Wesley Snipesʼ Blade almost hosted a global popstar alongside Norman Reedus in its second film.

The premise that makes up the plot of Wesley Snipesʼ Blade trilogy is an undisputed winner among all pop culture genres. Vampires and vampire hunters have been a fascination since the days of Bram Stokerʼs Dracula and it is no wonder that every other supernatural lore and mythology deals with the bloodsucking creatures of the night.

Since Marvel was no stranger to the vices of the popular crowd, the vampire craze embedded itself within the comic book genre with the introduction of Blade. Wesley Snipesʼs titular role in the 1998 live-action film further solidified the actorʼs arc as one of the pioneering and underrated Hollywood gems who left behind a legacy with his role as the Daywalker-cum-vampire hunter.

Wesley Snipesʼs Daywalker Was Set to Fight Michael Jackson

If Michael Jackson is the Prince of Pop, Wesley Snipes is the ultimate doorstop when it comes to the genre of vampires. The comic-established hero, Blade, was set to debut on the big screen with the eponymous film helmed by the actor who would make the anti-hero synonymous with his name. However, as destined as Snipes was to play the role of Blade, the audience was in for a surprise cameo in Blade II involving Michael Jackson as well.

In a Billboard interview in 2017, Wesley Snipes revealed that it was Jacksonʼs wish to star in the sequel to the 1998 hit, Blade. However, when asked if he wanted to embody a villain, Jackson replied, “No! I wanna be like Blade’s friend — I wanna fight with you!”

Although the cameo was cut short due to Michael Jaksonʼs scheduling mix-up, the cameo was a much-needed one to bring in some pop star magic to the cinema.

Blade Gets a Fresh Start in the World of Marvel Cinema

Despite the ridiculously difficult production of the Blade trilogy, Wesley Snipesʼ tenure as the action hero was a legacy-defining era that established one of the potentially greatest comic heroes of all time. Moreover, the world-building that was achieved by the trilogy will forever be a difficult act to follow, no matter how talented the new actor may be.

Mahershala Ali, however, remains very optimistic about his rendition of the bloodsucking immortal. Leaving the premise that guided Wesley Snipesʼ trilogy, the modus operandi for the reboot will go back to the roots as Eric Brooks learns to navigate the new world and live for centuries while fighting evil monsters lurking in the shadows of the night.

Blade II is available for buying/renting on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Mahershala Aliʼs Blade reboot will premiere on November 7, 2025.