Blade, the Daywalker, is one of Marvel’s most underrated yet fascinating characters. With his unique blend of supernatural horror, martial arts expertise, and relentless vampire-slaying mission, Blade has the potential to be a major force in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and beyond. Despite his cultural impact and the success of the Blade film trilogy, Marvel has yet to fully utilize his character in the larger superhero landscape. Here’s why Blade deserves a bigger role in the Marvel Universe.
Blade’s Cultural Impact and Legacy
Before the MCU became a global phenomenon, Blade (1998) played a pivotal role in proving that superhero movies could be both critically and commercially successful. Starring Wesley Snipes, Blade grossed over $131 million worldwide and laid the groundwork for later comic book adaptations. Without Blade, we might not have had X-Men (2000) or Spider-Man (2002), which helped launch the modern superhero film era.
Beyond the movies, Blade has had a strong presence in comics, appearing in titles like Tomb of Dracula, Midnight Sons, and Mighty Avengers. His no-nonsense attitude, anti-hero persona, and supernatural origins make him a standout character who appeals to a wide audience.
Blade Brings Horror to the MCU
One of the biggest reasons Blade deserves a bigger role is his ability to introduce horror elements into the Marvel Universe. While the MCU has excelled in action, comedy, and sci-fi, horror has been largely unexplored.
Blade’s world is filled with vampires, demons, and supernatural entities, making him the perfect character to expand Marvel’s dark and mystical corners. His inclusion could pave the way for horror-inspired storylines similar to Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, but with an even grittier, bloodier edge.
Potential Horror Crossovers
- Doctor Strange & Blade – Blade and Doctor Strange both operate in supernatural realms, and a team-up between the two could explore dark magic, vampire cults, or even the infamous Darkhold.
- Ghost Rider & Blade – Both characters are anti-heroes dealing with the occult. A Ghost Rider crossover could be a visually stunning, action-packed supernatural showdown.
- Midnight Sons Team-Up – In the comics, Blade has teamed up with Ghost Rider, Moon Knight, and other supernatural heroes to form the Midnight Sons. With Moon Knight already introduced in the MCU, Blade could be the perfect leader for a supernatural superhero team.
The Vampire Threat in the Marvel Universe
Vampires have always been a major part of Marvel’s mythology, and Blade is the best-equipped hero to deal with them. The Blade movies already established the existence of vampires, but the MCU has barely scratched the surface.
In Marvel Comics, vampires are a global threat, with multiple vampire clans and powerful leaders like:
- Dracula – The lord of all vampires in Marvel Comics, often depicted as a major villain for Blade and other heroes.
- Varnae – The first vampire in Marvel history, whose existence dates back to Atlantis.
- Xarus – Dracula’s ambitious son, who leads a vampire uprising in Curse of the Mutants.
Bringing vampires into the MCU could introduce a darker, more grounded threat that requires Blade’s expertise.
Blade’s Role in a Darker MCU Phase
With Marvel introducing more supernatural and darker characters—like Moon Knight, Werewolf by Night, and Black Knight—Blade fits naturally into this expanding mythology. The MCU is evolving beyond traditional superhero storytelling, and Blade can help push that evolution further.
Here’s where Blade could fit into Marvel’s future:
- Street-Level Defender – Similar to Daredevil and Punisher, Blade operates in the shadows, protecting humanity from supernatural threats. A darker, grittier TV series or film could showcase his war against vampires in an R-rated setting.
- Multiverse and Magic – With the rise of multiversal threats, Blade’s knowledge of supernatural beings could be crucial in dealing with dark entities from alternate realities.
- New Avengers – In the comics, Blade has even served as a member of the Avengers. If the MCU introduces a more supernatural lineup, he could be a key player.
Mahershala Ali’s Blade Needs More Screen Time
Marvel fans were thrilled when Oscar-winner Mahershala Ali was cast as Blade in 2019. His brief voice cameo in Eternals (2021) hinted at his upcoming presence, but since then, the Blade movie has faced numerous delays and rewrites.
With Ali’s talent and passion for the role, Marvel should prioritize Blade’s story, giving him the same level of attention as characters like Doctor Strange and Black Panther. A well-crafted Blade movie could revitalize Marvel’s supernatural side and reintroduce the character to a new generation of fans.
Blade Deserves More Than Just Cameos
One of the biggest missteps Marvel could make is relegating Blade to small appearances instead of making him a leading figure. Rather than being a background player, Blade should have:
- A solo movie or Disney+ series – Expanding his lore and exploring his battles against vampire clans.
- Crossover potential – Bringing him into films with Doctor Strange, Moon Knight, or even Spider-Man (who has fought vampires in the comics).
- A larger narrative arc – Blade’s mission to eradicate vampires could be a long-term storyline that spans multiple phases.
Conclusion
Blade is a character with rich lore, a strong fan base, and immense storytelling potential. From horror elements to supernatural team-ups, he could take the MCU in bold new directions. With Mahershala Ali set to don the black trench coat and katana, now is the perfect time for Marvel to give Blade the spotlight he deserves.
If Marvel wants to expand its universe beyond traditional superheroes, Blade is the perfect character to lead the charge into the dark, supernatural corners of the MCU.
