Actor Aaron Pierre opts out of Blade

Actor Aaron Pierre told Variety that he is not part of the cast for Marvel Studios' Blade reboot. The actor was attending the NAACP Image Awards while he delivered the casting update.

“Early on, there were conversations,” said Pierre. “As the project evolved, I’m no longer part of that — attached (sic).”

In February 2022, Pierre was reportedly part of the Blade reboot after a comprehensive casting process. Pierre is one of the few people to have opted out of the reboot; multiple writers and directors have already been attached to the project. Director Bassam Tariq made his way out a few months before production, and Yann Demange replaced him. According to a Variety report, five writers are attached to this project, including Michael Green.

Meanwhile, Mahershala Ali is expected to play the vampire hunter's role, portrayed by Wesley Snipes in the original Blade franchise.

“We’re working on it. That’s the best I could tell you,” said Ali in a conversation with Entertainment Weekly last December. “I’m really encouraged with the direction of the project. We’ll be back at it relatively soon (sic).”

Following his exit from Blade, Pierre also shared the projects that he is excited about working in, including Rebel Ridge and the prequel to The Lion King.