Wesley Snipes has some words of wisdom for Mahershala Ali, who is set to take on the role of Blade in Marvel’s new reboot of the franchise.
The superhero was notably played by Wesley, 58, in the original Blade film trilogy between 1998 and 2004, and the actor has given his full support to Mahershala, 46, who is taking over the role.
Speaking to Den Of Geek, Wesley was asked if he had been contacted by Mahershala within the past year since his casting was announced.
He responded: ‘No, he hasn’t called me. We haven’t talked about characterizations or how he should play it or anything like that. I can’t imagine that call ever coming in. That would be really strange.
‘But we did communicate about how much we appreciate each other’s work, and how I’m comfortable with saying, “Hey man, go rock it, baby. If you got it, do it.”’
Later giving Mahershala his best advice, he added: ‘It ain’t gonna be easy. There’s a whole lot of it that you don’t know [with] them action movies.
‘Everybody ain’t cut like that. They ain’t made for it. But if you got it, let’s go. I got your back, 1,000 percent. Let’s go.’
Mahershala’s casting as Blade was officially confirmed by Marvel in July 2019, with studio boss Kevin Feige introducing the House Of Cards star to the stage at Comic-Con.
Kevin told the surprised audience: ‘Here’s one I’ve heard no rumours about.’
After receiving a warm welcome from the audience, Mahershala then whipped out a ‘Blade’ cap from his back pocket, paying homage to the beloved character.
Wesley had previously revealed he was happy with the prospect of the Blade reboot and Mahershala’s casting, even telling fans to ‘chillaxx’ about the whole thing.
In a statement to Entertainment Weekly, he said: ‘To all the DAYWALKERS losing their minds right now, chillaxx.
‘Although the news comes as a surprise, it’s ALL GOOD. Such is the “business” of entertainment! Much peace to the MCU crew – always a fan. Honour and respect to the grandmaster Stan [Lee].
‘Congratulations and Salaam to Mahershala Ali, a beautiful and talented artist whose expressions I look forward to experiencing for many years to come. Inshallah, we will someday work together.’
While Watchmen writer Stacy Osei-Kuffour is set to be writing the script to the planned reboot, Marvel has yet to find a director or set a tentative release date.
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