Del Toro: Wesley Snipes' Star Power Killed Blade Reboot

Guillermo del Toro believes the cancellation of Mahershala Ali's Blade movie stemmed from the irreplaceable star power of Wesley Snipes. Snipes famously insisted that Blade himself, not merely his weaponry, should be the focus, stating, "Blade is the weapon." This deep understanding of the character, according to del Toro, was central to the original "Blade-ness."

Del Toro also lauded the original Blade film, directed by Stephen Norrington, for its groundbreaking impact on the superhero genre. He explained that Norrington's work shifted the landscape from wholesome portrayals like Superman to a grittier, more 'tude-driven aesthetic. This seismic shift, del Toro posited, was instrumental in the creation of films like The Matrix and X-Men, making Blade a monumental success that redefined comic book cinema.

The director also reminisced about his own experience filming Blade 2, describing it as one of his most enjoyable projects. He humorously recounted his extreme consumption of Red Bull during the shoot, likening it to a "cocaine movie" and joking about the potential arterial damage from drinking around 40 cans daily.