Blade: Trinity

In 2001, before the release of Blade 2, New Line made a deal with David Goyer to write and produce a third blade film.[2] In 2002 German director Oliver Hirschbiegel was in talks to direct Blade 3,[3] but chose instead to direct a film about Adolf Hitler called Downfall.[4]

In August, 2003 Ryan Reynolds was in negotiation to join the film and Ashley Scott was also being considered as his counterpart, and that they might also star in a potential spin-off film.[5] Later that month Jessical Biel signed on to the project.[6]

Reportedly, Wesley Snipes was unhappy with the film's script and original choice of director. David S. Goyer, who had written all three films in the franchise, was then selected to replace the director of the film, which Snipes also protested. Snipes reportedly caused difficulty during filming, including frequently refusing to shoot scenes, often forcing director Goyer to use stand-ins and computer effects to add his character to scenes. Goyer described making the film as "the most personally and professionally difficult and painful thing I've ever been through."[7] Co-star Patton Oswalt alleged that Snipes would spend much of his time smoking marijuana in his trailer, and that he became violent with Goyer after falsely accusing him of racism. It has also been alleged that Snipes refused to interact with Goyer or his co-stars, and would instead communicate with them through his assistant or the use of notes.[8] Snipes also allegedly referred to co-star Ryan Reynolds as a "cracker" on one or more occasions.[9] Snipes denied that version of events and said that as an executive producer on the film he had the authority to decide but that some people had difficulty accepting that.[10]

In the DVD special features,[11] Goyer talks about how cities are often multilingual. Goyer used Esperanto and its flag as part of the fictional city where Blade is set.[12] The Esperanto flag is shown twice, at the entrance to the Police headquarters after Blade is rescued from jail, and in the rooftop scene where Drake threatens to drop a baby over the edge.[12] Background elements such as signs and advertisements include Esperanto translations. Hannibal King is at one point seen watching the William Shatner-starring Esperanto language film Incubus on television; one reviewer remarked that it was "an unintentionally apt reference" considering first-time director "Goyer's grasp of directorial fundamentals (such as when to tilt the camera and when to shoot in close-up) is about as strong as Shatner's fluency in Esperanto."[13] The film's director of photography, Gabriel Beristain, makes a cameo appearance as the one-eyed newspaper vendor who talks to Whistler in Esperanto and discusses the public perception that Blade is a menace to society.

In 2005, Snipes sued New Line Cinema and Goyer, claiming that the studio did not pay his full salary, that he was intentionally cut out of casting decisions and the filmmaking process, despite being one of the producers, and that his character's screen time was reduced in favor of costars Ryan Reynolds and Jessica Biel.[14] In 2006, Snipes was sued by United Talent Agency for allegedly failing to fulfill agreements to pay commission to the agency on his earnings.[15]

The film's American box office gross was $52 million, and the total worldwide gross was $128.9 million.[1] This matched the first Blade's take but came behind Blade II, which had grossed $150 million worldwide.[16][17]

On Rotten Tomatoes the film has an approval rating of 25% based on reviews from 168 critics, with an average rating of 4.42/10. The website's consensus reads: "Louder, campier, and more incoherent than its predecessors, Blade: Trinity seems content to emphasize style over substance and rehash familiar themes."[18] On Metacritic the film has a score of 38% based on reviews from 30 critics, indicating "generally unfavorable reviews".[19] Rotten Tomatoes included the film at 76 out of 94 on a countdown (from 94 to 1) of "worst to best" comic book to film adaptations.[20] Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "B+" on an A+ to F scale.[21]

Roger Ebert, who gave Blade 3 stars out of 4[22] and Blade II 3½ stars,[23] gave Blade: Trinity 1½ stars, writing: "It lacks the sharp narrative line and crisp comic-book clarity of the earlier films, and descends too easily into shapeless fight scenes that are chopped into so many cuts that they lack all form or rhythm."[24] James Berardinelli also rated the film 1½ stars out of 4, stating: "Blade: Trinity is a carbon copy of its predecessors. It's all kick-ass attitude and style without any substance to back it up. Yet, where the first two Blades satisfied on a visceral level, this one doesn't."[25]

In October 2008, Blade director Stephen Norrington was developing a prequel trilogy to Blade, featuring Stephen Dorff reprising his role as Deacon Frost.[26][27] In 2016, Underworld actress Kate Beckinsale stated that a crossover sequel to Blade: Trinity with the Underworld film series had been in development but was cancelled after the film rights reverted to Marvel Studios in 2012.[28][29]

In May 2013, Marvel had a working script for a new Blade film.[30] In July 2015, Wesley Snipes, who played Blade in three films before the character's rights reverted to Marvel, stated that he had had discussions with Marvel to reprise the role.[31][32][33]

In July 2019, at the San Diego Comic-Con, Marvel Studios announced that it would be rebooting the character and integrating Blade into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with Mahershala Ali cast as the title character.[34] However, MCU producer Kevin Feige noted that the Blade reboot would be part of Marvel's Phase Five slate of films.[35]