This is Mahershala Ali.
But, as of yesterday, you can also call him Blade.
On Saturday, Kevin Feige surprised everyone at Comic-Con with the announcement that Mahershala will star as Blade in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Actual footage of me hearing the news.
I mean, he was basically BORN to play this role, originally portrayed by Wesley Snipes.
Anyone familiar with Mahershala's work in films like Moonlight, Hidden Figures, and Green Book know he's more than capable of embodying the essence of Eric Brooks/Blade, the bad-ass half-vampire who hunts his own kind.
That's likely why the reaction to his casting was so overwhelmingly positive.
Oooo one last surprise: Mahershala Ali as Blade! #SDCC2019 #MarvelSDCC
Find someone who looks at you the way Taika Waititi, director of the upcoming Thor: Love and Thunder, looks at Mahershala.
Really, people are pumped for this reboot.
Bryan Tyree Henry's reaction to Mahershala Ali putting the Blade hat on 😭😭😭
Fans can't wait to find out who's writing the screenplay and directing.
Good morning to Mahershala Ali and whoever brilliantly cast him as Blade. This art gives me all the feels. I CANNOT wait. I need to know who’s writing and directing immediately. #BladeMCU @MarvelStudios @Marvel
Others are just excited that vampires are FINALLY joining the MCU.
mahershala ali as BLADE!!! Finally the vampires are coming to mcu😍😍 #MarvelSDCC
This person isn't a huge fan of superhero films, but Mahershala might change that.
I don’t enjoy super hero films and I have never really got into the Marvel stan even though some excellent actors are joining it. HOWEVER CAN WE TALK ABOUT MAHERSHALA ALI 😱❤️
I'll leave you with this:
If Mahershala Ali being cast as the new Blade doesn’t get you hype wtf wrong with you
Blade's release date is still TBD, but until then, check out the official logo below and let us know what you think about Mahershala's casting in the comments.
