Former ‘Blade’ Director Reveals Positive Takeaways From MCU Experience as Mahershala Ali Moves On

Blade director Bassam Tariq has spoken about what he learned while making the troubled Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) reboot. Meanwhile, star Mahershala Ali has confirmed he has officially moved on from the stalled project after seven years in development hell.

Blade’s former director, Bassam Tariq, said his time in the MCU taught him to “think big” and use audience testing to refine his filmmaking. Meanwhile, star Mahershala Ali has confirmed that he’s moved on from the delayed Marvel reboot and has been focusing on original projects instead, including reuniting with Tariq for the 2026 action thriller Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother.

“Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother” director Bassam Tariq spoke with The Hollywood Reporter about his latest film, reflecting on his time at Marvel Studios and highlighting some of the professional perks he gained from working there.

First, Tariq said Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige taught him to “think big” and always take the material to the next level. Tariq explained that Marvel uses a process called “plussing” to keep raising the bar. “I kept asking – or they call it ‘plussing,’ I think that was the term that they would use,” Tariq said. “I think part of me was thinking the same thing, ‘How do we do that?

Second, Tariq was glad to have the opportunity to do detailed audience testing. “Marvel’s testing process is very restricted because of franchise secrecy,” he said, “but my experience gave me the ability to see audience reactions directly.” This gave him insight into where to cut scenes, where to add exposition, and how to make sure action sequences hit properly.

Two-time Academy Award winner Mahershala Ali, who was attached to star as the Daywalker since 2019, has been vocal about the project’s failure. Ali confirmed in recent interviews that he is officially finished with the role.

Ali blamed the film’s lack of progress squarely on the studio’s shifting priorities, saying if Marvel wanted to make the movie, they would have done so. He also offered a blunt assessment of the MCU’s creative hierarchy, echoing reports that directors are often reminded that “this is a Marvel film directed by a person.” “Maybe the name of the director doesn’t matter in the bigger story of what a studio is trying to do,” Ali said.

“I’m grateful for the professional relationships I built during the seven-year wait, which led to fresh creative opportunities outside the superhero genre,” Ali said.

The extended development hell of the Blade reboot is a high-profile case study in the tension between auteur-driven filmmaking and corporate franchise management. This is a rare misstep for Marvel Studios, which has a strong track record of launching new superhero franchises.

The situation is also a sign of the times for the talent involved. Hollywood is increasingly seeing the biggest actors and directors leverage their MCU experience into original, creator-owned projects where they have the final say. That Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother was successful proves the creative partnership forged during Blade’s development can work and thrive outside the Marvel system.

Marvel Studios has not announced a new director or release date for Blade, and the project is believed to be stuck in indefinite development limbo. Meanwhile, Mahershala Ali and Bassam Tariq are actively promoting Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother, and industry observers say the movielet lets the team execute the gritty, character-driven action vision originally intended for their Blade collaboration.

What positive lessons did the director of ‘Blade’ take from Marvel?
Director Bassam Tariq said he learned to “think big” from Marvel’s “plussing” process and gained valuable experience using audience testing to fine-tune pacing and action sequences.

Did Mahershala Ali actually drop out of the Blade movie?
Yes, Mahershala Ali confirmed in 2026 that he has officially moved on from the Blade role after seven years of development delays, saying the studio decided not to move forward with the project.

What are Mahershala Ali and Bassam Tariq working on now?
The actor and director are reteaming for Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother. This 2026 original action thriller gives them a chance to explore their creative vision outside the Marvel Cinematic Universe.