Rumor: Filming for Blade Is Set to Begin in 2026

There is still no director

By Jonas Reichel on 4 min reading time

A new "Blade" film from Marvel was announced six years ago. Since then, the production has mostly drawn attention for its problems, including multiple delays and director changes. Now, though, it looks like things are finally moving again behind the scenes, as insider Daniel Richtman revealed on his blog that filming is expected to begin in 2026.

However, it remains to be seen whether this will actually happen. In an interview with Vogue a few weeks ago, actor Mahershala Ali responded rather defensively to an indirect question about Blade. Quote:

"Leave me out of it."

This is contradicted by a recent statement from Marvel boss Kevin Feige, who confirmed that "Blade" is still on the studio's agenda. Feige emphasized that they are deliberately focusing on quality rather than producing a half-hearted film. The final version will now be set in the modern day – earlier ideas for historical settings have been scrapped.

The director's position is still vacant. From Bassam Tariq to Yann Demange and "The Harder They Fall" director Jeymes Samuel – they all left the project due to creative differences. At one point, even "John Wick" director Chad Stahelski was reportedly in talks, but that didn't lead anywhere either. The future of the iconic vampire hunter therefore remains uncertain.

Image of BLADE Movie Preview (2025) Mahershala Ali Stars in 2025 MCU Reboot

On the Hunt for Evil: Movie Tips with Vampire Hunters

For centuries, vampires have fascinated us with their blend of horror and seduction – but what would they be without their counterparts? Vampire hunters have carved out a firm place in film history: armed with leather jackets, holy water, silver bullets, or even supernatural powers, they set out to rid the world of bloodthirsty creatures. Whether brooding loners, mystical warriors, or reluctant heroes – here are six movies where vampire hunters take center stage.

Blade (1998)

"Blade" is an absolute classic of the action horror genre and has significantly shaped the image of the modern vampire hunter. The main character is a so-called daywalker – half human, half vampire – who has sworn to destroy the bloodsuckers. Equipped with superhuman strength, an arsenal of weapons and an iron will, he fights against a secret vampire society that wants to control humanity in secret. The movie not only offers intense fight scenes and a dark atmosphere, but also an interesting moral dichotomy: Blade is what he hunts himself – and that makes him a tragic, complex figure.

Van Helsing (2004)

If you love monster movies, you can't get past "Van Helsing". The movie is an explosive blend of action, adventure, and gothic horror, with its very own interpretation of classic horror figures. Van Helsing, a mysterious fighter on behalf of the church, travels to Transylvania to confront Dracula. In the process, he also encounters werewolves, undead brides, and the legacy of Frankenstein. The film focuses less on subtle horror and more on visual opulence, powerful action, and a dense fantasy atmosphere. Perfect for anyone who wants to experience classic monsters in a new guise.

Fright Night (1985 & 2011)

In this wonderfully entertaining mix of horror and comedy, a teenager realizes that his new neighbor is a vampire – but no one believes him. So he turns to a washed-up TV vampire hunter, who initially only believes in his show image, but is soon confronted with the real horror. Both the original from the 80s and the remake from the 2010s manage the balancing act between thrilling moments and black humor. The movies show how quickly everyday life can turn into a nightmare – and how even the most unlikely characters can rise above themselves.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992)

Casual, shrill, and typically 90s: This movie shows how a high school cheerleader becomes a vampire slayer. Initially superficial and interested in fashion, Buffy discovers that she is a Chosen One – destined to fight evil. The film mixes teen comedy with classic horror elements and later served as the template for the much darker but acclaimed TV series. Despite its light tone, there is an interesting core to the story: Heroines sometimes come from the most unexpected places.

Vampires (1998)

This film sets itself apart from classic vampire horror with its rough, almost western-like direction. Instead of elegant bloodsuckers, there are brutal, almost animal-like vampires – and a hunting party that looks more like a gang of bounty hunters. With rustic methods, a lot of violence, and a lot of cynicism, the team travels through the American desert to stop an ancient vampire threat. The movie focuses on dirty action, dark humor, and an unembellished picture of the eternal battle between man and monster.

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (2012)

What initially sounds like an absurd gag turns out to be a visually impressive and surprisingly serious action film: The story spins an alternative reality in which US President Abraham Lincoln is secretly a master vampire hunter. The undead have established themselves as the masterminds behind slavery, and Lincoln wages a war in the shadows alongside his political struggle. The movie combines historical elements with fantasy action and offers an idiosyncratic but creative approach to the subject of vampire hunting.

Conclusion

Vampire hunters are more than just opponents of dark creatures – they embody human resistance to the uncontrollable. Whether modern, classic, humorous, or dark: These films show how versatile the genre can be. Anyone who has had enough of romanticized vampires will find what they are looking for here – because these stories are about fighting, not making out.