RYAN REYNOLDS WANTS A NEW ‘LOGAN-LIKE’ MOVIE FOR WESLEY SNIPES’ BLADE: ‘HE’S MY #MARVEL FATHER’
Ryan Reynolds has never been shy about using his massive platform to champion the things he loves, and right now, he’s turning that energy toward one of Marvel’s most iconic trailblazers: Wesley Snipes as Blade. Fresh off the blockbuster success of Deadpool & Wolverine, where Snipes made a triumphant, crowd-roaring return as the Daywalker, Reynolds is publicly campaigning for a gritty, emotional send-off film in the vein of Logan—one that gives Snipes’ legendary vampire hunter the respectful, hard-hitting finale he deserves.
The idea gained traction when Reynolds shared his thoughts on social media following the film’s release. Posting photos from the set and reflecting on the electric audience reaction to Snipes’ entrance—one of the loudest cheers in theaters—he declared, “The reaction when Wesley Snipes enters the movie is the most intense thing I’ve heard in a theater.” He went on to emphasize Blade’s foundational role in superhero cinema: without the 1998 Blade film and its sequels, there might not have been a Fox Marvel universe, and perhaps no modern MCU as we know it. “There is no Fox Marvel Universe or MCU without Blade first creating a market,” Reynolds wrote. “He’s Marvel Daddy. Please retweet for a Logan-like send off. #DayWalker.”
The phrase “He’s my #marvel father” (often stylized as #Marvel father or Marvel Daddy) has become a viral rallying cry among fans. It’s a playful yet sincere nod to Snipes’ pioneering status. Released in 1998, the original Blade was a game-changer: a dark, R-rated superhero movie that blended horror, action, and urban grit long before the MCU’s family-friendly dominance. Directed by Stephen Norrington and produced by New Line Cinema, it proved comic book adaptations could be mature, stylish, and profitable—grossing over $131 million worldwide on a modest budget. Snipes’ portrayal of the half-vampire, half-human hunter Eric Brooks was magnetic: cool, lethal, and unflinchingly badass, armed with silver stakes, swords, and a signature trench coat.
The sequels built on that success. Blade II (2002), directed by Guillermo del Toro, ramped up the horror elements with grotesque Reapers and intricate world-building. Blade: Trinity (2004), which starred Reynolds as the wisecracking Hannibal King alongside Jessica Biel and Parker Posey, wrapped the original trilogy on a lighter, more team-oriented note. While the third film received mixed reviews, it marked an early collaboration between Reynolds and Snipes—one that reportedly had its tensions but ultimately led to mutual respect. Reynolds has since spoken fondly of Snipes, crediting him for paving the way and even reuniting with him for the multiversal chaos of Deadpool & Wolverine.
That cameo in 2024’s Deadpool & Wolverine was a masterstroke. Snipes’ Blade appeared in the Void alongside other Fox-era variants, delivering iconic lines and slicing through enemies with effortless style. The theater erupted—fans screamed, cheered, and gave standing ovations in some screenings. Reynolds, ever the savvy marketer and genuine fan, seized the moment to highlight the love for Snipes’ version. He argued that the overwhelming response proved audiences were hungry for more, specifically a mature, character-focused story that honored Blade’s legacy without relying on nostalgia alone.
The Logan comparison is spot-on and intriguing. Released in 2017, James Mangold’s Logan redefined superhero finales by stripping away spectacle in favor of raw emotion, violence, and themes of aging, legacy, and sacrifice. Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine faced mortality, protected a new generation, and went out in a blaze of brutal glory. A “Logan-like” Blade film could do the same for Snipes: portray an older, battle-worn Daywalker confronting his own limits, perhaps mentoring a successor while facing a final, overwhelming threat from the vampire underworld. It would allow Snipes—now in his 60s—to deliver a performance rich with gravitas, blending the physicality he’s known for with deeper vulnerability.
Fans have rallied behind the idea enthusiastically. Social media is filled with support: petitions, fan art of an aged Blade in a weathered trench coat, and mock posters imagining a dark, R-rated epic. Many point out that Snipes’ Blade has never received a proper conclusion—the trilogy ended on a somewhat unresolved note with Trinity‘s mixed reception. A standalone send-off could redeem that, giving the character the epic closure that Logan provided Wolverine. Others suggest crossovers, like a team-up with Deadpool for humor amid the darkness, or tying into the MCU’s Midnight Sons lineup.
Of course, challenges exist. The MCU’s current Blade project, starring Mahershala Ali, has faced delays, director changes, and script rewrites since its 2019 announcement. Ali’s version, introduced via voice cameo in Eternals, aims for a fresh reboot rather than continuing Snipes’ continuity. Integrating Snipes would require multiversal justification—perhaps through the TVA or variants—but Deadpool & Wolverine proved the MCU can handle legacy characters respectfully. Reynolds’ influence, as a producer and star with a track record of box-office success, could help push the concept forward.
Snipes himself has spoken positively about the return, crediting Reynolds for reaching out and making it happen. In interviews around Comic-Con and the film’s release, he expressed gratitude for the love and openness to more if the stars aligned. With Marvel Studios under Kevin Feige continuing to embrace multiverse storytelling, a Blade send-off feels plausible—especially if it honors the actor who started it all.
Reynolds’ campaign isn’t just fan service; it’s a heartfelt tribute from one Marvel icon to another. By calling Snipes “Marvel Daddy” and pushing for a Logan-style finale, he’s reminding everyone of Blade’s enduring impact. The Daywalker walked so modern superheroes could run—and perhaps, with enough support, he’ll get one last, unforgettable hunt.
