Wesley Snipes is Excited to See Mahershala Ali Play Blade

While Wesley Snipes has been adamant about wanting to play Blade again, he’s also happy to pass the torch to Mahershala Ali for the MCU. Snipes, who played the Marvel supernatural hero in three films, issued a statement to ComicBook.com asking fans of the original trilogy to give the new film a chance.

The statement praises Ali and thanks the fans for their support, reading:

To all the DAYWALKERS losing their minds right now, chillaaxx. Although the news comes as a surprise, it’s ALL GOOD. Such is the ‘business’ of ‘entertainment!’ Much peace to the MCU crew – always a fan. Honor and respect to the grandmaster Stan. Congratulations and Salaam to Mahershala Ali, a beautiful and talented artist whose expressions I look forward to experiencing for many years to come. Inshallah, we will someday work together. Most importantly to my loyal fans, the incredible outpouring of love is overwhelming. I am grateful for the never-ending support. So, ‘nah fret nah worry, it’s not de end of de story.’ Welcome to the Daywalker Klique.

Ali will play Blade in a future film in the MCU, which will arrive as part of Phase Five.