Wesley Snipes has revealed the surprising story behind his return as the iconic vampire hunter Blade in the new Marvel blockbuster, *Deadpool & Wolverine*.
The actor, known for his role in the original *Blade
trilogy, told *Entertainment Weekly* that Ryan Reynolds, his co-star from *Blade: Trinity*, reached out to him with the unexpected offer.
"Over the years, we've had interesting conversations, some serious, some not," Snipes explained. "I kind of figured I was moving on from it, which was fine." After starring in three *Blade
movies, Snipes felt satisfied with his run as the character.
However, when Reynolds texted Snipes asking to speak, the actor found himself intrigued.
"I didn't think it was possible," Snipes admitted. "I didn't think we could pull it off, I didn't think Marvel or Disney were into it, especially with Mahershala Ali cast for the upcoming *Blade*."
But Reynolds had a convincing pitch, and Marvel ultimately gave the go-ahead.
"He told me the idea," Snipes said. "They said 'yes' and 'it's a go.' 'If you're in, we're in.' Here we are."
The return of Wesley Snipes as Blade in *Deadpool & Wolverine
is a significant moment for Marvel fans, as it brings back a beloved character from the franchise's early days. It also marks a reunion between Snipes and Reynolds, who have a long-standing camaraderie that dates back to their *Blade: Trinity* days.
*Deadpool & Wolverine
has had a record-breaking opening, earning an estimated $205 million at the domestic box office over the weekend. The film is now the biggest R-rated opening of all time, showcasing the incredible popularity of these iconic Marvel heroes.
This new Blade appearance comes alongside Marvel's separate *Blade
project, which features Mahershala Ali in the lead role. Snipes has expressed his support for Ali, stating that he believes Ali has "a heck of a job on his hands" with the character.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the Blade saga, with two distinct versions of the character set to grace the silver screen.