Nic Pizzolatto, the creator and co-writer of American anthology crime drama series True Detective, is set to pen Marvel Studios’ upcoming Blade film, which stars Oscar winner Mahershala Ali.

The film is currently in the pre-production stages. Nic will be working the draft of the script written by Emmy nominee Michael Starrbury. The film is touted to be “'darker than most Marvel Cinematic Universe movies”.

Blade revolves around the iconic comic book vampire slayer, who is half-mortal, half-immortal and trying to free the world from vampires as a way of avenging his mother, who was killed by one.

The upcoming film is directed by Yann Demange, and will also feature Ali actors Delroy Lindo and Aaron Pierre.  Backed by Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige will, it will go on floors in Atlanta sometime in 2023.

 Ali and Pizzolatto have previously worked together on the third season of True Detective.