Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige has shared new MCU updates on Blade and the possibility of fan-favorite X-Men character Gambit transitioning to a live-action appearance in the franchise. There have been many changes within Marvel Studios recently, including many projects being reassessed, reworked or in some cases abandoned completely. While speaking to various outlets ahead of the release of Deadpool & Wolverine, Feige has now opened up about the status of Blade, and whether fans will get to see a live-action Gambit project following his X-Men ’97 demise.

Blade is a character that has already had one successful adaptation on screen, with Wesley Snipes playing the role of the Daywalker in three movies. While a subsequent TV series failed to take off, Blade’s arrival in the MCU was originally teased in the post-credits scene of Eternals, with new star Mahershala Ali’s voice being heard in the movie. Since then, the Blade movie has failed to gain a solid footing with several writers and directors coming and going and the movie being delayed numerous times.

While Blade was originally set to land in the PG-13 arena of the MCU, that has since changed, with Feige confirming once again that the film will follow Deadpool & Wolverine as an R-rated project befitting the character. In a new interview with BlackTree TV, he also explained why it has been necessary to delay the movie’s production.

“I think for the last few years, we’ve been trying to crack that movie. The most important thing for us is not rushing it and making sure we are making the right Blade movie.”

Adding that an R-rating is “inherent” to the character, it seems that Blade’s current release date is something that could still shift if things don’t start coming together soon. Of course, any further delays could jeopardize the project, with Mahershala Ali still currently attached to the movie but probably not able to wait indefinitely to begin work on it.

Gambit Fans Are Set For Disappointment

Another project long-rumored to be in development is one focusing on X-Men character Gambit. While the character recently appeared in the animated X-Men ’97 series, meeting his demise in Episode 5 to the distress of many fans, it seems that those still hoping to see the character get his own live-action iteration are going to be disappointed. While speaking to ScreenRant, Feige shared a brief and disappointing update on the character’s future. He said:

I can’t [confirm Gambit is coming in a future live-action project]! [laughs] But I’m glad that you were so touched.

X-Men ’97 4.5/5 Release Date March 20, 2024 Cast Jennifer Hale , Chris Potter , Ray Chase , George Buza , Catherine Disher , JP Karliak Seasons 1 Studio Marvel Studios Franchise Marvel Expand

So it appears that Gambit will be a fan-favorite character that has had his time and is now done in the MCU, despite calls for his return on many online forums and social media platforms. However, with so many other characters still on the horizon, and many more years of Marvel films and TV shows being planned, it is not hard to understand why there is simply not enough room for everyone to put in an appearance in the live-action arm of the franchise.