Bassam Tariq has shared his thoughts on Yann Demange directing Blade.
Monday broughts the news that Yann Demange is replacing Bassam Tariq as the director of the upcoming Blade movie starring Mahershala Ali. Tariq, who exited the post back in September but remains attached as an executive producer, took to his Instagram page to comment on the news, praising his replacement.
“The news is finally out: my dear brother Yann Mounir Demange is directing Blade! Y’all are in for a real treat. Yann was instrumental in giving me the courage to start developing Mogul Mowgli,” Tariq wrote on Instagram. “He played a pivotal role during post as well, helping Riz [Ahmed], my editor [Adam Biskupski] and myself get the film across the finish line.”
“During that time and during the pandemic, Yann became a cherished friend and brother. I couldn’t be happier for him. As he steps into this role, I am proud to support him as he has supported me.”
Blade‘s behind-the-scenes team
Yann Demange is best known for directing the 2014 historical action thriller ’71 and the 2018 crime drama White Boy Rick. He also directed the pilot of the HBO series Lovecraft Country.
In addition to hiring Yann Demange, Marvel has also tapped Michael Starrbury to write a new script for Blade. Mahershala Ali was personally involved in selecting Starrbury, who earned an Emmy nomination for his work on the Ava DuVernay miniseries When They See Us.
Prior to its creative overhaul, Blade featured a cast that also included Delroy Lindo, Aaron Pierre and Milan Ray. It’s unclear if the actors are still attached to the Marvel Cinematic Universe project now that things are starting from scratch.
Blade is expected to head into production sometime in 2023, with the production based in Atlanta, Georgia. The film is currently slated to hit theaters on September 6, 2024.
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