That Time James Wan Pitched a BLADE Reboot to Marvel
We’re about to see what happens when a 21stCentury Master of Horror tackles one of the most underwhelming comic-book superhero ever penned when Aquaman hits US theaters in just over a week. While early screenings have gotten rave reviews, news that Wan once pitched another superhero movie a few years back (one much better suited to his horror sensibilities) is hitting the internet and making waves.
Before Superhero movies were all the rage, we got a trilogy of Blade flicks based on the anomalous half-vampire who first appeared in Marvel’s TheTomb of Dracula #10 in July 1973. Though the sequels couldn’t match the original Blade, released in 1998, they were all propelled by knock-out performances from Wesley Snipes, who has since become nearly synonymous with the antihero.
It turns out, right around the time The Conjuring franchise took off like a rocket, Wan pitched a Blade reboot to Marvel. Obviously, nothing came of it, but here’s what he told the Happy Sad Confused podcast:
“Years back, a couple of years back, I think it was right after Conjuring 1 that I went into a particular studio and told them ‘Hey, I’m a big fan of Blade. Would you guys be interested in rebooting Blade?’ So that was one. Obviously, nothing came out of that! But that was my first intro into looking at potential comic book properties.
“It was just to kind of talk about it. I didn’t have a full presentation. I did have an idea, I can’t quite remember what it was. That’s how far back it was and I’ve done a lot since then so I can’t quite remember what I had thought of. But I did like it at the time.”
If Aquaman becomes the box office smash everyone seems to be predicting, Wan will become an even hotter commodity in Hollywood. I bet Marvel would love to snag him for a rebooted Blade movie now, but the filmmaker has a very full plate these days, making it unlikely (at least in the foreseeable future).
At least we can daydream about what could have been.
If you aren’t familiar with Blade, check out the synopsis and trailer for the first movie, directed by Stephen Norrington, below. After that, you can check out the synopsis and trailer for Aquaman, splashing into US theaters on December 21st.
Synopsis:
A half-mortal, half-immortal is out to avenge his mother’s death and rid the world of vampires. The modern-day technologically advanced vampires he is going after are in search of his special blood type needed to summon an evil god who plays a key role in their plan to execute the human race.
Synopsis:
Aquaman finds himself caught between a surface world that ravages the sea and the underwater Atlanteans who are ready to revolt.
Would you have liked to have seen a Blade reboot helmed by James Wan? Are you planning to check out Aquaman later this month? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!
Categorized:News
