Why Ryan Coogler Is The Only Director Marvel Needs For Blade After His Record-Breaking Vampire Hit

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The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s “Blade” movie is yet to find a permanent director, and I believe that Marvel Studios has the ideal choice following their recent triumph with a vampire-themed film. The development of “Blade” has been challenging. Initially announced in 2019, Mahershala Ali was set to portray the character. Bassam Tariq was initially chosen as director, but he departed from the project and was replaced by Yann Demange. Regrettably, Demange also left the project in 2024, leaving the production in a state of uncertainty once more.

The movie initially planned for release in 2025 under Marvel’s schedule has been taken off, yet it hasn’t been scrapped. Kevin Feige hinted that Blade will eventually join the Marvel Cinematic Universe, though the exact date remains unclear. If Feige is on the hunt for an ideal director, he already has a strong candidate within Marvel’s ranks. Ryan Coogler, who has previously directed two critically acclaimed films for the studio, recently released Sinners, a vampire movie that’s garnering rave reviews from critics and viewers alike. Feige might be seeking new talent for Blade in the MCU, but Coogler could be the ideal choice for the role.

Ryan Coogler’s Sinners Broke Several Records In Its Opening Weekend

Sinners is setting a new standard for the vampire horror genre.

In a fresh twist on the horror genre, “Sinners” is the debut film in the scary movie realm directed by Ryan Coogler. The movie features Michael B. Jordan portraying twin brothers named Smoke and Stack. These twins amass wealth through non-standard means in Chicago before returning to their Mississippi roots to establish a juke joint. However, their grand opening turns into a terrifying ordeal when a gang of vampires threatens the very existence of their town. “Sinners” distinguishes itself from other vampire movies by incorporating African American culture and themes, such as delving into racial prejudice and the power of music in the deep south during the 1930s.

In a remarkable turn of events, Coogler infuses “Sinners” with immense passion and flair, which has been warmly received by both critics and audiences alike. This has resulted in the film shattering several records, including becoming the highest-grossing opening for an original film in the 2020s, earning a staggering $63 million worldwide. Additionally, it is the first horror film to achieve an A Cinemascore grade. With such a strong debut, Coogler has solidified his position as a director worth keeping an eye on. His impressive work on films like “Creed” and “Black Panther” pales in comparison to what he’s achieved with “Sinners”, demonstrating his exceptional talent for original storytelling.

Ryan Coogler Proved He’s The Perfect Director For The MCU’s Blade

Coogler can give Blade the authorship it needs.

It’s rumored that Coogler is working on “Black Panther 3,” though Marvel Studios has yet to confirm this. However, given his recent success with “Sinners” and his ability to create entertaining and chilling vampire action while staying true to lore, it seems sensible for the studio to consider him for the role of directing “Blade.” With his unique creativity, he could potentially breathe new life into the franchise, offering a fresh take that distinguishes his films from those of Wesley Snipes.

This action might serve as a smart choice for Marvel, showcasing their dedication and sincerity towards the Blade project. The frequent alterations in production have seemingly eroded audience trust in the movie. However, hiring Coogler could potentially regain some faith in the project’s future direction.

Ryan Coogler Is One Of The MCU’s Most Successful Directors

Black Panther and Wakanda Forever are huge success stories for Marvel.

Coogler and Marvel have had tremendous success together, with their collaborative efforts resulting in the worldwide box office smash hit “Black Panther” in 2018, which grossed over $1.3 billion. Although the follow-up film “Wakanda Forever,” released in 2022, didn’t quite match its predecessor’s earnings, it still made an impressive $850 million globally. Coogler was faced with a challenging task – creating a sequel to “Black Panther” without Chadwick Boseman, and his work was commendable. Notably, the original Black Panther was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won three. In comparison, “Wakanda Forever” received five nominations and secured one win.

Ryan Coogler demonstrates his ability to create captivating superhero movies that are both entertaining and intellectually stimulating. Both Black Panther films offer thrilling action scenes and memorable comic book moments, but what truly sets them apart in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is their powerful narratives and immersive settings. I’m delighted that Coogler will be returning for Black Panther 3, as it feels fitting. However, it appears Marvel would be making a significant oversight if they don’t recruit Coogler for Blade now, given the success of Sinners.

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2025-04-25 19:17