Why Werewolf by Night Director Isn't Helming MCU's Blade Reboot

On the heels of the film's delay, Werewolf by Night director Michael Giacchino explains why he won't helm the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Blade reboot. Mahershala Ali is expected to lead the cast of the upcoming movie as Eric Brooks, a man who was born as a half-vampire daywalker, also known as a dhampir, who utilizes his superhuman abilities to rid the world of all vampires. Though originally being penned by Watchmen alum Stacy Amma Osei-Kuffour, Ali is currently participating in rewrites alongside Beau DeMayo.

The MCU recently has begun diving into the supernatural side of the Marvel Comics with the help of Werewolf by Night, the recently released Halloween special introducing Gael García Bernal's titular creature, as well as the powerful Man-Thing and iconic monster hunter Elsa Bloodstone. Marvel execs Kevin Feige and Brian Gay have both confirmed the special to only be the start of monsters in the franchise which, when paired with the recent introduction of Moon Knight, has left many hopeful for an adaptation of the Midnight Suns for the MCU. With the MCU's Blade reboot currently looking for a new director, one recent filmmaker involved in the franchise has confirmed he won't be leading the charge on film.

While appearing on the Phase Zero podcast for the Disney+ special, Michael Giacchino addressed the chances of his potentially helming the MCU's Blade reboot. The Werewolf by Night director debunked the possibility of his signing on for the project, primarily citing his busy schedule as the reason for his not being able to do so. See what Giacchino explained below:

I mean, look, I love Blade. I think that's an amazing, amazing character. It's one of my favorites. But I feel like that thing is already in motion in a way that is like, and I'm in motion on other things as well, and there's just-- It's a whole… you know. It's just, timing-wise, it's a little crazy. So I feel like, you know… I want that to be a great movie. I want that to be an awesome movie, because that character deserves it in a huge way. But yeah, right now, I mean, no.

Blade's MCU Reboot Development Issues Explained

Blade's MCU reboot has been in the works over three years now, with Marvel having officially announced its development at 2019's San Diego Comic-Con with Ali attached to star, though at the time it was unclear whether it would be a film or Disney+ series. The time since has seen the movie slowly, but surely, gain traction in its development, bringing on Osei-Kuffour to write the script in early 2021, while Bassam Tariq was initially hired to direct a few months later, only to have recently departed just prior to its November production start date. Due to the sudden exit, Marvel has since taken to delaying Blade from its initial 2023 release date to September 2024 while they continue to search for a new director and rewrites continue with the help of Ali.

Given Giacchino helped introduce the MCU to the world of monsters with Werewolf by Night, it's understandable some would believe him to be a prime candidate to helm the MCU's Blade reboot. Though the Halloween special proved his talents don't solely lie in the world of music composition, it may ultimately prove for the best Giacchino doesn't direct the film, instead leaving the door open for a filmmaker of color to bring the beloved dhampir to the MCU instead. While audiences await word on who will direct the MCU's Blade reboot, they can revisit Wesley Snipes' original trilogy streaming on Hulu now.

Next: Why Blade Isn't In Marvel's Werewolf By NightSource: Phase Zero