blade on track. As we already know, the MCU usually plays out in a certain order, so any kind of delay can change the narrative, and that is something that Marvel Studios will want to avoid at all costs. Although this is by no means a disastrous situation yet, there will be plenty of eyes keeping track of how Blade’s production develops in the coming weeks.