It’s been a long road for the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s version of Blade, since the character’s solo film was announced back in 2019. Mahershala Ali’s Daywalker does have a vocal cameo in Eternals and appears as a supporting character (voiced by Todd Williams) on Marvel Zombies. Despite that, Ali’s solo film seemingly remains in limbo for right now. New rumors suggest, however, that the half-vampire warrior could appear in two big MCU films. WIth that, I now have a big question regarding those purported appearances.

What Two MCU Projects Is Blade Allegedly Being Featured In?

There are still several key titles on Marvel’s slate of upcoming movies though, of course, there are surely still productions the studio is working on that have yet to be revealed. As far as Eric Brooks (a.k.a. Blade) goes, it’s recently been rumored that he’ll appear in the upcoming Avengers: Secret Wars and, per a more recent piece of superhero gossip, he’ll also appear in a Midnight Sons movie This information comes by way of insider Daniel Richtman’s patreon (via ComicBookMovie).

Of course, all of this should be taken with a massive grain of salt, especially the Midnight Sons bit, given such a project has not been confirmed by Marvel. Still, Ritchman alleges that the previously mentioned vampire hunter will have a “big role” in that proposed flick. It would honestly make sense for the character to be in that film, given how long the character has been synonymous with that team of supernatural-tinged vigilantes across the comics.

It would also make sense for Ali’s antihero to appear in Secret Wars, which is apparently much different from other Avengers films. Anyone who’s read either of the Secret Wars comic book runs likely knows there are a lot of characters involved, and the MCU could easily follow suit in that regard. Even though the prospect of the Daywalker being involved in one of the movies is exciting, there’s still reason to wonder about one very important detail.

These Blade Rumors Prompt A Very Important Question

With Blade supposedly set to be utilized in two forthcoming MCU films, there’s one question we all really need to ask: Which version of the character are we going to see? I mean, given the multiversal nature of the MCU, fans could end up seeing either Mahershala Ali’s Eric or even Wesley Snipes’. My first thought would be that Ali’s iteration of the vampiric character would be involved in Secret Wars and Midnight Sons. However, the reemergence of Snipes’ beloved variant of Brooks may throw that into question.

Snipes was called upon by Ryan Reynolds to reprise his role as the vampire hunter for 2024’s Deadpool & Wolverine. In the movie, Eric teams up with the titular protagonists along with others like Jennifer Garner’s Elektra and Channing Tatum’s Gambit to stop Cassandra Nova. Snipes’ surprise reprisal was lauded by fans and it also landed him a major record. With his appearance in D&W, Snipes earned the Guinness World Record for the longest stint playing a live-action Marvel character. It might seem more reasonable for Ali’s Brooks to appear in a Sons project but, in a post-Secret Wars continuity, the status quo could change.

As for Mahershala Ali’s Blade movie, some reports allege that the project is “dead” after having lost multiple directors and experienced various script changes. Nevertheless, cast member Mia Goth still expressed optimism about the film’s status around the fall of 2025, saying that Marvel still wanted “to make a great movie.” Personally, I hope the project still happens with Ali and that he does appear in another MCU movie like Midnight Sons. Nevertheless, who am I to count out Wesley Snipes at this point?

Avengers: Secret Wars is set to open in theaters on December 17, 2027. In the meantime, fans can stream Deadpool & Wolverine alongside other MCU films using a Disney+ subscription.

There aren’t many actors who can match the kind of superhero genre longevity that Hugh Jackman has had. Jackman made his debut as Logan a.k.a. Wolverine in 2000’s X-Men and went on to reprise the role in various films, with the latest being 2024’s Deadpool & Wolverine. Because of that lengthy tenure, the Australian actor was the recipient of a very impressive record, which he ultimately lost to Blade star Wesley Snipes. Jackman was recently made aware of the loss, and the witty actor shared a razor-sharp response.

Jackman originally held the Guinness World Record for the longest tenure as a live-action Marvel superhero, with that number standing at 24 years in 2024. However, Snipes – who made his debut as Eric Brooks/Blade in 1998 – managed to nab that title back when he reprised his role in D&W alongside Jackman. That appearance brought Snipes’ Marvel stint up to 26 years. BuzzFeed UK recently brought up the record loss to Jackman and, as seen in the Instagram video of the chat, he had a funny reply:

One thing to know about Hugh Jackman is that he’s all about the jokes (and that’s unsurprising given this is the same man who’s engaged in a faux feud with Ryan Reynolds). During his interview, for which he was promoting the film Song Sung Blue, Jackman was also asked if he needed to win that title back. Jackman then mused that he believed it would all come down to whoever lived longer. As for who would win, the sharp Wolverine portrayer shared a chuckleworthy take, which can be seen in the video:

Jackman is definitely no slouch, but Wesley Snipes is also a force to be reckoned with in his own right. Snipes’ imposing presence is arguably one of the biggest reasons why he’s so perfect for the role of the Daywalker. In 2024, many were hyped to see him reprise his role as Brooks (although the original Blade trilogy writer was confused by his appearance). The character’s inclusion in Deadpool & Wolverine was not only special for Snipes himself, but it was auspicious for Ryan Reynolds (the lead actor and producer) as well.

Of course, the re-emergence of Wolverine was a major moment as well, and Jackman has been candid about how Reynolds helped convince him to don those adamantium claws again. Now, as Marvel Cinematic Universe films like Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars approach, Jackman is receiving questions about whether he’ll reprise Logan at some point. He recently said he’d never rule out the possibility but mostly played coy.

Another appearance as his beloved mutant character could help Hugh Jackman take back his title (if Wesley Snipes doesn’t return either, of course). Considering the funny thoughts he shared on losing the record, however, it feels as though he doesn’t put so much stock into such accomplishments. Quite frankly, I love a sharp-witted actor who doesn’t take himself too seriously.

Check out both Jackman and Snipes in Deadpool & Wolverine, which is streamable with a Disney+ subscription. Other X-Men-related films can also be found on that platform.

Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson set the box office on fire with their 1992 sports comedy White Men Can’t Jump. However, there is another sports comedy from even earlier in their careers that I think is just as funny: Wildcats from 1986, which you can watch for free on YouTube. It doesn’t hurt that the star of the movie is the legendary Goldie Hawn, who plays a high school football coach who is discriminated for her gender and takes a job at a rundown high school with a team full of misfits, led by Harrelson and Snipes’ characters.

Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson Are So Young!

Wildcats is the first credited movie role for both Harrelson and Snipes. It's, well, wild that two soon-to-be superstars debut together. It was also only the third credited role for the great Mykelti Williamson, who would break out many years later as Bubba in one of the best movies of the ‘90s, Forrest Gump. If that’s not enough, future SNL star, the late Jan Hooks, also pops up in one of her first roles (after Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure, of course). LL Cool J even has a cameo as a rapper just as his career was taking off. They all seem like kids, even if both Snipes and Harrelson were in their mid-20s playing high school students.

The young cast is joined by some serious comedy veterans. Along with Goldie Hawn, there is also Swoosie Kurtz as Hawn’s sister, Bruce McGill as Hawn’s ex-boss and rival coach, and the late, great Nipsey Russell as the inner city school’s loquacious principal. Russell is especially funny here, and his recurring joke about selling peanut brittle as a fundraiser for the school is something I still quote all the time, all these years later.

Goldie Hawn Is Wonderful

The star of the movie, in every way, is, of course, Goldie Hawn. Her take on a talented, yet under-appreciated football coach is simply hilarious and fantastic. She has just enough toughness offset by her vulnerability that her character is completely believable. She walks the line between confidence and doubt brilliantly. Like every great Hawn role, though, it’s her comedic timing that makes the movie so damn funny.

Wildcats kicked off another high point in Hawn’s stellar career after working selectively in the early ‘80s as she took time from work to raise her young kids, Oliver and Kate Hudson. Her next movie would be Overboard a year later. How this one gets lost in her filmography, I’ll never know, because it was truly one of my favorite movies when I was a kid. If there is one legitimate complaint about Wildcats, it’s Hawn’s character being a “white savior,” but that really doesn’t take away from the humor of the movie.

It’s rare that a movie that features a cast of up-and-comers like Wildcats doesn’t get a lot of attention, but with the movie streaming for free, now’s a good time to revisit this underrated comedy. It might not be one of the best movies of the ‘80s, but you can decide for yourself if it should be more lauded like I do.

Many of the biggest action stars of all time, in the best action movies, got their start in the 1980s and 1990s when action movies really started to dominate Hollywood. Stars like Tom Cruise, Angelina Jolie, and Keanu Reeves all started making their mark in those seminal decades in film. This gallery is a tribute to all the action stars who are still making movies today, but began their careers decades ago.

Keanu Reeves

While he broke out in comedies like Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure and Parenthood, it wasn't long before Keanu Reeves was starring in big action flicks like Point Blank and Speed. Reeves isn't just an action star, but with the lead in two now-iconic franchises, The Matrix and John Wick, he definitely belongs near the top of any list like this.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie's career started early. She was just 6 years old when she appeared in her first movie in 1982 alongside her dad, Jon Voight. By the late '90s, she was on her way to becoming one of the biggest stars in the world. She got into action movies with films like Gone In 60 Seconds and her biggest franchise, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, and while she has always kept one foot in more indie-type movies (including as a director), she's been a steady action star for decades.

Nicolas Cage

It's hard to come up with a Hollywood star with a more diverse acting career than Nicolas Cage. His rage is actually pretty amazing, and that certainly includes starring in some great action movies, like the iconic Con Air and the National Treasure movies.

Scarlett Johansson

Like a lot of actors on this list, Scarlett Johansson can't be pigeon-holed as simply an action star. She is, however, one of the major players in the MCU as Black Widow, and has starred in other action flicks like Jurassic World Rebirth and Lucy.

Wesley Snipes

Most of the biggest box office successes of Wesley Snipes' early career were comedies like Major League, Wildcats, and White Men Can't Jump. In the early '90s he transistioned into action movies with leading roles in the likes of New Jack City, Passenger 57, and Rising Son. He also starred in Demolition Man with Sylvester Stallone, and, of course, as Blade in three movies.

Halle Berry

You might not think of Halle Berry as an action star... until you remember how many superhero movies she's starred in. Not only was she an important part of the X-Men franchise, but she was also Batwoman in 2004 and has also starred in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, Kingsman: The Golden Circle, and others.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

This one is a little tricky. Technically, action movie legend Arnold Schwarzenegger had his first role way back in 1970 with Hercules in New York, but that was really a one-off B-movie that was soon forgotten. After he spent the 1970s winning every bodybuilding trophy on Earth, he entered Hollywood properly in 1982 when he starred in Conan the Barbarian. Everything since is action history.

Robert Downey, Jr.

Robert Downey, Jr. doesn't jump off the page as an action star. The Oscar winner has proven he can star in any genre, but as the anchor of the MCU movies for more than a decade, he definitely belongs on this list.

Tom Cruise

There's nothing to be said about Tom Cruise that hasn't already been written, right? One of the biggest stars in Hollywood history, Cruise has starred in action movies like Top Gun and its sequel, a couple of Jack Reacher movies, the Mission: Impossible franchise, and great one-offs like Edge of Tomorrow, War of the Worlds, and Minority Report, to name just a few. Plus, he famously does a ton of his own stunts, which shows just how much he belongs on any list of big action stars.

Milla Jovovich

Milla Jovovich started as a model, but transitioned to movies with films like Return to the Blue Lagoon and Dazed and Confused. Soo,n though, she started popping up in legendary action movies like The Fifth Element and, most notably, as Alice in six Resident Evil movies.

Jean-Claude Van Damme

In the '80s, a whole slew of action-first stars emerged, and one of the most popular was Jean-Claude Van Damme. Van Damme first gained fame in No Retreat, No Surrender, and followed that with hits like Bloodsport and Cyborg.

Linda Hamilton

Director James Cameron can be divisive, but you can't argue that he knows how to create female action star leads with great parts and great casting. Linda Hamilton is a legend from her appearances in the Terminator movies over the years.

Kurt Russell

Okay, we have to acknowledge that Kurt Russell's career started when he was a child star with Disney way back in the 1960s. In the '80s, he fully dove into action flicks in a big way with movies like Escape from New York, The Thing, and Big Trouble in Little China, all directed by one of the decade's best directors, John Carpenter. He's since been in a slew of action movies.

Mel Gibson

With the Mad Max franchise and the Lethal Weapon movies, Mel Gibson would be on this list even if those were his only movies. Of course, he has so much more, like Braveheart, Ransom, and many of the other best action movies of the '90s.

Thandiwe Newton

Thandiwe Newton debuted in 1991's comedy Flirting, and in the '90s and beyond, she's starred in action movies like Mission: Impossible 2, The Chronicles of Riddick, Solo: A Star Wars Story, and 2012. She's also starred in TV shows like Westworld that fit in this genre, too.

Dolph Lundgren

One of the pillars of cheesy (and awesome) '80s action is the great Dolph Lundgren. From fantasy heroes like He-Man in 1987's Masters of the Universe to communist boxers like Ivan Drago in Rocky IV, he's been a staple for decades in lots of action movies, including part of the O.G. cast in The Expendables franchise.

Lucy Liu

Lucy Liu kicked off her career in the early '90s, and before too long, she started doing some awesome action movies. Probably the most notable are the Charlie's Angels movies and the Kill Bill movies, but she's also got some less-well-known ones like The Man with the Iron Fists, directed by RZA, and even superhero movies, like Shazam! Fury of the Gods.

Jason Statham

Like other actors on this list, Jason Statham didn't start in true action flicks. His first roles were in the Guy Ritchie films Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch, but within a couple of years, he became a full-blown action hero in The Transporter and The Italian Job. Now it seems like he's in all the biggest action franchises, like The Expendables and the Fast & Furious movies.

Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron is one of the most versatile actresses in Hollywood. She won an Oscar for her portrayal of serial killer Aileen Wuornos in the terrifying true story Monster. She's also been in acclaimed dramas like The Road, Cider House Rules, and Bombshell. Of course, she's starred in a whole slew of great action movies like Mad Max: Fury Road, Atomic Blonde, Æon Flux, and a few of the Fast & Furious movies.

Jet Li

Jet Li started out in movies in Hong Kong in the early 1980s, where he quickly established himself as one of the great martial arts stars in Chinese-language films. After a decade and a half in Hong Kong, he moved to Hollywood in the late '90s, starring first as the villain in Lethal Weapon 4 in 1998. He became such a big action star that he was included in the first three Expendables movies.

Kevin Costner

Kevin Costner might not seem like the typical action star, but he definitely is. Movies like Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, The Postman, and the incredibly underrated Waterworld prove that when he wants to be, he can be a great action hero.

Michelle Yeoh

Like some other actors on this list, Michelle Yeoh starred in martial arts movies in Hong Kong in the '90s. Her breakout film in the West was as Wai Lin in the James Bond movie Tomorrow Never Dies, where she showed the whole world her stage fighting and stunt skills. Since then, she's been in hits like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and, of course, Everything Everywhere All at Once, for which she won the Oscar for Best Actress.

Bruce Willis

There's no way this list would be complete without the great Bruce Willis! Die Hard will always be one of the best action movies of all time and in many ways helps define what a action movie in the 1980s looked and felt like. Only Willis could have pulled off the the wit and charm of John McClane. He's been in a ton of action movies since, of course. He is now retired, due to his health, but he worked right up until he no longer could.

Cameron Diaz

Cameron Diaz took a long hiatus from acting, finally returning in the 2025 Netflix release, appropriately called Back in Action. While she may be best known for her roles in romcoms like There's Something About Mary and The Mask and dramas like Gangs of New York and Vanilla Sky, she's had her fair share of action hits too, like Charlie's Angels and Knight and Day.

Steven Seagal

It's easy to forget just how huge an action star Steven Seagal was in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He actually sort of dominated the box office with movies like Hard To Kill, Above The Law, Mark For Death, and Out For Justice. He reached the artistic pinnacle of his career with 1992's Under Siege. It's not just a great movie for teenage boys like his first four movies; it's legitimately a great movie, with great performances from Seagal, Tommy Lee Jones, and Gary Busey. Sure, he's not making movies on that level anymore, but he's still been churning out straight-to-video-type releases for decades.

Peter Weller

Peter Weller's breakout came in The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension in 1984, but he really hit the big time with 1987's classic RoboCop. Sure, it was insanely violent, but RoboCop had a unique political message, too. Weller's been going strong ever since.

Robert Patrick

The iconic T-1000 in Terminator 2 became one of the great action villains of the 1990s. Robert Patrick played the role of the callous, cold robot killer perfectly. It established him as a legit action star, and he's been busy ever since.

Mickey Rourke

Mickey Rourke isn't only an action star. In fact, most of his roles have been in serious dramas, starting with movies like The Pope of Greenwich Village and 9½ Weeks in the 1980s, but he's definitely proven his action bona fides with roles in Iron Man 2, Sin City, and The Expendables.

Matt Damon

Anyone who has starred as Jason Bourne in four films deserves to be on this list. Sure, Matt Damon might not be the first actor you think of as an action hero, but come on! You can't deny that he belongs on this list for those films alone. Throw in movies like The Martian and Elysium, and he definitely should be here.

Dwayne Johnson

We're making a slight exception here. Technically, Dwayne Johnson's first movie credit came in 2001 in The Mummy Returns, but he had been quite famous for years for his work in the WWE throughout the 1990s. So while he didn't get his start in movies until later, he was a well-established star years before that. Of course, in the two and a half decades since his first movie role, he's become one of the biggest action heroes of all time.

Zoe Bell

This is another interesting case. Zoe Bell's first acting role in a movie was in Quentin Tarantino's Death Proof in 2007. However, she had already built a legendary career as a stunt woman going back to the 1990s. With the Academy Awards (finally) adding a trophy for best stunts, we're going to include Bell here, because she's been performing in movies for decades.

Will Smith

He started as a rapper, then got into acting with comedy, and in the '90s, Will Smith became a big action star with movies like Independence Day, Bad Boys, and Men in Black. He's proven to be a very versatile actor over the years, starring in every genre of film you can think of.

Let’s all agree to keep our fangs checked and behind closed lips throughout the duration of this story, no matter how much we might want to go into a rage. Yet another Blade-related update has surfaced within the MCU, and while it isn’t an additional nail in the coffin of Mahershala Ali’s standalone Blade movie, it is a another big blow to fans desperately waiting for Marvel to actually give the talented actor something to do.

In the aftermath of Marvel rumors pointing to a lack of urgency regarding the daywalker’s long road to reboot, the one strand of hope some fans remained attached to surrounded Ali potentially voicing Blade for the upcoming MCU TV show Marvel Zombies, which will be available to stream in October via Disney+ subscription. Unfortunately, that won’t be the case at all.

According to ComicBook.com, the upcoming R-rated MCU series will feature an iteration of the dhampir, with voice-acting duties delivered by The Chicago Code and Good Behavior vet Todd Williams.

Williams will be providing his talents to play Blade Knight. No not the Kirby character, but a What If...? interpretation that mashes up Eric Brooks with Moon Knight Marc Spector. Williams will, perhaps unsurprisingly, also be the voice of Spector and MK.

Given this update wasn't shared with any direct relation to Mahershala Ali, it's unclear exactly why we're getting yet another on-screen Blade that won't feature the actor cast to play him. (With the other one being Wesley Snipes' reprised character in Deadpool and Wolverine.) Given how many live-action MCU actors do lend their voices to animated projects, there's always a minimal amount of curiosity anytime a hero or villain is recast. The same definitely goes here, considering the only time Ali and Blade actually dovetailed was in the Eternals post-credits scene.

Interestingly enough, and also not connected, Todd Williams provides the voice for the Invincible character Titan in Season 2, having replaced the actor who starred in Season 1. That actor? Mahershala Ali.

The OG Blade screenwriter David Goyer shared his own confusion about Snipes reprising the daywalker for D&W, and shared that he's asked Marvel if they want his help in scripting Blade's official MCU debut, but to no avail. Maybe after this animated version dies, THAT'S when Ali's version can officially rise up. Or, you know, not.

Marvel Zombies is set to debut all four episodes on Disney+ starting on September 24, 2025.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe introduced an entire generation of superhero movie fans to some of the comic book publishing giant’s most iconic characters, such as Iron Man and Thor. However, many of the heroes and villains we know from those Marvel movies in order have found their way to the big or small screen. Let’s honor some of the actors who brought them to life before they were inducted into the MCU.

Tobey Maguire (Spider-Man)

Some Marvel Comics fans have criticized the casting of Tobey Maguire in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy, considering he was far older than when Peter Parker was bitten by a radioactive arachnid at the time. While Tom Holland certainly fit the bill of a teenage vigilante better years later, Maguire is still remembered today as one of the best to play the role. Not to mention, he wore, arguably, the best cinematic Spidey outfit of all time.

Jessica Alba (Invisible Woman)

Following her Golden Globe-nominated breakthrough role on Dark Angel, Jessica Alba could be seen just about everywhere in the early 2000s. Ironically, she made her comic book movie debut in Tim Story's Fantastic Four as a superhero known for being unseen: Sue "Invisible Woman" Storm, who would be inducted into the MCU with Vanessa Kirby's portrayal.

Ben Affleck (Daredevil)

Ben Affleck would make an amusing, if not polarizing, impression when he joined a long line of live-action Batman actors for Zack Snyder's short-lived DC Extended Universe. More than a decade earlier, the Oscar winner cut his teeth in the world of superhero acting by playing the title role of 2003's Daredevil before Charlie Cox took over the role for the MCU in his own hit series.

Djimon Hounsou (Black Panther)

Djimon Hounsou has a small role in 2014's Guardians of the Galaxy as Korath the Pursuer, but had voiced the Black Panther in a BET original animated series four years earlier. The Academy Award nominee would later share the screen as Korath with the MCU's T'Challa, Chadwick Boseman, for an episode of the animated anthology series, What If...?

Wesley Snipes (Blade)

Marvel's popular vampire hunter character would, technically, make his MCU debut when Mahershala Ali made a vocal cameo as Blade in the post-credit sequence of 2021's Eternals. However, the first actor to play the Daywalker in his own trilogy of Blade movies, Wesley Snipes, beat him to the punch by making a full, live MCU appearance in Deadpool & Wolverine.

Dolph Lundgren (The Punisher)

It is hard to imagine Rocky IV star Dolph Lundgren with jet black hair, but he donned it to play Frank Castle in a straight-to-video feature adaptation of The Punisher in 1989. The role of the vengeful vigilante would be passed down a couple more times before Jon Bernthal took over as the MCU's official iteration, but the Swedish actor would later return to comic book movie acting as King Nereus in the Jason Momoa-led Aquaman movies.

David Hasselhoff (Nick Fury)

Samuel L. Jackson's performance as Nick Fury has become so definitive that Marvel would use his likeness in the Ultimate universe comics. However, the eye-patched secret agent's main iteration better resembles David Hasselhoff, who would, indeed, play him in 1998's Nick Fury: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., a made-for-TV movie that was intended to be a pilot for an original series on Fox.

Jennifer Garner (Elektra Natchios)

Jennifer Garner played a lighter interpretation of Matt Murdock's assassin lover, Elektra Natchios, in 2003's Daredevil and in her own spin-off film from two years later. While the Alias star would also reprise the role in Deadpool & Wolverine, the official MCU iteration, introduced in Season 2 of the Daredevil series, is played by Élodie Yung.

Chris Evans (Human Torch)

Chris Evans is one of the few MCU actors who can say he previously played a superhero from a different corner of the Marvel Multiverse. Years before he was cast as Steve Rogers in Captain America: The First Avenger, he starred in the 2000s Fantastic Four movies as the Human Torch, which he referenced to hilarious effect in Deadpool & Wolverine. The MCU later introduced its own official iteration of Johnny Storm, played by Joseph Quinn.

Lou Ferrigno (Hulk)

Before Bruce Banner's mean, green alter ego became the product of putting Mark Ruffalo in a performance capture suit, he was brought to life in live-action on the hit TV show, The Incredible Hulk, by Lou Ferrigno, standing in for David Banner actor Bill Bixby whenever he would get angry. The legendary bodybuilder also lent his voice to the role in the Incredible Hulk animated series and made a cameo as a security guard in both 2003's Hulk and the Edward Norton-led MCU debut.

J.K. Simmons (J. Jonah Jameson)

One of the few actors known for playing the same Marvel character both in and outside of the MCU is J.K. Simmons. The Academy Award winner stole the show as the editor-in-chief of the Daily Bugle in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man movies before reimagining the role as a conspiracy theorist and podcast host in the Tom Holland-led films.

Doug Jones (Silver Surfer)

The MCU would introduce a unique version of the Silver Surfer played by Emmy winner Julia Garner in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Doug Jones, a master of roles requiring performance capture and heavy makeup transformations, shares credit for portraying the first "live-action" iteration of the metallic-skinned alien from 2007's Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer with Laurence Fishburne, who provided the voice.

Robert Hays (Iron Man)

It is hard to imagine anyone else in the role of Tony Stark other than Academy Award winner Robert Downey Jr., but Iron Man was the star of his own animated series years earlier in the mid-1990s. Voicing the wealthy vigilante was Robert Hays, who is best known for starring in the classic spoof movie, Airplane!, as Ted Striker.

Neil Patrick Harris (Spider-Man)

In 2003, MTV aired a TV show very loosely connected to Sam Raimi's Marvel movies called Spider-Man: The New Animated Series. Instead of Tobey Maguire, the actor providing the voice of Peter Parker was none other than future How I Met Your Mother cast member Neil Patrick Harris, who later contributed to the 2010 video game, Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions.

Eric Allan Kramer (Thor)

Years before Chris Hemsworth's definitive performance as Thor in the MCU made him a household name, Eric Allan Kramer of Robin Hood: Men in Tights and Good Luck Charlie fame became the first actor the play the role in live-action in the 1988 TV movie, The Incredible Hulk Returns. However, I feel obligated to mention that Vincent D'Onofrio's role in Adventures in Babysitting as Dawson, who bears a striking resemblance to the God of Thunder, predates Kramer's portrayal by a year.

Rosemary Harris (Aunt May)

With all due respect and admiration for Marisa Tomei, the Oscar winner is certainly not the first person you would picture to play Peter Parker's Aunt May, as she does in the MCU. However, Rosemary Harris is not only the spitting image of the comic book character, but also gives a moving, iconic performance as May opposite Tobey Maguire's Peter in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy.

Matt Salinger (Captain America)

One of the most notable screen iterations of Steve Rogers that pre-dates Chris Evans' portrayal comes from 1990's infamous straight-to-video feature, Captain America. Playing the title role is Matt Salinger, who, believe it or not, is the son of The Catcher in the Rye author J.D. Salinger, as the actor discussed with The Guardian.

James Avery (War Machine)

Most people know actor James Avery best from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air cast as Philip Banks. Around that same time, however, the actor lent his voice to the animated Iron Man series as James "Rhodey" Rhodes, a.k.a. War Machine, years before Tony Stark's buddy was portrayed in the MCU by Don Cheadle... and Terrence Howard, of course.

Nicholas Hammond (Spider-Man)

Before the role was brought to life by Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, and Tom Holland, the first actor to play Peter Parker in live-action was Nicholas Hammond. The Sound of Music star led CBS' Spider-Man series and its two made-for-TV companion films in the late 1970s.

Jennifer Connelly (Betty Ross)

Liv Tyler appeared in 2008's The Incredible Hulk as Betty Ross, the colleague and love interest of Edward Norton's Bruce Banner. Years earlier, in 2003's Hulk, she was played by Academy Award winner Jennifer Connelly, who was also subtly inducted into the MCU as the voice of Karen, the AI built into Peter Parker's high-tech suit in Spider-Man: Homecoming.

Thomas Jane (The Punisher)

Three actors were brought in to play Frank Castle before Jon Bernthal was cast in the role for the MCU. The second, after Dolph Lundgren and before Ray Stevenson, and first to bring the vigilante into the 21st Century, was Thomas Jane in 2004's The Punisher, which sees the anti-hero take on a corrupt businessman responsible for his family's tragic deaths.

Cree Summer (She-Hulk)

Cree Summer is the prolific voice actor behind many well-known animated roles, such as Susie Carmichael from Nickelodeon's Rugrats. She was also the second person to voice Bruce Banner's cousin, Jennifer Walters, on the animated Incredible Hulk TV show almost a couple of decades before Tatiana Maslany was cast in the lead role of Disney+'s She-Hulk: Attorney at Law.

Michael Chiklis (The Thing)

Jamie Bell and Emmy winner Ebon Moss-Bachrach (who also appeared on Jon Bernthal's The Punisher series) both played CGI versions of Ben "The Thing" Grimm in their respective cinematic adaptations of the Fantastic Four comics. However, Michael Chiklis admirably went the old-fashioned route and donned a heavy amount of prosthetics to play the orange, rock-skinned superhero in Tim Story's movies from 2004 and 2007.

Sam Elliott (Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross)

Following William Hurt's passing, Harrison Ford stepped in to play Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross for the MCU in Captain America: Brave New World, in which the military general-turned-U.S. president becomes the Red Hulk. However, you could argue that the most intimidating portrayal of the character is still that of Sam Elliott in 2003's Hulk.

Peter Hooten (Dr. Strange)

With the title's otherworldly, psychedelic imagery, it is not very surprising to learn that Marvel's Doctor Strange comics were first adapted for live-action in the 1970s. CBS attempted to launch a series focused on the Sorcerer Supreme with a pilot led by actor Peter Hooten, who was, of course, succeeded decades later by Benedict Cumberbatch as the MCU's official iteration.

Lisa Rinna (Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine)

While better known today as a star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Lisa Rinna also has the honor of being the first actor to portray Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine in live-action in 1998's Nick Fury: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. In the MCU, the Italian-American noblewoman and CIA director is played by Seinfeld cast member Julia-Louis Dreyfus.

Conan Stevens (Man-Thing)

In 2005, SyFy aired a scary "movie of the week" inspired by the Marvel comic book character Man-Thing, played by Conan Stevens, who is essentially the publisher's equivalent to DC's Swamp Thing. The humanoid plant creature was painted in a far more sympathetic light in the Disney+ original Halloween special, Werewolf by Night, in which he was portrayed in motion capture by Carey Jones.

Ed Asner (J. Jonah Jameson)

Emmy winner Ed Asner's definitive TV role for years was cantankerous journalist Lou Grant on beloved TV sitcom The Mary Tyler Moore Show and the character's more earnest self-titled spin-off. In other words, he was a perfect choice to voice J. Jonah Jameson in Spider-Man: The Animated Series in the 1990s.

Eric Bana (Bruce Banner)

The first live-action, theatrically released feature film adaptation of Marvel's The Incredible Hulk comics, director Ang Lee's Hulk, cast Australian actor Eric Bana as Bruce Banner. The brilliant physicist would later return to the big screen as part of the MCU, first portrayed by Edward Norton in his 2008 solo flick before Mark Ruffalo took over the role in subsequent installments.

Ed Gale (Howard The Duck)

Howard the Duck, one of the most bizarre characters in Marvel Comics' history, exists in the MCU, having first appeared in the post-credit sequence for Guardians of the Galaxy, voiced by Seth Green. The fowl extraterrestrial crimefighter made his feature debut, however, in a self-titled film from producer George Lucas, in which Ed Gale, a little person also known for playing Chucky in Child's Play, wore a duck costume on set while Chip Zien provided the voice.

Ioan Gruffudd (Mr. Fantastic)

Before Pedro Pascal added the MCU to his ongoing list of franchises by playing Reed Richards in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, English actor Ioan Gruffudd played the stretchy superhero otherwise known as Mr. Fantastic in Tim Story's Fantastic Four movies.

Sticky Fingaz (Blade)

Mahershala Ali is actually not Wesley Snipes' direct successor to the role of Blade. Rap artist Sticky Fingaz played the vampire hunter in a short-lived TV series from 2006.

Last summer’s Deadpool & Wolverine was packed with special cameos, most of whom were tied to Fox’s X-Men franchise and other superhero movies the film studio, which is now merged with Disney, released back in the day. One of the exceptions, however, was Wesley Snipes reprising Blade, as the Daywalker’s movies from the late ‘90s and early 2000s hailed from New Line Cinema. David S. Goyer, who penned the Blade trilogy, recently admitted that he was confused by Snipes being in the MCU movie, but he did share an interesting theory about why it happened that’s tied to the long-awaited Blade reboot.

Goyer addressed this topic while appearing on Happy Sad Confused to talk about the 20th anniversary of Batman Begins, which he co-wrote. Towards the end of his conversation with host Josh Horowitz, he briefly talked about how he doesn’t understand why Marvel Studios is having such a hard time cracking Blade, especially with Mahershala Ali attached to play the vampire slayer. Then when Horowitz speculated about if the positive reception to Snipes’ appearance in Deadpool & Wolverine might have complicated development of the reboot even more, Goyer said:

I don’t necessarily agree that it didn’t make sense for Wesley Snipes’ Blade to appear in Deadpool & Wolverine if Marvel is trying to introduce Mahershala Ali’s version. After all, Chris Evans reprised Johnny Storm, a.k.a. The Human Torch, and we’ll soon meet Joseph Quinn’s version of that character in next month’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Besides, given how poorly Blade: Trinity was received, with David S. Goyer once calling it the “worst experience” of his career, I’d say Snipes deserve to reprise Eric Brooks and leave him in a better place than where he was left.

As for Goyer theorizing that Wesley Snipes was included in Deadpool & Wolverine as a way to indirectly acknowledge the Blade reboot’s troubles, I’d buy that as a possibility. It would certainly make Snipes saying, “There’s only been one Blade. There’s only ever going to be one Blade” even funnier, as that line prompted Deadpool to knowingly look at the camera. In that sense, the Merc with the Mouth is silently confirming Snipes is correct, but the joke still works the other way if we get to meet Mahershala Ali’s Blade someday, thus proving his predecessor wrong.

The Blade reboot remains undated on the upcoming Marvel movies schedule, and development on it was reportedly paused in March. While we await any significant update on its status, remember that Deadpool & Wolverine can be revisited at your convenience with a Disney+ subscription.

Anyone who’s looking forward to Mahershala Ali’s debut as Marvel Studios’ new Daywalker has been living in a multiverse of sadness. I count myself among those folks, as the removal of the Blade reboot from the 2025 movie schedule still stings - considering the project was announced back in 2019, and all we’ve had to show for it is that Eternals post-credits tease.

So while I’m not here to tell you that of any news that definitively changes what we know about Blade’s reboot, because Marvel doesn't ever get definitive about projects that fail to come together, here are some whisperings of good news. Namely a rumor surfaced that ties into one of my underlying hopes during yesterday’s Avengers: Doomsday casting-with-chairs event. Social media scooper MyTimeToShineH (via CBM) has shared a tip that the “indefinite hold” we’ve seen put on director-less feature is thanks to all things Multiverse taking precedent at Marvel Studios.

Oh yes True Believers - Deadpool & Wolverine’s huge cameo from Wesley Snipes has supposedly made waves, and the rumored play is to now make Mahershala Ali’s proper Marvel Cinematic Universe debut into an adventure including Wesley Snipes’ OG Variant.

Flipping back to yesterday's Avengers: Doomsday cavalcade, this already makes a lot of sense. Since Channing Tatum's Gambit was announced as part of the lengthy line up promised to take on Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom, allowing Wesley Snipes’ Marvel character record to grow makes sense.

Not to mention having him finally introducing us all to the next generation of vampire hunter, is something that’s worthy of celebration. Pretty much everyone who heard the words “There’s only been one Blade, there's only ever gonna be one Blade.” be it in a movie theater or streaming through a Disney+ subscription, felt that claim to their core.

That’s not a sign that Mahershala Ali’s fresh take is unwanted, but rather a sign that the revamp should keep in mind Blade’s place as one of the handful of non-MCU success stories at the movies. Adapting creator Marv Wolfman’s character has probably never seemed easy, and Blade’s removal from Disney/Marvel’s release slate only highlights the increased difficulty in a post-Iron Man culture where PG-13 juggernauts have called the tune.

Marvel Studios has always intended for Wesley Snipes’ immortal words in that Deadpool & Wolverine storyline to be eaten, as their writing was more aimed at entering another quotable quote into Eric Brooks’ lexicon. As seen in Kevin Feige’s Blade delay comments, the preparation of that meal needs to be just right, with increased importance now included after Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman’s epic team-up.

Now with the Multiverse story in full effect, and the door to more R-rated comic movies being properly opened, Blade’s time to shine may have finally arrived. It's a development that couldn't have arrived at more opportune moment, as at the time of this story’s publication, the MCU’s Blade has gone through a director departure, as well as six writers and almost as many years in development.

Normally a delay in the face of such an interminable wait would be disastrous. However, if this rumor happens to be true, seeing Wesley Snipes pass Mahershala Ali his spiked sword of suckhead justice will have made it all worth it in the end. And why not…it’s apparently working for the X-Men!

There is nothing more iconic than a good looking leather jacket on a movie star. There are as many styles of jacket as there are stars, which makes looking good easy. From Marlon Brando to Keanu Reeves, leather jackets have been a part of some of the most incredible looking costumes ever. So, here is our list of some of the most iconic leather coats and jackets in Hollywood history.

Marlon Brando In The Wild One

This list wouldn't be complete without including the O.G. leather look on Marlon Brando in The Wild One. The 1953 film about a biker gang was not only a big hit in theaters, but it was a huge influence on society. From the outlaw biker gangs who took inspiration from the look to regular folks who saw the leather jackets as the coolest of cool.

Wesley Snipes In Blade

Wesley Snipes is the coolest-looking superhero in Blade with his iconic look in leather and sunglasses. Everything about the costume and the character oozes cool and defines Blade's renegade nature.

Arnold Schwarzenegger In The Terminator Movies

Leather jackets definitely provide a look for someone to say "Don't mess with me," and nowhere is this more true in Hollywood than when Arnold Schwarzenegger wears one in the Terminator movies. Starting with the first movie, he's usually seen in one and you definitely don't want to mess with him.

Rooney Mara In The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

Leather jackets have always been a symbol of rebelliousness in Hollywood. In The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, it's the perfect look for Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara) to portray both her anti-social nature and her tough exterior. You can't imagine wearing anything else.

John Travolta In Saturday Night Fever

In the 1970s, no one was cooler than John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever. The strut, the hair, the dancing, and the leather jacket all made that possible. The look is so iconic that people are still imitating it today, five decades later.

Carrie-Anne Moss In The Matrix Movies

It's safe to say that The Matrix movies would not be the same if the characters were dressed in anything but the coolest and toughest-looking leather jackets and coats. From Neo to Morpheus to, of course, Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) in her amazing looking long leather coat. It's just such an amazing bit of costume.

Brad Pitt In Fight Club

Not every leather jacket has to be black to look completely awesome. Tyler Durden's reddish-brown jacket in Fight Club has become one of the most famous looks in Hollywood. Of course, it's easy for Brad Pitt to pull off almost any look, but he might just look his coolest in Fight Club.

Hugh Jackman In The X-Men Films

Leather jackets have been used a lot over the years to depict both heroes and anti-heroes. Nowhere is this more clear than on Logan aka Wolverine, as depicted by Hugh Jackman in the X-Men and now in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Logan is anti-social to an extreme and his leather jacket definitely indicates that you don't want to pick a fight with him.

Olivia Newton-John In Grease

The costumes in Grease are amazing. Of course, the T-Birds' jackets are fantastic, but it's the leather jacket that Sandy (Olivia Newton-John) dons in the last act that looks the most amazing. She completely changes her look and the jacket is what inspires the whole thing.

Keanu Reaves In The John Wick Movies

Keanu Reaves loves to wear leather in his movies, but the brown leather jacket in the first John Wick movie is probably the coolest. It's great because it's cool as heck, but it's not too over the top for the retired assassin. It makes John Wick seem normal, yet completely cool and ready for anything.

Eddie Murphy In Raw

In his standup movie Raw, Eddie Murphy takes the cool leather look to the next level. Not only does he have an amazing purple leather jacket, he compliments it with matching leather pants. It wasn't the first time he wore a leather outfit on stage, he wore a similar red one in his first standup movie, Delirious, but the purple one in Raw tops the red one in every way.

Michelle Pfeiffer in Dangerous Minds

Dangerous Minds isn't the best movie in Michelle Pfeiffer's filmography, despite having an amazing soundtrack, but for an actress who had a whole bunch of iconic looks in the '80s and '90s, her jeans and leather jacket look in the movie is one of the most memorable. It's a costume that tells you so much about the character without saying a word.

Steve McQueen In The Great Escape

It's hard to argue that Steve McQueen isn't one of the coolest stars in Hollywood history. Of course, you can earn that kind of praise without at least one leather jacket. In The Great Escape, McQueen's brown leather bomber jacket is the epitome of cool. Even when he is covered in dirt, he looks great, but it's when he's wearing the jacket that he looks his best.

Tom Cruise In Top Gun

In the '80s, there was no movie cooler than Top Gun and there was no cooler character than Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, played by Tom Cruise. The leather bomber jacket Cruise wore in the movie became so iconic and such a key characteristic of the role that when Top Gun: Maverick released its first teaser, the jacket was a big part of it.

Harrison Ford In Raiders Of The Lost Ark

There is something about a distressed leather jacket that brings authenticity to a character that few other costume pieces can. Nowhere in film history is this more true than with Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) in all of the Indiana Jones movies. The jacket, along with the hat and the whip, completely define the character in every way. Is there any other kind of jacket you could ever see Indy wearing? Of course not.

Uma Thurman In Kill Bill

There are a lot things that make Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill cool, but Uma Thurman's yellow leather motorcycle jacket tops the list. It's become an iconic costume over the years, and while not everyone could pull off the look, Thurman certainly does and everyone loves it.

Mel Gibson In The Mad Max Movies

As distressed leather jackets go, Mel Gibson's in the Mad Max movies is among the best looking. Looking into a dystopian future, it makes complete sense that leather jackets would still be part of the fashion. They are almost indestructible and have that classic look that almost no other piece of clothing has.

Joey Lauren Adams In Chasing Amy

This one flies a little bit under the radar, but it's an amazing look and deserves to be on this list. Alyssa (Joey Lauren Adams) in Chasing Amy has a lot of "rock and roll" to her style and nothing says rock star like leather.

Samuel L. Jackson In The MCU

As Deadpool asks in the post-credits scene in the original Deadpool movie, "Did you expect Samuel L. Jackson in a saucy leather number?" Well, yes, frankly we might have, since Jackson, playing the cooler-than-cool Nick Fury often shows up in a fantastic-looking leather jacket in the MCU. It is something we expect (even if Deadpool wasn't in the MCU at the time).

Tom Hardy In The Dark Knight Rises

Great Villains are often in leather. In The Dark Knight Rises Bane wears one of the greatest leather coats ever. The fur-lined brown leather number is perfect for his character and it's a look that not every villain could pull off, but Bane (Tom Hardy) certainly does.

Halle Berry In Die Another Day

Halle Berry has a few iconic outfits in the Pierce Brosnan-led James Bond film Die Another Day and while her bikini may be the most famous, the red leather jacket she wears for a lot of the movie is one heck of a look too. Sure, the movie isn't the best Brosnan-era Bond film, but you can't deny how great Berry looks in her costumes.

James Dean In Rebel Without A Cause

Seven decades after his death in 1955, James Dean is still the epitome of cool. Though he only starred in three movies, his impact on pop culture is immense. His red leather jacket in Rebel Without A Cause is one reason why. Because Dean's career was so brief, we don't have a lot of "looks" from him, making the jacket that much more iconic.

Kurt Russell In Escape From New York

If you want to look cool and look like you just don't care about anything, a distressed leather jacket can tell a lot of people just how you feel without saying a word. Take the look of Snake Pilsson (Kurt Russell) in Escape From New York. Has anyone ever looked tougher, cooler, and more aloof in an action film? No, not really.

Sigourney Weaver In Aliens

Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) is one of the most amazing characters in action movie history. Of course, that means she must look cool as heck in leather, and she does in Aliens. It's not her most iconic look, but come on, you can't deny how awesome it is.

Tom Cruise In Mission: Impossible

Let's be honest, Tom Cruise always looks good in a nice leather jacket, but if you're ranking his costumes by how good looking they are, the jacket he wears in the first Mission: Impossible is at the top. When he is doing his sleight of hand with the disc with the NOC list on it while wearing the jacket is one of the best non-action scenes in the whole series.

Peter Fonda And Dennis Hopper In Easy Rider

If you wanted to be a rebellious hippie in the late 1960s, a leather jacket was a good place to start with your look. Especially if you were on a motorcycle like Dennis Hopper and Peter Fonda in Easy Rider. Fonda has a more traditional biker look with his black leather jacket, but Hopper's character goes for a sweet suede jacket with some awesome fringe. Both look amazing.

Anne Hathaway In Get Smart

Get Smart might not be the best movie that Anne Hathaway has ever been in, but her white leather coat looks fantastic in it. It's not the only time Hathaway has shown up in an iconic leather look, who could ever forget her look in The Dark Knight Rises, it is a unique look that you don't see in a lot of movies. Of course, she completely pulls it off.

Matt Dillon In The Outsiders

The greasers in The Outsiders are mostly known for their jean jackets, but one greaser, Dally (Matt Dillion) wears a leather jacket and he looks exactly the part in it. It's not the cleanest jacket in the world, we wouldn't expect it to be, but man it looks so cool!

Laurence Fishburne In The Matrix

Like many of the characters in The Matrix, Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) looks totally iconic in his leather duster. Sure it's not a "jacket," but there was no way we could leave it off of this list!

Jon Voight In Midnight Cowboy

Midnight Cowboy is a little bit of a forgotten movie these days, but it was a massive hit when it was released. Those who know, know. Jon Voight's suede jacket with the long fringe isn't a look everyone can pull off, and even in the movie it's not always the best look, but looking back, it's safe to say it belongs on this list as one of the best in Hollywood history.

Jason Momoa In Fast X

It's not hard for Jason Momoa to look cool, I think we can all agree. Still, in Fast X, that black and white snakeskin-looking leather jacket is simply amazing. It's not a look that anyone can pull off, in fact, many would look ridiculous in it, but not Momoa, not by a longshot.

Emma Stone In La La Land

Red leather is a fantastic look, though not everyone looks good in it. Emma Stone in La La Land isn't just anyone though. Stone just looks fantastic in the jacket and it, along with all the others on this list, has become iconic.

Kicking off the 2024 movie schedule with a bang, Deadpool & Wolverine broke box office records and packed theaters with eager audiences. One of the main highlights of the raunchy superhero movie was all those killer cameos, and one in particular, the return of Wesley Snipes’s Daywalking vampire hunter, Blade. In a recent conversation with Andrew Garfield, Ryan Reynolds shared one particularly moving story about reintroducing the Demolition Man actor to Marvel fans at Comic-Con—a moment that left thousands in Hall H teary-eyed and cheering. Seriously, this hit me right in my feels.

In a chat with former Amazing Spider-Man star Andrew Garfield for Variety’s Actors on Actors series, the Merc with the Mouth performer recently discussed finding a way to honor the original vampire-slaying badass, and the result was nothing short of magical. The Just Friend’s star recalled the emotional moment:

For the uninitiated, Snipes’ portrayal of Blade in one of the best movies of the ’90s and early 2000s wasn’t just iconic—it was groundbreaking. As one of Marvel’s first successful ventures into live-action films, Blade laid the groundwork for the MCU’s multibillion-dollar empire. While Mahershala Ali is set to reboot the character for a new generation, Wesley Snipes paved the way for all upcoming superhero movies.

The White Men Can’t Jump star’s return wasn’t simply fan service; it was a reminder of the actor’s enduring legacy and how much he meant to audiences. Reynolds, who has mastered the art of balancing humor with heartfelt sincerity in the best of his movies, described the experience as a testament to the unique bond between fans and the characters they love.

What’s especially touching about the reflections of The Adam Project actor is how they align with his broader philosophy on filmmaking. As he shared with Garfield, his aim is to create “a complete experience instead of a commercial for another one.” This ethos has not only influenced his approach to Deadpool but also shaped the way he interacts with audiences, ensuring that every moment is meaningful and impactful. As a fan of film and superheroes, this is something I can wholeheartedly support.

With the MCU now fully embracing the multiverse and its rich history, Snipes’ return feels like a poetic nod to Marvel’s roots while looking ahead to its future. Fans are already buzzing about what’s next for Blade, Deadpool, and the growing tapestry of interconnected characters. But for now, Reynolds’ heartfelt story reminds us of why we love these movies in the first place: their ability to bring us together, evoke real emotion, and, sometimes, make us cry in a packed convention hall.

You can relive Blade’s emotional return to the big screen–thanks to Ryan Reynolds–by streaming Deadpool & Wolverine, which is now streamable with a Disney+ subscription.

Ryan Reynolds doesn't just play the Merc with the Mouth. He’s also the king of on-set secrets, as proven by his creative lengths to keep all those Deadpool and Wolverine cameos under wraps. While fans were thrilled to see Wesley Snipes (Blade), Channing Tatum (Gambit), Jennifer Garner (Elektra), and Dafne Keen (X-23) in the new Marvel movie, Reynolds admitted he was terrified about leaks, He even went as far as to say that those risks kept him “up at night,” and I would've been the same way.

In the recently released movie commentary (via Games Radar), the Just Friends actor reveals how the production team worked to prevent major spoilers for Deadpool 3 from leaking during filming. He explained the team’s strategy, specifically when it came to one piece of intrusive technology:

While many productions go to elaborate lengths to keep spoilers locked down—think fake scripts or shooting decoy scenes—Ryan Reynolds and director Shawn Levy opted for a much more straightforward (and somewhat hilarious) solution to shout “DRONE!” Now, that’s cost-effective. I can certainly understand Reynolds feeling so much pressure and, unfortunately, Sabertooth, Toad and more leaked.

In the same commentary, director Shawn Levy added his perspective, saying that the team decided to take the risk of filming on-location despite the increased chances of leaks. (Said method of production is what allowed the aforementioned cameos to be revealed.) The filmmaker shared:

If you missed Deadpool & Wolverine's wild box office success, know that the gamble paid off. Aside from a small marketing tease showing Dafne Keen in the final trailer, the production managed to keep the movie’s biggest surprises, like Wesley Snipes’ return as Blade and Channing Tatum's debut as Gambit, remained hidden until the film hit theaters.

Now that D&W has wrapped up its theatrical run, it’s clear that Ryan Reynolds’ efforts were worth the stress. The film delivered both the irreverence fans expected and some of the most shocking cameos the Marvel Cinematic Universe has ever offered.

And, while the superhero threequel might be in the rearview mirror, Reynolds has wasted no time diving back into his favorite fourth-wall-breaking antics. He recently reprised Deadpool for a video that advertised the film's streaming service debut. I'd say that the Canadian actor has earned a rest now that the movie is out in the world and, hopefully, he's getting back some of the sleep he missed out on while worrying.

For fans looking to relive the magic—or catch anything they missed—Deadpool and Wolverine is available to stream with a Disney+ subscription or to own on4K UHD, Blu-ray, DVD, and Limited Edition Steelbook wherever you buy your physical media. If you’re itching for more Marvel, check out the slate of upcoming superhero movies or revisit the MCU movies in order.

Even though Wesley Snipes and Kris Kristofferson’s collaboration on the Blade movies predates the 2024 movie schedule by a healthy margin, the pairing is still an iconic part of comic history. Upcoming Marvel movies will have to live up to the duo that were once Blade and Whistler, and the world was reminded of that fact in a bittersweet fashion, thanks to Kristofferson’s passing this past weekend, at age 88.

That event has prompted Snipes to pay sweet tribute to his previous co-star, and the Deadpool & Wolverine star did so by sharing some photos of himself and Kris Kristofferson in the New Line Cinema saga of comic adaptations. With those images came a beautiful caption addressing the family of the country music star/actor, per this post made by Wesley Snipes on social media:

Sharing the wisdom that Kristofferson shared with him in life, Mr. Snipes’ post is a firm reminder of just how far spanning his Blade mentor’s legacy stretched. With an acting career that included and inspired some great country music movies, the Texas-born musician crossed genre borders throughout his career on the silver screen.

Some notable entries in Mr. Kristofferson's cinematic resume include the 1976 version of A Star is Born, which co-starred Barbara Streisand, as well as the action-comedy Convoy and the sci-fi thriller Millennium. And that's all on top of continuing his work as a country singer, up until his retirement in 2001.

Both Marvel and horror fans would see Kris Kristofferson burst into the comic movie world in 1998, as Blade used a comic book adaptation to become one of the best ‘90s movies ever. Playing that role until 2004’s Blade: Trinity, there hasn’t been another Whistler yet, making the job of Marvel’s upcoming Blade reboot all the harder.

As this summer’s Deadpool & Wolverine saw Wesley Snipes’ MCU character record eclipse that of Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, this means that technically the same can be said for Kris Kristofferson’s Whistler. It’s a shame that we couldn’t get one more appearance from the legendary acting and singing talent who knew how to charm and threaten his co-stars in equal measure.

Here’s hoping that the next Whistler in the Blade legacy will make for a fitting mentor for Mahershala Ali’s titular MCU badass. The bar may be set high by Mr. Kristofferson’s perfect performance, but the right actor could meet that challenge in the near future. And if the upcoming 2025 movie's current release date manages to stay in place, we could see such efforts arrive at the movies sooner than later.

Much as Wesley Snipes is fondly remembered as the original Blade to rule them all, Kris Kristofferson is equally well regarded as Whistler, and will be for as long as movie history continues. We here at CinemaBlend would also like to offer our deepest condolences to Mr. Kristofferson's friends and family as they navigate this time of memory and grief.

Whenever we talk about the best ‘90s movies, it doesn’t take long before the conversation turns to the most iconic actors of the final decade of the 20th century and their most beloved performances. But what are Will Smith’s, Julia Roberts’, or Keanu Reeves’ best movies for the unforgettable and transformative 10-year stretch? 

We’re being totally subjective here (Because why not?), but here are the best ‘90s movies for these 32 actors. Best Picture winners, a handful of the best action movies of all time, and other films that turned up-and-comers into overnight megastars can all be found below.

Will Smith (Independence Day)

Will Smith was already a household name by the time Independence Day was released and became the biggest movie of 1996, but this massive sci-fi flick took him to new heights. Electric, magnetic, and charismatic beyond belief, the Fresh Prince became the King of the summer blockbuster with his portrayal of Captain Steven Hiller.

Leonardo DiCaprio (Titanic)

Is there a bigger ‘90s movie than Titanic, both in terms of financial returns and cultural prominence? Yeah, James Cameron’s story of the ill-fated ship, his special effects, and the rest of the cast made this 1997 disaster movie a must-see, but Leonardo DiCaprio, with his “King of the World” moment, made this an all-timer. 

Tom Cruise (Jerry Maguire)

Picking the best ‘90s movie for Tom Cruise is no easy task, considering some of the actor’s best performances took place that decade. However, despite Magnolia and Mission: Impossible being great in their own ways, this has to go to Cruise’s dynamic portrayal of the struggling sports agent in Jerry Maguire. “Show me the money,” is a quote we keep in our repertoire nearly 30 years later. 

Sandra Bullock (Speed)

Sandra Bullock put herself on the map with her performance in Speed, one of the most iconic 1994 movies. Though she was great in Demolition Man the year before, Bullock’s take on Annie Porter made her an overnight sensation and quickly became one of her best roles to date, even outside the ‘90s.

Morgan Freeman (The Shawshank Redemption)

How Morgan Freeman didn’t win an Oscar for his performance in The Shawshank Redemption is one of the biggest mysteries, and travesties, in Hollywood history. His portrayal of Ellis "Red" Redding in this spectacular Stephen King adaptation is so strong and so believable that you don’t see him as an actor playing an inmate, but more like an aging prisoner trying to “get busy living or get busy dying.”

Samuel L. Jackson (Pulp Fiction)

As much as we would have loved to argue for Jurassic Park being Samuel L. Jackson’s best ‘90s movie, Ray Arnold has nothing on the bad mother [redacted] that was Jules Winnfield from Pulp Fiction. Easily Quentin Tarantino’s best movie, this 1994 classic is essentially a master class in dialogue and non-linear storytelling.

Meg Ryan (Sleepless In Seattle)

A few years after leading the best romantic comedy of all time with When Harry Met Sally, Meg Ryan teamed up with Nora Ephron (who was directing this time around) for Sleepless in Seattle in 1993. The chemistry between Ryan and Tom Hanks as Annie Reed and Sam Baldwin, is incredible, even if they only share a couple minutes of screentime.

Julia Roberts (Pretty Woman)

It’s hard to imagine what Julia Roberts’ career and Hollywood in general would be like if the actress didn’t play Vivian Ward in Pretty Woman. Sure, Roberts already had some hits and would have gone on to land big roles, but this 1990 rom-com instantly made her one of the brightest stars on the planet and showed off her dynamic range and impeccable comedic timing.

Angela Bassett (What's Love Got To Do With It)

Angela Bassett’s best movie, What’s Love Got to Do with It saw the celebrated actress take on the role of the legendary Tina Turner in this 1993 biopic about the late singer’s life, career, and toxic relationship with husband and music partner Ike Turner. Bassett had some pretty iconic ‘90s roles throughout the decade, but this is at the tippy top of the mountain.

Keanu Reeves (The Matrix)

Picking Keanu Reeves’ best movie of the 1990s is more difficult than you’d think. Point Break, My Private Idaho, and Speed are all contenders, but none come close to the heights of The Matrix and his performance as Neo, aka, the One. Watching Reeves’ character develop throughout this great ‘90s sci-fi film never gets old.

Robin Williams (Good Will Hunting)

Robin Williams had SO many good movies in the ‘90s, but Good Will Hunting was in a league of its own, at least in terms of performances by the late comedian. The richness, range, and emotion found in his portrayal of Sean Maguire is something to behold. No wonder he took home an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.

Bruce Willis (The Sixth Sense)

The ‘90s saw Bruce Willis play everything from his most iconic character in the second and third Die Hard movies to the leads in multiple blockbusters. However, none of those compare to his work in The Sixth Sense. There is just something so warm and refreshing about his portrayal of a child psychiatrist trying to help a young boy make sense of life and his strange gift.

Harrison Ford (The Fugitive)

Have you gone back and watched The Fugitive lately? If not, do so now. If you have, you’re all too familiar with Harrison Ford’s performance as Richard Kimble, the Chicago doctor trying to clear his name after being wrongfully convicted of murdering his wife. Air Force One and Clear and Present Danger are great, but this 1993 thriller is one of Ford’s career-best.

Frances McDormand (Fargo)

Frances McDormand’s portrayal of Marge Gunderson in the Coen Brothers' Fargo earned the actress the first of her three Academy Awards, and for good reason: she’s the heart and soul of the 1996 crime comedy.  

Gary Oldman (The Fifth Element)

Gary Oldman played some of the meanest ‘90s villains in movies like Air Force One, Leon: The Professional, and The Fifth Element, the latter of which features his best work of the decade. Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg is one of those characters that you love to hate and enjoy watching as much as the 1997 sci-fi film’s hero, which is saying something.

Wesley Snipes (White Men Can't Jump)

In the years following his breakout performance in Major League, Wesley Snipes became one of the dependable faces in Hollywood thanks to unforgettable turns in New Jack City, Demolition Man, and Jungle Fever. But let’s be real, Snipes’ take on Syd Deane is one of the most iconic ‘90s characters and essentially carries this all-time great basketball movie.

Tom Hanks (Saving Private Ryan)

Tom Hanks dominated the ‘90s with Oscar-winning performances in Philadelphia and Forrest Gump as well as other decade-defining films like Toy Story and A League of Their Own. But in terms of the BEST movie, that has to go to Saving Private Ryan, Steven Spielberg’s harrowing World War II epic about heroism, survival, and the hope of a better tomorrow.

Robert De Niro (Cape Fear)

We could have listed Goodfellas, Heat, or even A Bronx Tale as Robert De Niro’s best movie from the ‘90s, but his performance as Max Cady in Cape Fear is on a whole other level. Easily one of the Oscar winner’s most menacing characters, the psychopathic ex-con with a bone to pick is a force of pure evil here.

Al Pacino (Heat)

After playing all-time great gangsters in the ‘70s and ‘80s, Al Pacino was on the other side of the law in Michael Mann’s 1995 crime epic, Heat. Sure, Scent of a Woman earned him that elusive Oscar for Best Actor, but his take on Lieutenant Vincent Hanna is the stuff of legend. Plus, we also got to see Pacino and Robert De Niro share a scene for the first time.

Anthony Hopkins (The Silence Of The Lambs)

Anthony Hopkins' portrayal of Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs is one of the greatest performances of all time. That said, it should be no surprise that this great horror film gets the call here. Though there was some stiff competition.

Philip Seymour Hoffman (Boogie Nights)

As much as we would love to break down all the awesome ways Philip Seymour Hoffman stole the show in Twister and My Boyfriend’s Back, the late actor really came into his own in Paul Thomas Anderson’s 1997 drama, Boogie Nights. Hoffman’s sympathetic take on Scotty J. was nothing short of brilliant and showed what was to come.

Jodie Foster (The Silence Of The Lambs)

If you were to break down Jodie Foster’s best performances, her portrayal of Clarice Starling would be at or near the top of that list. A movie that has been quoted or referenced countless times over the years, this 1991 thriller remains one of the best ever made.

Brad Pitt (Seven)

David Fincher’s Seven is Brad Pitt’s best movie from the ‘90s for a variety of reasons: 1) the movie about a serial killer taking lives based on the seven deadly sins is violently unique, 2) it was the start of a partnership between actor and director, and 3) Pitt showed he was more than a pretty face and really had what it took.

Arnold Schwarzenegger (T2: Judgment Day)

Terminator 2: Judgment Day is not only a decade-defining action movie or a landmark achievement in visual effects, it’s also Arnold Schwarzenegger’s best movie of the ‘90s and perhaps all time. James Cameron’s sequel is bigger and louder than its predecessor and epic beyond compare.

Whoopi Goldberg (Sister Act)

Whoopi Goldberg won her first Academy Award for her role as Oda Mae Brown in Ghost, a film that kicked off an impressive decade for the comedian and actor. Her spiritual guide for Patrick Swayze’s ghostly Sam Wheat in this supernatural thriller helped anchor the film and turn it into the biggest movie of 1990.

Matt Damon (Good Will Hunting)

Matt Damon went from a relatively unknown actor to one of the brightest faces (and voices) in Hollywood thanks to Good Will Hunting. His tortured performance as a young math prodigy in South Boston is still captivating more than 25 years later.

Eddie Murphy (The Nutty Professor)

Eddie Murphy did a little bit of everything in the ‘90s, but The Nutty Professor shows off some of the comedian’s best work. Playing multiple characters (heroes, villains, and in between) really showed off Murphy’s dynamic range and varied comedic styles.

Adam Sandler (Happy Gilmore)

Though Big Daddy proved that Adam Sandler could handle slightly more dramatic roles, there’s no denying the fact that Happy Gilmore is the former SNL star’s best ‘90s movie. His take on a failed hockey player finding new purpose (and fortune) in the world of golf was a game-changer and created one of the best sports characters of all time.

Denzel Washington (Malcolm X)

Denzel Washington is another actor who had more great roles in the ‘90s than we can count, but at the top of his “best” list is Spike Lee’s 1992 biopic, Malcolm X. The movie about the controversial civil rights icon was eye-opening, enchanting, and epic.

Joe Pesci (Goodfellas)

We could have talked about My Cousin Vinny, we could have talked about Home Alone, and we could have even made a case for Casino, but none of that is possible without Goodfellas. The movie, which introduced the world to Joe Pesci’s Tommy DeVito, is one of the greatest gangster movies of all time and an influential piece of cinema we still rave about 30-plus years later.

Susan Sarandon (Thelma & Louise)

Ridley Scott’s Thelma & Louise, a movie featuring one of the best female friendships with Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis’ titular characters, helped kickstart the decade back in 1990. Easily Sarandon’s best movie of the ‘90s, this crime drama about two friends on the run from the law is just so dang great.

Jim Carrey (Dumb & Dumber)

Jim Carrey absolutely dominated the ‘90s comedy scene, and the box office in general back in 1994. While Ace Ventura Pet Detective and The Mask both have their moments, we have to be real for a second and admit that Dumb and Dumber is some of Carrey’s best work.

Movie fans had lots to love in the '90s and these actors and their best movies of the decade will never be forgotten.

To say that Deadpool & Wolverine has been successful would be an understatement. The latest Marvel flick has not only raked in the cash, but it’s also broken a few records in the process. For instance, it now stands as the highest grossing R-rated film of all time. Additionally, there’s another intriguing record that the behemoth of a blockbuster managed to earn, and not too many people seem to be chatting about it. Said achievement involves two of the movie’s key cast members – Wesley Snipes and Hugh Jackman.

Fans were ecstatic when learning that Wesley Snipes reprised his role as Eric Brooks amid the other major character appearances in D&W. The seasoned actor’s return as the iconic vampire hunter also earned him a significant distinction. With his latest turn as the comic book mainstay, Snipes now stands as the longest-tenured actor to play a Marvel character in the live-action realm. Snipes has now officially been playing the role for over 26 years and that puts him over Hugh Jackman’s record, which is 24 years.

It’s honestly hard to believe that it’s been nearly 30 decades since the White Men Can't Jump alum first donned those faux fangs. The legacy of the Blade movies (which are streaming) has remained strong and has arguably been bolstered by Deadpool & Wolverine. The Daywalker actor himself is also aware of his newly notched record and took to X to react to Guinness World Records’ write-up on the accomplishment:

As a fan, I’d argue that Wesley Snipes more than deserves this moment, as he was at the forefront of the modern Marvel movie craze. It could certainly be argued that if the original film in his horror/action franchise hadn’t hit the way it did in 1998, Marvel Entertainment may not have been so keen on making more theatrical productions. So I’m truly thankful that everything worked out accordingly and that Snipes is receiving his flowers today.

One of the reasons that people may not be talking about this record now so much is that the discussion has turned to what could lie ahead for the character’s future. It’s widely known that Marvel Studios’ long-gestating Blade reboot with Mahershala Ali is still in the works, and it has support from Wesley Snipes. However, after Deadpool & Wolverine, some are wondering if there’s more that can be done with Snipes’ iteration of the character. Ryan Reynolds even pitched an idea while hyping up Snipes for his latest turn as Brooks.

It’s hard to say whether any of that will actually come to fruition, especially considering the plans for the aforementioned franchise revamp. But even if the Coming 2 America alum isn’t able to build on his already-impressive record with another movie, he still has a lot to celebrate. He not only reprised his role and landed a record from the amiable Hugh Jackman, but he also gave a truly memorable performance in D&W.

You can still check out Wesley Snipes’ return as Blade now by heading out to see Deadpool & Wolverine in theaters. Aside from keeping tabs on the 2024 movie schedule, be sure that you continue to check the schedule of upcoming Marvel movies – on the off chance that another movie starring Snipes is greenlit.

Fans who have spent years watching the Marvel movies in order definitely noticed Deadpool & Wolverine's wild success, especially after a number of MCU missteps. The movie featured a number of exciting cameos, including the return of Wesley Snipes as Blade. Ryan Reynolds recently shared images of Snipes in Deadpool 3, and I’m sold on his idea for bringing him back for one more movie.

Deadpool & Wolverine's cast list included a number of familiar faces from 20th Century Fox's superhero projects, and Wesley Snipes' return as Blade thrilled fans. Reynolds shared some set photos and official images of Snipes on Instagram, as well as a killer idea for him to return: an emotional sendoff ala Logan. Check it out below:

Honestly, take my money. Snipes went the extra mile for Deadpool 3, making him the actor who has played a superhero for the longest time. And Ryan Reynolds had the brilliant idea of giving him an opportunity to take one final bow in the character. We'll just have to wait and see if the powers that be at Marvel take his advice.

Logan (which is streaming with a Disney+ subscription) was originally meant to be Hugh Jackman's final bow as Wolverine. Logan's ending offered an emotionally satisfying conclusion, where the title character sacrificed himself to save Dafne Keen's Laura/X-23. And it would be awesome to see Wesley Snipes get the same type of sendoff with another Blade movie.

Of course, there is something standing in the way of Wesley Snipes getting his own Logan-style sendoff to the vampiric hero. Namely the MCU's developing Blade movie, which will star Mahershala Ali as the title character. While that project has faced a number of delays over the years, the studio is seemingly still committed to bringing it to theaters. And as such, Kevin Feige and company might not be down to produce another Snipes Blade.

The MCU's Blade being in development is a big reason why Wesley Snipes' cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine was so shocking for folks in theaters. Although after seeing him alongside beloved returning characters like Jennifer Garner's Elektra, Ryan Reynolds' idea for a Logan-style finale movie sounds pretty incredible.

While Mahershala Ali hasn't physically shown up in the MCU yet, he was cast a number of years ago. His voice as Blade was briefly heard during the Eternals credits scene, where he was heard speaking to Kit Harington's Dane Whitman. Unfortunately, there's no plans for Eternals to get a sequel, and Blade has been stuck in development hell for yers.

Given the many years that Wesley Snipes played Blade, I do think it would be nice to see him get the Logan treatment for one more movie. Maybe it could even serve as a passing of the baton to Mahershala Ali? While we keep our fingers crossed, check the 2025 movie release dates.

The latest release from Marvel Studios, Shawn Levy's Deadpool & Wolverine, has stormed the box office for three straight weeks, breaking records and becoming the highest-grossing R-rated film ever. And, at present, it's amassed a global haul that exceeds $1 billion. The director’s commitment to reviving the superhero genre is evident in this blockbuster, packed with unexpected cameos and beloved characters. Notably, the collective dedication of stars like Wesley Snipes and Jennifer Garner has been a standout aspect, showcasing their commitment to the project and their roles by going the extra mile for their latest superhero movie release.

A significant part of Deadpool 3’s charm is its surprise appearances by stars like Wesley Snipes, reprising his role as Blade, and Jennifer Garner, returning as Elektra. These cameos were not mere walk-ons but well-crafted roles that required serious preparation. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Shawn Levy explained that Snipes, Garner, and others, including Channing Tatum (who plays Gambit), traveled to England a week before filming began to learn and practice choreography for their scenes. Despite facing setbacks, they maintained their commitment and enthusiasm:

The actors' willingness to immerse themselves in the action was put to the test when, due to an unexpected actors' strike, they had to return home only to come back months later to complete their scenes. The Real Steel helmer had even more praise to heap on his actors, saying:

The old-school Fox stars were clearly eager to suit up again. For instance, Jennifer Garner showed offer her months of training via a video on social media, proving she was born to play the sai-wielding assassin Elektra. The hard work she and her fellow returning superheroes put into their roles is truly impressive.

Arguably, the film's success also owes much to Shawn Levy's previous collaborations. He worked with Garner on The Adam Project and Chris Evans on Free Guy, making bringing them on board easier. He describes the process as almost destined, underscoring the solid relationships and good karma that fueled the project. The veteran TV director recalls:

Deadpool & Wolverine transcends the comic book movie genre; it is a testament to the dedication and creativity of everyone involved. With its big and surprising Marvel cameos and innovative storytelling, the film sets a new standard for superhero cinema, proving that there are still fresh ways to engage audiences even in a crowded genre. One of the film's successful strategies is its nostalgic approach, featuring beloved actors from earlier comic book movies who clearly bring their roles to life with extraordinary enthusiasm.

Fans can watch these veteran Fox superhero actors in action, as Deadpool & Wolverine is now playing in theaters. The next upcoming Marvel movie release, Captain America: Brave New World, drops on February 14th. Meanwhile, check out the 2025 movie release dates for more exciting films on the horizon.

Deadpool and Wolverine was released as part of the 2024 movie schedule, and it has taken over the world. Not only was Deadpool & Wolverine kings of the box office, but it also received good reviews from critics and had guests everywhere gasping and cheering for certain cameos that popped up on the screen.

And obviously, I was one of those people. Well, maybe not all the cameos—I did know some of the Deadpool and Wolverine cameos beforehand, but for a lot of them, I found myself chuckling and… actually enjoying them. In fact, I think the ridiculous amount in this film somehow worked.

Obviously SPOILERS for Deadpool & Wolverine are down below!

Many Of The Cameos Made Sense To The Story

The reason I tend not to like cameos that much is because they usually mean so little to the plot. Really, the only time I enjoyed cameos have been all those Stan Lee cameos in the Marvel films, but he was one of Marvel's main creative minds, so he's allowed to have that.

I'm just not a big fan of most other MCU cameos—and cameos in general. They're usually just there to make the audience go, "Oh wow! I know that person! They're hilarious!" And then we'll forget about them ten seconds later as we wait for the rest of the plot to develop.

That's why I tend to stick to more dramatic films or the best horror movies because the chances of there being a cameo are usually slim to none. However, I found myself really loving the cameos in Deadpool & Wolverine, and it's because they just made sense to the story.

A lot of the time, cameos are just shoved into movies with no genuine regard to the plot, but every one of these appearances in Deadpool & Wolverine was actually brilliantly done. From Hunter B-15 who appeared towards the end of the movie, to even including Jon Favreau as Happy Hogan (instead of the typical Samuel L. Jackson cameo we would usually get), everything felt like it had a spot, a place and a part in the story, even if they were only there for a few scenes. That's what I liked the most.

I Hadn't Expected Much From Elektra, Laura Or Blade, But They Surprised Me

I knew long ago that Jennifer Garner would be back as Elektra. I actually wrote an article about how I watched 2003's Daredevil and the spinoff and how much I enjoyed her character. So I was eager to see what they would do with her cameo and how much of the movie she would be involved in.

What I didn't expect was for her to be teaming up with Laura (X-23) from Logan, freaking Blade from Blade and Channing Tatum as Gambit – the character he never got to play during the Fox era. I sat in that theater watching all these people walk in like they were the epitome of badass, and you know what? They were!

I was nervous... so nervous that I didn't know if they would be there for just one scene and then stripped from my existence for the rest of my life. But thankfully, these supposed cameos basically turned into supporting roles. They weren't just there for people to go, "I remember Wesley Snipes as Blade!" Nah, we saw this man take down so many bad guys, and I was here for it.

You see, when cameos like this, hidden from the rest of the world, are used in such a great way, that's what makes them fantastic. I loved every second of it—even if at first I didn't realize who Tatum was, but a little Google search helped me afterward.

Even The Sheer Amount Of Deadpool Variants Didn't Shock Me As Much As Normal

One of the most significant moments of Deadpool & Wolverine is when the title duo are fighting through a ridiculous number of Deadpool variants who all come from the Void to fight them (thanks to Cassandra). And yes, this scene is littered with cameos.

Blake Lively (Ryan Reynolds' real-life wife) voices Lady Deadpool, Nathan Fillion is the voice of Headpool, and Matthew McConaughey is the voice of Cowboypool. Heck, even Reynolds' kids play Babypool and Kidpool, and most only have a few lines.

But they didn't feel forced. Nothing felt unnecessary, and it wasn't like they suddenly took off their masks and revealed to the world, "Haha, it's me! Bet you didn't know." All it took was hearing their voices, and we just knew. And if you didn't, well, you'd find out in the credits.

I love cameos like that, where you blink twice and miss it, but then you realize later how much it means to the actual story. I could go for more of those.

I Even Liked The Inclusion Of Chris Evans As Human Torch – Even If I Miss Him As Cap

I could talk for hours about how much I loved Chris Evans in the MCU and how much I miss him as Captain America – even though I am fully on board with Sam Wilson as the next Cap and can't freaking wait for the upcoming Captain America: Brave New World.

I also had a feeling he would show up, but I didn't really believe it until I saw Evans standing there, looking… a little less than buff from his time as Captain America. At first, I was expecting him to get a shield, but when he said, "Flame on!" as the Human Torch from the Fantastic Four films, I just about screamed. Of course Evan’s role in Deadpool & Wolverine was The Human Torch!

See, that is an effective cameo. Not only does it subvert the audience's expectations, but he is an essential part of the story for a few scenes. He wasn't just there and gone. He stuck around and had a few hilarious moments – and we got to see him curse so much in the Deadpool & Wolverine post-credit scene that I was crying laughing.

The Cameos, While Plentiful, Didn't Just Feel Shoved In The Film For Giggles

I suppose what I'm trying to say is that the cameos, while plentiful, weren't as bad as I thought they would be. I go into a lot of MCU films now cautiously because I'm not sure what I'm going to get and if cameos will just randomly be there, but I was pleasantly surprised.

Heck, even the surprise inclusion of Henry Cavill as a random Wolverine variant felt helpful because I can't tell you how often I've seen people picture him as Wolverine now that he's not Superman anymore. I was getting a kick out of it!

Overall, as a Deadpool lover, some things bothered me with Deadpool & Wolverine, even though I enjoyed the movie overall. Surprisingly, the cameos were not one of them, and I have a feeling from the audience reactions that this was the case for many, many viewers. MCU, take notes—this is how you do cameos.

Maybe we'll be seeing more cameos like this in all those upcoming Marvel movies, or maybe we just got lucky with this one. Either way, it makes me excited for what Marvel has coming out—and maybe we just might get to see Deadpool as an Avenger. That would be a riot!

Spoiler alert for Deadpool & Wolverine.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is always expanding in theaters and streaming for those with a Disney+ subscription, but certain projects stand out as fan favorites. Case in point: Deadpool & Wolverine, which has gone great in theaters and honored 20th Century Fox for those who spent years watching the Marvel movies in order. The movie featured a ton of shocking cameos, including Wesley Snipes' return as Blade. He thought he was done with the character, until he got a call from Ryan Reynolds.

The cast list of Deadpool 3 was filled with surprise cameos, which made for a delightful moviegoing experience. That includes the return of Jennifer Garner's Elektra, Channing Tatum's debut as Gambit, as well as Dafne Keen's X-23 and Wesley Snipes' Blade. The latter spoke to EW about his return as vampiric hero about how surprised he was to finally play that role again. He offered some background, saying:

Points were made. Leading a superhero trilogy is quite the accomplishment, especially when you acknowledge that the Blade movies were produced prior to shared universes like the MCU and DCU factored into studios' plans. So Snipes could have left that character behind knowing he definitely crushed the job at hand.

The likelihood of Snipes reprising his signature role felt even more slim once actor Mahershal Ali was cast as the MCU's Blade. Snipes has maintained he's the real Blade, and he even got to say as much during the runtime of Deadpool & Wolverine. During that same interview, he explained what it was like getting the call from Ryan Reynolds about the MCU threequel, offering:

Snipes once again crushed it as Blade, which was a nostalgic treat for fans of his trilogy. Luckily the third installment Blade: Trilogy included Ryan Reynolds, which likely helped to make this deal for his return happen.

In many ways Shawn Levy's acclaimed threequel felt like it was paying respect to all the work that came at 20th Century Fox prior to Disney's acquisition of the studio and its properties. Aside from all the cameos, Deadpool & Wolverine's credits also included BTS footage from projects like Blade, X-Men, Daredevil, and more.

Deadpool & Wolverine is in theaters now. Be sure to check out the 2025 movie release dates.

SPOILER WARNING: The following article will straight-up ruin just about all of the best cameos in the threequel, so if you have not seen the movie, maybe hop over to our Deadpool & Wolverine review and avoid spoiling yourself. 

For some fans, epic and even funny superhero movie cameos are the best part of any comic book flick. The new superhero movie Deadpool & Wolverine has them by the crapload thanks to a script that takes full advantage of the MCU’s recent experimentation with multiverse travel and allows Ryan Reynolds’ Merc with a Mouth and Hugh Jackman’s X-Man to interact with both new Marvel movie characters and favorites from the 20th Century Fox era. 

In case there are any character or celebrity sightings that slipped past you or went over your head, I will we cover the most crucial examples later in this article. However, first, I will take a closer look at the Deadpool & Wolverine cameos that made the most jaw-dropping impact to the Marvel timeline. You're welcome.

Deadpool & Wolverine's Biggest Cameos

Jon Favreau As Happy Hogan

Early on in Deadpool & Wolverine, we see a 2018-era Wade Wilson seeking a chance to become part of the Avengers in a meeting with Happy Hogan (Iron Man director Jon Favreau). Things do not go in the Merc’s favor, however, when Tony Stark’s former right-hand man points out that his request to join the world’s greatest heroes is more self-serving and should be selfless.

Henry Cavill As The Cavillrine

Deadpool’s search for a variant of Logan who could save his dying timeline brings him face to face with several unique versions of the adamantium-clawed mutant, who are all played by Jackman, of course… except for one. Previous rumors of Henry Cavill playing a Wolverine variant proved to be true, with the former Superman actor appearing extra bulky in the role of, as Deadpool dubs him “the Cavillrine.”

Chris Evans As Johnny Storm

Chris Evans’ cameo just might be the most surprising of all because we — and Deadpool — assume we are seeing his return as Steve Rogers, a.k.a. Captain America. That is, until he shouts “Flame on!”, reveals his Fantastic Four outfit and confirms he is reprising his first Marvel movie character, Johnny Storm, a.k.a The Human Torch. Sadly, the reprisal also proves brief after Cassandra Nova (Emma Corrin) takes his skin off for talking shit, which Deadpool proves was not his fault in Deadpool & Wolverine’s end-credits scene.

Aaron Stanford As Pyro

Johnny Storm is unable to defend himself after his incendiary abilities are absorbed by one of Cassandra’s lead henchpeople, Pyro. Aaron Stanford returns to play the fire-manipulating mutant whom he first portrayed in one of the best X-Men movies, X2: X-Men United.

Tyler Mane As Sabretooth

After playing Victor “Sabretooth” Creed in 2000’s X-Men, Tyler Mane was replaced in  X-Men Origins: Wolverine — which more deeply explored his and Logan’s relationship as brothers — with Liev Schreiber. For Deadpool & Wolverine, the former professional wrestler got to put the fangs back on for another, overdue showdown with Jackman’s Wolverine that sees him lose his head… literally.

Toad

Another X-Men movies alum serving Cassandra’s will is Toad, named for his inhumanly long tongue, who is portrayed by an unidentified actor this time. Had Ray Park reprised the character, that could have given Deadpool a perfect opportunity to poke fun at the actor’s more iconic role: Darth Maul in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace.

Juggernaut

Another Fox-era Marvel version of an X-Men character showing up as a Nova henchperson is Juggernaut, whose helmet proves to be a vital instrument in helping Deadpool and Wolverine escape The Void. Vinnie Jones, who previously played the mutant in 2006's X-Men: The Last Stand, does not reprise the role here, but it was a fun callback, even if Reynolds previously voiced a CGI Juggernaut in Deadpool 2.

Jennifer Garner As Elektra

Deadpool and Wolverine eventually cross paths with another group of Fox-era Marvel movie characters, including Elektra Natchios, played by the already-confirmed Jennifer Garner. The actor previously portrayed the assassin in 2003’s Daredevil opposite her future ex-husband, Ben Affleck, in the title role — whose absence is mentioned in a cheeky bit — and in her own self-titled spinoff from 2005.

Wesley Snipes As Blade

Also part of Elektra’s group is Wesley Snipes as the title role from the original Blade movies, which — despite rumors Snipes would appear — was also quite a surprise, considering Reynolds told IGN there was tension between them on the Blade: Trinity set. The film also sees Snipes reference Marvel’s upcoming Blade reboot with Mahershala Ali by toutin himself as the one and only Blade there will ever be.

Channing Tatum As Gambit

Years ago, Fox attempted a movie starring Channing Tatum as X-Men character Remy LaBeau, a.k.a. Gambit, that never made it out of development hell. However, Tatum would finally portray the mutant card shark in a hilarious Deadpool & Wolverine appearance that sees him don a sometimes indecipherable Cajun accent.

Dafne Keen As Laura/X-23

Perhaps the one cameo with the most emotional heft is Dafne Keen, reprising her role from 2017’s Logan as Laura, otherwise known X-23, who is a young, clawed woman made from Logan’s DNA. She helps encourage the disillusioned mutant to step up and be the hero he failed to be in his own timeline.

Wunmi Mosaku As Hunter B-15

Outside of Happy Hogan, the one other major MCU character to appear in Deadpool & Wolverine is Hunter B-15, played by Wunmi Mosaku. It is nice to see her in her fully-fledged position as the leader of TVA, who thanks Wade and Logan for their help saving the Marvel Multiverse.

Deadpool & Wolverine Cameos You Might Have Missed

Psylocke

Another one of the classic X-Men movie characters employed by Cassandra in The Void is Psylocke, who is seen mostly in the background. In fact, we are not even sure who portrayed the telekinetic mutant, but we are pretty sure it was neither Mei Mleançon from X-Men: The Last Stand, nor Olivia Munn from X-Men: Apocalypse.

Lady Deathstrike

We are also not sure who dons the retractable fingernails to play Lady Deathstrike in Deadpool & Wolverine, but it does not appear to be X2’s Kelly Hu. Perhaps this version of the mutant is different from the one Logan killed in that film.

Blake Lively As Lady Deadpool

There were plenty of rumors about who would play Lady Deadpool, including Taylor Swift and Blake Lively. The latter turned out to be true and was confirmed in the film’s credits, but a part of us wishes we could have seen Reynolds’ real-life spouse in the Lady Deadpool suit rather than just voice her.

Matthew McConaughey As Cowboy Deadpool

We also never got to see who played a Western version of the Merc known as Cowboy Deadpool. However, audiences who listened closely enough to his few lines might have been able to recognize the voice of Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey.

Nathan Fillion As Headpool

Nathan Fillion can now add a third name to the list of multiple MCU characters he has played, following “Monstrous Inmate” and Karja in the first and third Guardians of the Galaxy movies, respectively. The former Firefly cast member voices Headpool, which also marks the second time he has played a disembodied head, following his role on Santa Clarita Diet.

Inez Reynolds As Kidpool

A younger, but still equally foul-mouthed variant of Wade Wilson known as Kidpool has a very close connection to Reynolds and Lively. She is played by the power couple’s oldest daughter, Inez.

Paul Mullin As Welshpool

Eagle-eyed viewers may have noticed a Deadpool variant bearing the flag of Wales on his outfit. This one is called Welshpool and, as Reynolds confirmed on X, he is played by Paul Mullin — a professional footballer from the Wrexham AFC, which is owned by Reynolds and Rob McElhenny.

We can’t remember the last time a great superhero movie blew us away with so many insane cameos like this. Catch Deadpool & Wolverine in theaters now!

The following contains MAJOR SPOILERS for Deadpool & Wolverine.

While the Deadpool & Wolverine release date is technically today, movie theaters around the country ran early screenings last night. However, there was one very special showing of the movie at San Diego Comic-Con last night, which not only included Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, but also had several of the movie’s excellent cameos on hand after the movie was over, and fans absolutely lost their minds.

While one big cameo, Dafne Keen’s Laura, was revealed by the final Deadpool & Wolverine trailer, there were so many rumored cameos that it was essentially impossible to know which rumors were true until sitting down to watch the movie. Several of the stars who appeared in the movie, in more than just simpler cameos, were on hand in person and CinemaBlend caught the Hall H reaction. Check it out.

Dafne Keen, Jennifer Garner, Chris Evans, Channing Tatum, and Wesley Snipes all appeared before the Hall H crowd. The crowd is absolutely on fire for all of them. It’s a wonderful added treat for those at SDCC who were not only among the first to see Deadpool & Wolverine but got to see it in a way that nobody else did.

While many of these cameos had been rumored, Jennifer Garner’s appearance in Deadpool & Wolverine had seemed especially likely, there was really no way to know for sure what we were going to get until it happened on screen. This meant the power and surprise that came with each appearance largely still worked because you didn’t know when characters might appear or which ones they would be.

Based on the crowd reaction here, it seems clear that fans who are excited to see Deadpool & Wolverine opening weekend will be very happy when they see the film. The cameos have been a big part of the movie’s promotion, and so fans will certainly be looking for them. While some critics’ don’t love Deadpool & Wolverine because they feel the cameos are just about all there is to the movie, for those that want that, they’ll certainly get it. And to be fair these characters aren't just cameos but are key members of the Deadpool & Wolverine cast.

Deadpool & Wolverine is expected to have an absolutely massive opening weekend, which will likely be the beginning of a strong global box office. While considering this is the only upcoming Marvel movie to release in 2024, it’s a very strong step for the franchise that hasn’t been putting up its best numbers of late. While Deadpool & Wolverine doesn’t give a lot of insight into where the MCU is going from here, it does show that fans are still excited by superhero movies.

Few movies have had as significant a cultural impact as 1998’s Blade. This flick arguably served as a precursor for all the upcoming superhero movies we still see, proving to producers and film executives that comic books could be both viable and cool. A key part of this shift in perception was Wesley Snipes' portrayal of the iconic vampire/daywalker, delivering some of the most memorable quotes in action cinema. In light of the recent news regarding another major setback for Marvel's reboot, the Demolition Man actor took to social media to playfully reference one of his most iconic lines.

More than 25 years after his starring role in the original Blade, Wesley took to X (formerly Twitter) to respond to the news that director Yann Demange has left the Marvel Cinematic Universe project. With Demange's departure, this reboot, still set to star Mahershala Ali as the lead human/vampire hybrid, has encountered yet another unfortunate development. Taking to his account to react, Snipes harkened back to his time as the vampire hunter:

It might not be a word-for-word match, but different words/same vibes. The White Men Can’t Jump star’s playful acknowledgment of the difficulties faced by the new production team, likening their struggles to "riding snowmobiles in traffic," seems hilariously reminiscent of one of Blade’s best quips. For those who might not recall, the  original line (which you can watch below) comes at a pivotal moment in the first film, where he says, "Some motherfuckers are always trying to ice-skate uphill":

In that iconic moment, the eponymous protagonist roundhouse kicks a serum vial into his nemesis Deacon Frost’s forehead. This line has since become one of the franchise's most quoted, symbolizing Blade's no-nonsense approach to dealing with his enemies.

The Blade reboot is still part of the Phase Six slate of upcoming Marvel movies, but it has continually faced hurdles. Yann Demange was actually the second director to step away from the production after Bassam Tariq did so in 2022. A slew of various screenwriters have also been taking different passes at the script. Wesley Snipes' comments offer a lighthearted yet poignant reminder of the challenges in reviving a beloved franchise. His playful nod to his past role and his apparent understanding of the pressures on the new team highlights the delicate balance between honoring a legacy and forging a new path. Snipes later shared the following comment as well, which was seemingly aimed at Mahershala Ali:

Fans of the franchise eagerly await any new developments on the reboot but, so far, most of the updates have been less-than-positive. Mahershala Ali, a two-time Oscar winner, expressed his excitement and commitment to the role when it was announced at San Diego Comic-Con in 2019 but, ever since, the production has been facing significant delays. The hope is that once these issues are resolved, the film will deliver the same blend of intense action and dark, brooding atmosphere that made the original films a hit. Thankfully, we are getting a confirmed R-rating, meaning once the movie finally hits cinemas, it will surely be worth the wait. 

When Wesley Snipes initially responded to the reboot, he congratulated Mahershala Ali, but that doesn’t mean he can't make a joke at the MCU’s expense. The New Jack City star's recent post has given fans something to smile about. His continued engagement with the original Blade trilogy and its legacy demonstrates his enduring connection to the character and his willingness to support the new team, even as they navigate a challenging production landscape.

If you want to relive all of Wesley Snipes' iconic lines and memorable moments from the original Blade, here’s how you can stream the Marvel trilogy. Also, check out our 2024 movie schedule to see what's coming to theaters near you soon.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is a behemoth force in the entertainment industry, spanning both movies and live-action shows that are streaming with a Disney+ subscription. The next upcoming Marvel movie heading to theaters is Deadpool & Wolverine, and there are countless fan theories about what might go down during its runtime. Wesley Snipes recently responded to rumors he'll cameo as Blade, and now I'm even more confused.

What we know about Deadpool 3 is super limited, so fans are filling in the blanks with wild cameo rumors. There are a number of names being tossed around that may or may not be in the Deadpool & Wolverine cast, including Wesley Snipes' Blade. He recently tweeted in response to a story about him appearing in the Ryan Reynolds movie, posting cryptically:

Well, that wasn't a vague response at all. While one would think that perhaps Snipes is denying a role in Deadpool 3 with this tweet, he doesn't explicitly confirm or deny. So we'll probably have to wait until the movie hits theaters this summer to find out whether or not he returns as Marvel's favorite vampire. 

Wesley Snipes' tweet is sure to go viral, as Marvel fans are trying to figure out what director Shawn Levy has up his sleeve for Deadpool & Wolverine. The trailer for Deadpool 3 showed that the multiverse was very much in play, including Loki's Time Variance Authority. And as such, it feels like just about any character could pop up throughout its runtime. So why not include Snipes' Blade?

Of course, there are some factors against this Deadpool 3 rumor potentially coming true. Perhaps the biggest is that Mahershala Ali has been cast as Blade in the MCU, and expected to star in the upcoming Blade movie for the studio. While we've yet to see him in the shared universe, Ali's voice was briefly heard during the Eternals credits scene. But there hasn't been much more information about his solo flick.

Then again, it seems very on brand for Ryan Reynolds' movie to reference Wesley Snipes as Blade in the forthcoming threequel. The trailers show Wade Wilson fighting in the literal ruins of the 20th Century Fo logo, so they're not pulling any punches. And Snipes' response definitely made things even more confusing.

Of course, Blade is only one of many characters that fans think may or may not appear during Deadpool & Wolverine. Other popular names being thrown around include Halle Berry's Storm, Jennifer Garner's Elektra, Famke Janssen's Jean Grey, Patrick Stewart's Professor X, and more. Early footage has shown the return of a number of villains from the X-Men franchise, and that feels like just the tip of the iceberg. 

All will be revealed when Deadpool & Wolverine hits theaters on July 26th. In the meantime, check out the 2024 movie release dates.

Some of our best horror movies have been centered around characters who just so happen to be legendary creatures of the night: vampires. And, because of the enduring popularity of these mythological bloodsuckers, not only do we also have a number of TV vamps, but many famous actors who’ve portrayed some version of the famed, usually-human-looking beasts. Here for you now are 32 actors who’ve played a vampire.

Eddie Murphy (Vampire In Brooklyn)

So many vamps have been seen on screen that even a comedy and action movie legend like Eddie Murphy has played one. The 1995 horror comedy, Vampire in Brooklyn, saw the star play the last member of a group of Caribbean vampires, who hits New York to find a mate so that he can continue his family line.

Tom Cruise (Interview With The Vampire)

Who could forget the 1994 film that gave us Tom Cruise as the captivating and cruel (And blond!) bloodthirsty fiend, Lestat de Lioncourt, from author Anne Rice’s legendary novel series, The Vampire Chronicles? Of course, it also gave us Brad Pitt’s tortured vamp, Louis, and made a star out of young Kirsten Dunst.

Dakota Fanning (The Twilight Saga: New Moon, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse)

While there are some obvious stars to add to this list, let us not forget that the cast of famous (and soon-to-be-famous) vampires in The Twilight Saga films was quite stacked. That roster included noted child star Dakota Fanning, who portrayed the villainous Volturi guard member, Jane, who was able to mentally create sensations of pain in those who she deemed worthy of punishment.

Evan Rachel Wood (True Blood)

Several vampire-focused TV shows have hit the airwaves over the past 20 or so years, so we would be remiss if we didn’t mention the HBO hit, True Blood. Many of its stars portrayed members of vamp-kind for most or all of the series’ seven seasons, but Evan Rachel Wood made an equally impressive (bloody) splash as the Vampire Queen of Louisiana, Sophie-Anne Leclerq, during her recurring guest appearances in Seasons 2-4.

Robert Pattinson (Twilight)

Back to Twilight! It’s not worth mentioning this franchise without bringing up lead romantic vamp Edward Cullen, as well as the man who brought him to life in five movies, eventuall live action Batman actor Robert Pattinson. Despite the fact that his love interest’s portrayer, Kristen Stewart, would have dumped Edward “immediately”!

Chloë Grace Moretz (Let Me In)

It’s possible that we don’t get creepier than kid vampires in movies and television shows, and that’s what we got with Chloë Grace Moretz’s Abby in the 2010 film, Let Me In. She befriends a young loner after moving into his apartment complex, but is (you guessed it) hiding nefarious purposes he could have never guessed, which end up taking his life in a most unexpected direction.

Salma Hayek (From Dusk Till Dawn)

This might be the shortest movie vampire appearance on the list, as 1996’s From Dusk Til Dawn saw Salma Hayek play the fanged exotic dancer, Santanico Pandemonium, only for about five memorable minutes that simply cannot be forgotten once witnessed.

Taika Waititi (What We Do In The Shadows)

Undead life isn’t always filled with glamorous globe-hopping adventure, gorgeous mates who can’t resist you and other perks, at least according to 2014’s What We Do in the Shadows, which concerns the rather mundane day-to-day lives of vampire roommates, of whom Taika Waititi’s uptight and nearly 400-year-old vamp, Viago, is among.

Theo James (Underworld: Awakening, Underworld: Blood Wars)

Another big screen franchise that depended on heaps of stars to populate its supernatural world is that of Underworld. Two sequels saw Theo James play the heroic vampire, David, heir to one of the main vamp covens, and lead Selene’s one steadfast ally during an important time in her journey.

Willem Dafoe (Shadow Of The Vampire)

Not many cinematic vampires are said to be based on a real person, but the one played by Willem Dafoe in 2000’s Shadow of the Vampire is. He portrayed a fictionalized version of the real Nosferatu lead actor, Max Schreck, whom the crew begins to suspect is an actual vampire because of his behavior and the strange goings-on surrounding filming.

Gerard Butler (Dracula 2000)

Speaking of vampires who are based on real people…Author Bram Stoker based his Dracula on Vlad the Impaler, and Gerard Butler played yet another version of the ever-popular character in a film from, yes, 2000. This tale sees the ancient vamp accidentally awoken by a group of thieves who find and steal his highly protected coffin, which had been watched over by generations of the Van Helsing family.

Wesley Snipes (Blade)

A Marvel character that will soon have another portrayer when the upcoming Blade reboot finally begins filming, the original action/horror trilogy famously saw Wesley Snipes take on the vampire/human hybrid titular lead, who’s a nearly unstoppable vamp hunter bent on taking down all members of the species who bit his mother and infected him with their supernatural blood while he was still in utero.

Colin Farrell (Fright Night)

If a scary and suave undead night stalker is your type, look no further than Colin Farrell’s Jerry Dandrige in 2011’s remake of the 1985 cult classic, Fright Night. He may have to eventually do battle with a couple of teenagers, but he sure looks darn good doing it.

Ethan Hawke (Daybreakers)

A movie that takes a more science-fiction approach to a world overrun by vampires is the 2009 film Daybreakers, which sees Ethan Hawke play a vamp hematologist who refuses to drink human blood and is looking for a synthetic option to their usual meal of choice that will stop humanity from being wiped out by his more brutal peers.

Luke Evans (Dracula Untold)

Again with Dracula? Why, yes! This time, Luke Evans plays a Vlad the Impaler who only becomes a vampire to have the strength, speed and ferocity to turn back an invading army in an attempt to save the people of his kingdom. Does it work out for him? Well, yes…and no.

Kate Beckinsale (Underworld)

There’s no mentioning the Underworld franchise without giving respect to the main heroine, Kate Beckinsale’s Selene. In the first film she’s a vampire looking to destroy the werewolves that killed her family, but she ends up uncovering a major secret about the two sets of creatures and falling in love with a human, instead.

Alicia Silverstone (Vamps)

This 2012 horror comedy sees Alicia Silverstone play Goody, an old vampire who tries to stay young and hip while helping her much younger bloodsucking buddy, Stacy (Krysten Ritter), get used to her powers as they try to abstain from the red stuff during their immortal and unholy (sorta) lives.

Pedro Pascal (Bloodsucking Bastards)

Ever wondered what working in an office that was slowly being overrun by vampires who care as much about the bottom line as they do about drinking blood would be like? Just watch Bloodsucking Bastards, where beloved The Last of Us cast member Pedro Pascal begins turning his employees into the titular immortals.

Jim Carrey (Once Bitten)

Jim Carrey’s first leading role came in this 1985 comedy, where he played a teen virgin turned into a vampire by an alluring, 400-year-old creature of the night, who seduced him so she could use his blood to keep her youthful appearance.

Paul Reubens (Buffy The Vampire Slayer)

In the 1992 horror comedy that eventually led to the long-running series of the same name, the late Paul Reubens starred as Amilyn, a vamp doing the bidding of a much more powerful bloodsucker who’s ruling his kind in Los Angeles.

Alexander Skarsgård (True Blood)

While HBO’s True Blood was positively filled with the undead, few of them made as much of an impact on audiences (and the lead, Sookie) as Alexander Skarsgård’s cunning and alluring (but sorta evil) 1,000-year-old Eric Northman. This also happens to be the role that really made Skarsgård famous.

David Boreanaz (Buffy, Angel)

When it comes to popular TV vampires, no one can discount the reign of David Boreanaz as evil vamp turned heroic vamp (and then sometimes evil vamp again) Angel, whom he played on Buffy the Vampire Slayer beginning with the first episode in 1997, through wrapping his run on the fifth season series finale of his own show, Angel, in 2004.

Sterling K. Brown (Supernatural)

Sterling K. Brown may best be known now for delivering heartfelt emotions as Randall Pearson on This Is Us, but for four episodes across Seasons 2 and 3 of the CW mega-hit, Supernatural, he played Hunter and dedicated vamp-hater-turned-vampire, Gordon Walker, to astounding, understandably cold-blooded effect.

Kiefer Sutherland (The Lost Boys)

Even though Kiefer Sutherland was certainly a star on the rise by the time he starred in The Lost Boys in 1987, his part as apparent vampire motorcycle gang leader David cemented his leading man qualities and turned him into a household name.

Rami Malek (The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part II)

Sure, Bohemian Rhapsody is one of the best Rami Malek movies to watch, but let’s not discount his turn as the powerful (and ancient) Egyptian vampire, Benjamin, in The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part II, one of the few creatures of the night in the franchise who can directly manipulate things, with his specialty being controlling fire, water, air and earth.

Bryce Dallas Howard (The Twilight Saga: Eclipse)

Yet another actor you may have forgotten was fanged in the expansive Twilight franchise is Jurassic World star Bryce Dallas Howard. She took over the role of evil, vengeful vamp Victoria (who’s looking to kill Bella in retaliation for Edward killing her love, James) from Rachelle Lefevre, for the third movie, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.

Tilda Swinton (Only Lovers Left Alive)

As one half of the very old vampire couple at the center of the 2013 dramedy, Only Lovers Left Alive, Tilda Swinton is a wife forced to visit the husband (played by Tom Hiddleston) she’s long been separated from once she realizes his lengthy undead existence has begun to bring him down, as she tries to force him to reevaluate the value of living forever.

Bill Nighy (Underworld, Underworld: Rise Of The Lycans)

Every good vampire needs a parental figure to show them the ropes, and for Underworld’s Selene, that role was filled by Viktor, who was portrayed by Love, Actually star Bill Nighy. His Vampire Elder turned out to be more of a threat than the heroine ever expected, though, leading to some tense moments between Selene and her mentor.

Gary Oldman (Bram Stoker's Dracula) 

Back to Drac! One of the most popular films about the character is still 1992’s Bram Stoker's Dracula, which saw eventual Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban star Gary Oldman play Vlad Dracula.

Christopher Meloni (True Blood)

Where there is one vampire there are generally enough to have a whole hierarchy among their brethren, and as with the series True Blood, sometimes we get to see what that could look like. In Season 5, Law & Order: SVU and Organized Crime star Christopher Meloni portrayed the Guardian, Roman Zimojic, who led the Vampire Authority and (ostensibly) set the rules for all vamps. Many, however, didn’t agree with his desire to have his kind fit in with human society, which caused a lot of problems for the calm, determined and deadly when challenged leader.

Nicolas Cage (Renfield)

If you guessed that this is yet another Dracula story, well, you’re sort of correct. 2023’s horror comedy, Renfield, stars Nicholas Hoult as the count’s titular long-time familiar, who’s tired of helping him kill innocent people and all the abuse he’s taken from the being who gifted him with immortality, as well as super strength and speed (when he eats bugs) 90 years prior. So, he gets help from a support group for people in codependent relationships in order to be able to live his own life again. Nicolas Cage is our Dracula here, and he’s a perfectly winking one, who still manages to be creepy and deadly.

Johnny Depp (Dark Shadows)

Johnny Depp has become known for his outrageous characters, and his Barnabas Collins is no different. The 2012 Dark Shadows film (which was based on the 1966-1971 gothic daytime drama of the same name) follows Barnabas after he’s cursed with vampirism in 1760, buried alive in a coffin, and then accidentally freed in the early 1970s. He rejoins the Collins family at the estate they still hold, while trying to keep his true nature a secret, but hijinks ensue as his past comes back to haunt them. 

This, of course, is just a small sampling of the famous actors who've portrayed vampires over the years, but if you decide to do a vamp movie/TV show marathon, you can start right here and have hours of entertainment.

There was a time when music videos were as important as the radio in promoting the hottest artists and songs of the day. Back in the '80s and '90s, MTV was one of the most powerful cultural forces in the country, and that was reflected in how many stars you can spot in videos from the day. 

Sometimes, they were already huge stars, like Robin Williams and Chevy Chase, other times, they were actors looking to get their break and now, years later, we can marvel at their humble beginnings. This is a list of famous people in videos from the zenith of MTV highlights both.

Alicia Silverstone - "Cryin'"

Alicia Silverstone first got famous for starring in videos, specifically Aerosmith videos. The Clueless star appeared in three videos for the Boston rockers, the first for the song "Cryin'", then later showing up in the videos for "Amazing," alongside Dazed & Confused cast member Jason London. Silverstone's final appearance, and maybe the most famous video, was for the song "Crazy," alongside Steven Tyler's daughter, Liv Tyler. 

Courteney Cox - "Dancing In The Dark"

One of the most famous examples of a star getting her first break in a music video is, of course, Friends star Courteney Cox in the video for Bruce Springsteen's "Dancing In The Dark." The video, which came out in 1984, was directed by Brian De Palma and, according to Cox, she was one of several women Springsteen could have picked out of the audience, and it was random that he chose her. What kismit! 

Cindy Crawford - "Freedom '90"

Director David Fincher, who has had quite an amazing career in film, started in music videos. One of those videos, George Michaels' "Freedom '90," was challenging because Michaels told Fincher he wasn't going to appear in the video. Fincher decided to cast a bevy of famous supermodels to lip-sync the song, including Cindy Crawford in a bathtub. 

Eva Mendes - "Miami"

In 1998, a young actress from Miami was cast in a video for the Will Smith song, "Miami." Eva Mendes had starred in one direct-to-video movie at that point and was that actress. It would be another three years before her breakout role in Training Day. It's a brief moment in the video, as she drove her convertible next to Smith's on the causeway to Miami Beach.

In 1993, Janet Jackson was on top of the world. Her fifth album, janet. was another huge hit, selling millions of copies, partly on the strength of the single, "That's the Way Love Goes." Little did anyone know at the time that one of the extras in the video would go on to a career that eclipsed even Jackson's, a then-unknown Jennifer Lopez. 

Matt LeBlanc - "Miracle"

Bon Jovi's "Miracle" is, let's be frank, not the New Jersey legends' best work. One thing they did get right was the casting for the video. Matt LeBlanc was a young actor and model just starting out on a career, so while his job is really only to look good in this video, he certainly does. It would be a few more years before America was introduced to his comedic chops too. 

Hugh Laurie - "Walking On Broken Glass"

By the time Hugh Laurie appeared in the video for Annie Lennox's "Walking on Broken Glass" in 1992, he was already very famous in the UK. It would be a few more years until the legendary TV show House would debut in the US, making Laurie a household name on both sides of the pond. John Malkovich also stars in the video, reminding fans of his role in Dangerous Liaisons. 

Angelina Jolie - "Wondering"

Angelina Jolie was a model in Hollywood from her teen years on, so it's no wonder she would have a few videos of her resume, including The Rolling Stones' video for "Has Anybody Seen My Baby," but it is surprising to see her in a video for the Athens, GA-based jam band Widespread Panic's song "Wondering" from 1993. Jolie also appears on the cover of the band's album Everyday, which includes "Wondering."

Zooey Deschanel - "She's Got Issues"

Zooey Deschanel is as successful in music, with her duo She & Him as she is on the big screen, so of course she has an early credit in a music video. Deschanel appears with fiery red hair in the video for "She's Got Issues" by The Offspring. 

Naomi Campbell - "Is This Love"

Bob Marley died over four decades ago, but his legacy is as big as ever, with the release of the biopic One Love in 2024. Back in the day, the reggae superstar filmed a video in London for his song "Is This Love" featuring a couple of local kids, including a 7-year-old Naomi Campbell!  

Macaulay Culkin - "Black Or White"

Michael Jackson redefined what a music video could be with "Thriller" and after that, he often released short films that were much more than just a song, and often they had big stars in them. For "Black or White" in 1991, MJ brought in Macaulay Culkin and George Wendt to play father and son, for example. 

Christina Hendricks - "One Hit Wonder"

Long before Christina Hendricks hit the big time with her role in Mad Men, she was a model and struggling actor in the '90s. One of her earliest roles, way back in 1998, was in the video for "One Hit Wonder" by Everclear. Luckily for all of us, that wasn't her only hit. 

Matthew McConaughey - "Walkaway Joe"

Alright, alright, alright, we'll concede that Dazed and Confused is what made Matthew McConaughey famous, but before that, he appeared in Trisha Yearwood's video for her hit "Walkaway Joe," playing the titular character of the song. 

Wesley Snipes - "Bad"

For the second single, "Bad" from his album of the same name, Micheal Jackson teamed up with Martin Scorsese to make an 18-minute short film for the video. In the video, Jackson famously has a dance-off with his rivals in a New York subway station. One of the baddies is none other than Wesley Snipes, who only had a few credits under his belt previously. 

Patrick Swayze - "Rosanna"

Toto's song "Rosanna" is famously about Rosanna Arquette. Less well-known is that if you watch the video closely, you'll notice a familiar face as one of the West Side Story-like dancers. Patrick Swayze, one year before his big break in The Outsiders is one of the dancers. In an even cooler bit of trivia, another one of the uncredited dancers in the video is Cynthia Rhodes, who would co-star as Swayze's first dance partner, Penny, in Dirty Dancing. 

Elijah Wood - "Forever Your Girl"

Elijah Wood has been working in Hollywood forever. He started as a child actor in films like Back to the Future II and The Good Sun, but before those even, he had a part in Paula Abdul's video for "Forever Your Girl" in 1989. 

Chevy Chase - "You Can Call Me Al"

Chevy Chase was one of the biggest stars on the planet in 1986 when he starred in the video for "You Can Call Me Al" with his buddy Paul Simon. It is, no lie, one of Chase's best performances, and it's impossible not to crack up at his facial expressions and physical comedy in the video. 

Johnny Depp - "Into The Great Wide Open"

Johnny Depp has always wanted to be a rock star, so it was a great move by Tom Petty to get him to play the part of one in the video for "Into The Great Wide Open" in 1991. The video also stars the legendary Faye Dunaway and Gabrielle Anwar. 

Jennifer Connelly - "I Drove All Night"

The late, great Roy Orbison found almost as much fame after he died as he found in life. Two albums of all-new songs were released posthumously and one song, "I Drove All Night," released in 1992, featured Jennifer Connelly alongside Jason Priestly, in the video, along with Orbison in grainy images of an old TV appearance. 

Kirsten Dunst - "I Knew I Loved You"

Does anybody remember the band Savage Garden? The Aussie duo had a string of huge hits in the late '90s, including the song "I Knew I Loved You" which features Kirsten Dunst as a woman on a subway with whom the lead singer, Darren Hayes, is in love. 

Robin Williams - "Don't Worry, Be Happy"

Bobby McFerrin's 1988 song "Don't Worry, Be Happy" has to be one of the most surprising #1 hits of all time. The song was huge when it came out, and went on to win three Grammys. Someone must have had an inkling though, because superstar Robin Williams co-stars in the video with McFerrin. 

Kim Basinger - "Last Dance With Mary Jane"

Tom Petty made some legendary videos during his career, but the strangest has to be the one for "Last Dance With Mary Jane" which features Kim Basinger playing a corpse, dressed up as a bride. Great song, but a very weird video.

Keanu Reeves - "Rush, Rush"

1991 was a big year for Keanu Reeves. Not only did he star in Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey and Point Break, but he also appeared as a James Dean-like character in the video for "Rush, Rush" by Paula Abdul. 

Eddie Murphy - "Do You Remember The Time"

In case you've forgotten just how huge Michael Jackson was in the early '90s, remember there was a time he could premiere a video on MTV, BET, and Fox all at the same time. The video starred Jackson, of course, along with Eddie Murphy and Iman as ancient Egyptian royalty. Magic Johnson also appeared. 

Katie Holmes - "Tongue Tied"

Katie Holmes' career was just starting to take off in 1999 with her starring turn on Dawson's Creek. She also found some time to appear in the video for the song "Tongue Tied" by pop punk band Eve 6. It's not the last time Holmes has appeared in a video, either. A year later, in 2000, she starred with Micheal Douglas and others in a Bob Dylan video. 

Winona Ryder - "Debbie Gibson Is Pregnant with My Two-Headed Love Child"

By far the award for the strangest appearance on this list goes to Winona Ryder in the video for Mojo Nixon's song "Debbie Gibson Is Pregnant with My Two-Headed Love Child." Leave it to the late Nixon for coming up with the most ridiculous premise for a song, then landing a star like Ryder to star in the video in 1989, the same year she appeared in Heathers. 

RuPaul - "Love Shack"

If one were to guess which 1980s video to expect a RuPaul appearance, the smart money would be a B-52's video. That's exactly what happened in 1989 when RuPaul popped up very briefly in the video for "Love Shack" as a dancer and partygoer. He wasn't close to famous yet, but he was good friends with the band and he fits right into the campiness of the video. 

Benicio del Toro - "La Isla Bonita"

Benicio del Toro made his big screen debut in 1988 in Pee Wee's Big Top, but a year earlier, he was one of the extras in the video for Madonna's "La Isla Bonita." He is way in the background and can only be clearly seen in one shot, but when you watch the video, it's unmistakenly del Toro. 

Liv Tyler - "Crazy"

According to Liv Tyler, she didn't meet her biological father, Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler, until she was eight, and didn't know he was her father for another few years. Still, by the time she starred in the video for "Crazy," they had developed a healthy relationship, and the video, in which she co-stars with Alicia Silverstone, launched her career.

Captain Lou Albano - "Girls Just Want To Have Fun"

Cyndi Lauper was one of the biggest breakout stars of early MTV and for good reason. The low-budget video for her debut single, "Girls Just Want To Have Fun" featured a quirky cast that included her mother (playing her mother), her lawyer, and wrestling star "Captain" Lou Albano as her father. It's a video as fun as the song and it was played on repeat in those early MTV days. 

John Goodman - "Wild Wild Life"

The song "Wild Wild Life" by The Talking Heads was part of their soundtrack for the David Byrne-directed film True Stories. For the video, he recruited some of the people who appear in the film, including John Goodman, who lip-syncs along with the song in a karaoke bar. 

LeVar Burton - "Word Up"

LeVar Burton first found fame as Kunta Kinte in Roots, one of the most memorable performances by any actor, ever. About a decade later, between Roots and Star Trek: The Next Generation, Burton popped up in the video for "Word Up" by Cameo, playing a police officer trying to arrest the band. 

One video we left off this list because it's just too big a list on its own is the video for Ghostbusters which, in addition to the stars of the film also includes Chevy Chase, Danny Devito, Peter Falk, Al Franken, John Candy, and more. It's all too much to add to his list of some of the coolest appearances of stars in music videos! 

You know what all of the best sports movies have in common? Well, besides featuring stories centered around football, baseball, and even roller derby? They all include tremendous performances by actors that are believable and help the audience suspend disbelief, if only for a couple of hours. However, there are also movies where the actors, despite trying their best, are a little bit outside. 

Here are 32 times actors played professional athletes and whether or not they were believable.

Burt Reynolds (The Longest Yard)

Considered to be one of the best football movies of all time, The Longest Yard (the 1974 version) features a tremendous performance by the late Burt Reynolds as Paul Crewe, a former pro quarterback who ends up in prison and leads a group of prisoners against the guards in the annual football game. At the top of his game, Reynolds is a lights-out QB and play-caller in this iconic comedy.

Margot Robbie (I, Tonya)

Margot Robbie is to die for in the 2017 sports biopic, I, Tonya, which sees her take on the role of Tonya Harding, the talented and raw figure skater who made a mark on the sport before being tied up in its most notorious controversy. While Robbie’s off-the-ice scenes are superb, her figure skating was just as impressive, which should come as no surprise.

Jamie Foxx (Any Given Sunday)

Oliver Stone’s 1999 satirical sports dramedy, Any Given Sunday, sees Jamie Foxx portray Willie "Steamin" Beamen, the third-string quarterback for the fictional Miami Sharks football team. Foxx is outstanding in his take on the young QB and does a wonderful job of showcasing the character’s on-field talents and off-the-field escapades.

Hilary Swank (Million Dollar Baby)

Hilary Swank won an Oscar for her portrayal of Margaret "Maggie" Fitzgerald in Best Picture winner, Million Dollar Baby, and rightfully so. The talented actress told CBS News she spent three months training at a Brooklyn boxing gym before filming Clint Eastwood’s 2004 sports drama, and it shows.

Sylvester Stallone (Rocky)

Rocky is without a doubt the most well-known boxing movie of all time, and that’s mostly due to Sylvester Stallone’s commitment to the role of Rocky Balboa. Though not as bulked up as he was in later films in the franchise, Stallone has a great physical presence and ring awareness in his breakout role.

Kevin Costner (Tin Cup)

If Kevin Costner isn’t believable as a down-on-his-luck and washed-up golf pro looking for a shot at redemption and to settle an old score in Tin Cup, then I don’t know what will sell it to you. Sure, Costner seems more comfortable in baseball movies like Bull Durham and For Love of the Game, but his take on Roy McAvoy is top-notch. 

Emma Stone (Battle Of The Sexes) 

Emma Stone played tennis trailblazer Bille Jean King in the 2017 sports biopic, Battle of the Sexes, which saw her take on Steve Carell’s Bobby Riggs in the famous 1973 match of the same name. The Oscar winner does a great job when it comes to every aspect of the role, including those tense tennis scenes.

Geena Davis (A League Of Their Own)

Geena Davis looks, feels, and acts like a professional baseball player in A League of Their Own. There’s no need to suspend your disbelief when watching Davis’ Dottie Hinson lead the Rockford Peaches to one victory after another. The physicality, the presence, the believability are all there.

Chadwick Boseman (42)

Chadwick Boseman became a massive star in 2013 thanks to his celebrated portrayal of Jackie Robinson, the Professional Baseball Hall of Famer who broke the color barrier more than a half-century earlier. Boseman, who died in August 2020, was phenomenal in his performance and made the film’s various baseball sequences incredibly realistic.

Cuba Gooding Jr. (Jerry Maguire)

Okay, Cuba Gooding Jr.’s take on Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Rod Tidwell in Jerry Maguire is killer, even when you take out the classic “Show me the money” scene. He’s cocky, brash, and hard to deal with, but he can back it up and makes the big catch to earn his team a playoff berth. We’ll let the off-field antics slide…

Tim Robbins (Bull Durham)

Bull Durham, one of the best baseball movies of all time, sees Tim Robbins play Ebby “Nuke” LaLoosh, a hot-shot young pitcher with a “million-dollar arm, but a five-cent head.” And the six-foot-five-inch Robbins very much looked and acted like a talented yet undisciplined ball player. 

Wesley Snipes (Major League)

Wesley Snipes’ Wille Mays Hayes, who could run like Hayes but not hit like Mays in Major League, was a convincing ball player in the 1989 sports classic. Yeah, he had trouble hitting the ball (part of his character), but he had unmatched speed. The scene where he runs in his pajamas in spring training is still the stuff of legend.

Charlie Sheen (Major League)

If you were to build the ultimate baseball movie team, Charlie Sheen’s Ricky “Wild Thing” Vaughn from Major League would have a permanent spot as the closer. To pull off the dominant pitcher’s fastball, Sheen took it to the extreme and tried out steroids, as he later told Sports Illustrated. 

Damon Wayans (The Last Boy Scout)

Tony Scott’s The Last Boy Scout is an all-time great buddy action movie, one that also features a former professional football player, or at least an actor playing one. Though we don’t see his character in action on the field, Damon Wayans just gives off the energy of a pro quarterback who lost it all. 

Carl Weathers (Rocky)

Carl Weathers’ Apollo Creed was one of the linchpins of the Rocky franchise and served as one of Sylvester Stallone’s best on-screen opponents. Weathers not only looked like a boxer with that ridiculous physique of his (especially in the later movies), but he also had that “it” factor needed to play such a flashy character.

Tom Berenger (Major League)

It’s hard to imagine anyone besides Tom Berenger playing Jake Taylor, the veteran catcher with bad knees and just enough gas left in the tank, in Major League. Throughout the movie, it feels like the Cleveland Indians’ senior slugger has been through the wringer multiple times, and that’s thanks to the incredible work of Berenger.

Chris Hemsworth (Rush)

Ron Howard’s 2013 sports biopic, Rush, features top-notch performances by Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Brühl as James Hunt and Niki Lauda, respectively. While Brühl is great with his cool and collected demeanor, it’s Hemsworth who steals the show with his take on the self-confident and talented Formula One driver, thanks in part to the actor’s electric personality and physicality.

Paul Newman (Slap Shot)

There was no way we weren’t going to talk about Paul Newman in Slap Shot. Seriously, try to think about this beloved hockey movie with anyone else taking on Charlestown Chiefs player/coach Reggie Dunlop. Is he the most talented skater on the ice? No. But is believable in his portrayal of good, old-fashioned hockey? You bet! 

James Caan (Brian's Song)

Though James Caan was mostly recognized for his work in the latter half of Brian’s Song, this shouldn’t discount his portrayal of Brian Piccolo before he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. His take on the Chicago Bears halfback, along with Billie Dee Williams’ Gale Sayers, is phenomenal, to say the least.

Denzel Washington (The Hurricane)

Denzel Washington gave a commanding performance in the 1999 sports biopic, The Hurricane, which saw him take on the role of middleweight boxer Rubin “The Hurricane” Carter, who spent nearly 20 years in prison after being wrongfully convicted of murder. Washington, once again proving he’s one of the greatest to do it, excels in the ring.

Keanu Reeves (The Replacements)

Audiences never got to see Keanu Reeves’ Johnny Utah throw a pass in Point Break, but we did get to watch the actor play another left-handed quarterback from Ohio State with his portrayal of Shane Falco in The Replacements. This is a "whatever" movie if there’s ever been one, but Reeves looks at home leading the Washington Sentinels after the regular players go on strike.

John Goodman (The Babe)

John Goodman looks like Babe Ruth in the 1992 sports biopic, The Babe, but he doesn’t really play like the Great Bambino. This isn’t a knock on Goodman’s talents as an actor, it’s just that it’s impossible to accurately imitate the unmatched talents of one of the greatest baseball players of all time.

Adam Sandler (Happy Gilmore)

Adam Sandler’s Happy Gilmore will probably always be considered one of the best sports comedies of all time. The movie is heavy on both humor and sports (especially if you include the hockey scenes), and Sandler pulls off both things really well. 

Raquel Welch (Kansas City Bomber)

In the 1972 sports drama, Kansas City Bomber, the late Raquel Welch played K.C. Carr, a recently retired roller games star who returns to sport to settle an old score. No surprise, Welch was great in the movie and was a dominant physical force on skates.

Robert De Niro (Raging Bull)

One of Robert De Niro’s best movies, Raging Bull, sees the Oscar winner take on the role of middleweight boxing champion Jake LaMotta at various stages in his life and career. De Niro, who went through a physical transformation for the part, could hold his own in the movie’s various boxing sequences and never looked out of place.

Robert Redford (The Natural)

Would saying Robert Redford looked natural in his take on Roy Hobbs in The Natural be too on the nose? Who cares! Redford’s boyish charm and remarkable swing of his trusty bat, “Wonderboy,” helped make Barry Levinson’s 1972 sports drama an all-time classic. 

Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler)

Not only was Mickey Rourke outstanding in Darren Aronofsky’s The Wrestler, but the actor’s portrayal of a washed-up Randy Robinson was also incredibly realistic. Whether he was in the ring or trying to fix the broken pieces of his life in the real world, Rourke bled, cried, and sweated like someone who had been in the squared circle for decades, not months.  

Tom Selleck (Mr. Baseball)

Mr. Baseball is one of those movies that feels like it should have been a much bigger deal, but here we are 30-plus years later with a baseball comedy that never really gets talked about anywhere besides the MLB Network. Despite this, Tom Selleck’s take on Jack Elliot, a New York Yankee who joins the Nagoya Chunichi Dragons of Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball League, is both fun and believable. Come on, the Blood Bloods star even took an at-bat in an MLB spring training game a year before the film’s release.

Dwayne Johnson (The Tooth Fairy)

Dwayne Johnson, one of the greatest WWE Champions of all time, and a former college football player for the Miami Hurricanes, played a hockey player in the 2010 Disney movie, The Tooth Fairy. The Rock is great in just about anything, but not so much on the ice.

Will Smith (Ali)

Will Smith received an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Muhammad Ali in Michael Mann’s 2001 epic sports biopic, Ali, and he did a decent enough job. The major problem with Smith’s performance doesn’t really have much to do with the actor, but instead, the man he was playing. Smith is great in the boxing sequences, but it’s hard to believe that he’s the greatest of all time and not an actor playing the iconic sports figure.

Dennis Quaid (The Rookie)

Dennis Quaid’s portrayal of Jim Morris in The Rookie is nothing short of magical. The way Quaid plays the high school chemistry teacher who becomes a major league pitcher more than a decade after his baseball dreams died is a lot of fun and believable. He has the heart and determination of the real-life Tamp Bay Devil Rays pitcher, which really carries the film.

Steve McQueen (Le Mans)

If there was a movie where Steve McQueen drives a car at a high rate of speed, you can guarantee the legendary actor looked natural doing so. That’s the case with the 1971 film, Le Mans, in which McQueen played Michael Delaney, a racer with a guilty conscience following a tragic accident. McQueen, who had experience as a race driver, looked like a natural.

Playing a professional sport is no easy task and takes years of training and dedication, but these actors did a fine job of playing athletes on the big screen. While some were better than others, each gave all they had.

One of the most infamous comic book sequels of all time, Blade: Trinity takes the cake when it comes to disappointing threequels. A superhero movie with a historically difficult production, no one knows the film’s legacy more than its writer/director David S. Goyer. That disappointment certainly hit the man himself, as recounting the experience of making the 2004 Wesley Snipes sequel saw Goyer label it “the worst experience” of his career. 

That’s not hyperbole either, as we learned during a conversation between Josh Horowitz and the writer also known for his work on Man of Steel and The Dark Knight Trilogy. As he guest starred on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, David S. Goyer flat out gave this statement confirming that claim:

There’s no way to work around that blunt admission, as Goyer minces no words about how upsetting it all was. Keep in mind, this is the same movie that originated those wild Wesley Snipes strangulation rumors, while actually ending the friendship between himself and Snipes. All of this, plus the tale of a scene where CGI was required to show Snipes opening his eyes, pretty much says it all. 

At the same time, further Blade: Trinity anecdotes from David S. Goyer added context that highlight what Wesley Snipes’ life was like at the time of the production. Despite the sum of it horrifying parts, Goyer did have some good things to say about his previous leading man, offered among these further remarks:

To some Blade: Trinity is The Godfather Part III of superhero movies, which is a pretty apt comparison. When all things are considered, what we saw on screen matches the horror that we’ve heard recounted by Goyer, and other parties involved as well. 

At the same time, Goyer's further remarks do show the turmoil behind the scenes that made it all happen. And in the world of "good, actually" reappraisals, some may find themselves flocking to this movie with fresh enthusiasm. In which case, you should definitely keep the following remarks from fellow Blade: Trinity veteran Patton Oswalt in mind: 

Should you be ready to revisit Blade: Trinity, or if you want to stick with the first two entries in the trilogy, all three are currently available to stream. With the convenience of a Max subscription, you can see as many of the Daywalker’s adventures as you choose. 

Meanwhile, what we know about the MCU's Blade has that experience pegged to debut on February 14, 2025. And compared to the growing pains that Blade: Trinity went through, that project's series of delays now seem like a walk in the park. 

With Mahershala Ali set to make his MCU debut as Blade, generations of Blade fans still regard Wesley Snipes’ portrayal of the beloved Daywalker. Taking on the Marvel superhero was a challenge for the Coming 2 America star in the wake of 1990s superhero flops like Batman & Robin and Spawn. After making a splash and changing Hollywood’s perspective on superhero films, Snipes explained why he took on the role of the Daywalker years ago.

The Blade star had an impact on the superhero genre with the success of the first two films. While many Marvel fans can’t picture the half-vampire without seeing Wesley Snipes, the action film veteran didn’t see the Daywalker franchise becoming the universal cult classic it is today. Snipes explained to ComicBookMovie that when he first took on the Blade role, he was just doing the project for his friends who loved action movies and martial arts. In his words:

The film was just a fun homage to all the things he and his friends enjoyed. Wesley Snipes didn’t understand the character’s universal appeal until the first Blade film dropped in 1998. But even before the beloved Marvel film dropped, the 60-year-old actor knew the first film was something special for a niche audience, and he learned a good lesson on potential after it became a success. Snipes continued:

The Demolition Man actor learned from his Blade experience to not underestimate a property’s full potential. With his current comic book property The Exiled, it appears Snipes hasn’t limited the possibilities for the new venture. Wesley Snipes’ excitement for his latest venture seemed to hint at a potential multimedia franchise in the making like the beloved Blade franchise.

Of course, the acting veteran knew he had a hit on his hands after the first Blade became a box office hit. The success led to two sequels with the final entry, Blade Trinity, arriving in 2004. After the threequel hit theaters, Wesley Snipes took steps to get the never-produced Blade 4 made. There were two scripts ready to film, which faced years of production starts and stops. Despite never being made, he still has the scripts in his possession.

Despite no longer playing Blade, Snipes has nothing but love for Mahershala Ali as he brings his version of the Daywalker to the MCU. The True Story star gave some advice to Ali about training for the action-heavy role. Upon hearing his advice and encouraging words, Ali spoke about what Wesley Snipes talking about him taking on the Blade mantle meant to him as he felt humbled and encouraged by Snipes’ words. Given the looming presence of Snipes, the two-time Oscar winner mentioned he was looking forward to earning the Daywalker role from the action icon, understanding he has big shoes to fill.

Having moved on from the role, Wesley Snipes’ career is still flourishing with multiple TV and film projects in the work, including Back on the Strip. Mahershala Ali will make his MCU debut when Blade arrives in theaters on November 3, 2023, as part of Marvel's official Phase 5 lineup. If you want to revisit Snipes’ time as Blade, you can stream the Blade movies across multiple platforms.

There are some exciting characters that are set to take center stage in the Marvel Cinematic Universe moving forward, and one that has fans particularly hyped is a certain vampire hunter. I’m, of course, talking about the one and only Blade, who will be played by Oscar winner Mahershala Ali when he returns to the big screen. While fans are hyped to see this new iteration of the character, there’s still plenty of love for Wesley Snipes’ OG version of the hero. Snipes, for his part, also has a lot of affection for his superhero role and, amid the hype for the reboot, he’s revealed one of the ways in which he’d taken steps to get a fourth movie in his franchise made. 

It’s no secret that Wesley Snipes was all for Blade 4, as the actor has been steadily discussing the proposed project since the third installment hit theaters in 2004. Even with the multiverse now playing a major role in the cinematic landscape, the chances of said movie happening seem slim at this point. Over the years, said production seemed to experience its share of starts and stops. But based on new comments from the actor, he and his collaborators were prepared for such a thing to happen, as they apparently had two potential screenplays in their possession:

One can’t help but wonder how either of those two “killers” that the star mentioned to ComicBook.com would’ve pushed the Daywalker’s story forward. Given the unique mythology of the Marvel character, there are a number of different stories the writers could’ve told with the fanged protagonist. We’ll likely never know, but it is fun to think about.

Though he’d love to take on the role of Blade himself again, Wesley Snipes has been incredibly supportive of Mahershala Ali, as he prepares for his MCU debut. Snipes has proven to be a true class act whenever he’s asked his thoughts about the actor taking on the iconic role. When he initially responded to the reboot, he congratulated Ali and wished the team at Marvel Studios well. He’s also since given some advice to his successor, telling him to make sure that he’s in shape for the part. (Those are definitely some fine words of wisdom).

As for the upcoming Marvel movie itself, Marvel has yet to announce an official release date, though that could change in a few weeks when San Diego Comic-Con arrives. The movie took a major step forward last year when Mogul Mowgli’s Bassam Tariq was tapped to helm it. He’ll direct from a script written by Lovecraft County alum Stacy Osei-Kuffour. The superhero movie also won’t be R-rated, something that the OG leading is fine with.

Though Wesley Snipes’ two Blade scripts will likely never see the light of day, maybe the star can still get involved with the new franchise. He did, after all, make it known that he’d like Marvel to give him a role. Whether that happens remains to be seen, though one would think that Marvel Studios has at least considered it. 

Be sure that you’re keeping up with all of the updates regarding the MCU’s Blade movie. And if you’re feeling nostalgic for the original trilogy, you can stream the movies with an HBO Max subscription.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is always growing and expanding, and Phase Four has definitely been a doozy so far. But fans are constantly looking forward to the upcoming Marvel movies, including Blade starring Mahershala Ali and directed by Bassam Tariq. While some hardcore fans are worried about the vampiric hero being PG-13 for the MCU, original Blade actor Wesley Snipes recently explained why it doesn’t need to be rated R.

Actor Wesley Snipes played the title character of the Blade series throughout three movies from 1998-2004. As such, it’s safe to say that he knows the Marvel character well, and long before the MCU was formed. Snipes recently spoke to ComicBook about the likelihood of a PG-13 Blade movie in the shared universe, saying:

Well, there you have it. While Blade is typically a bloody superhero on both the page and screen, Wesley Snipes doesn’t think that Mahershala Ali’s upcoming movie has to be rated R. Specifically he thinks that the dialogue shouldn’t be affected by the rating, aside from only being able to include a few choice curse words. 

Wesley Snipes’ comments about the MCU version of Blade night help to quell the fears of comic book purists out there. Because if even the OG Blade himself isn’t concerned about the next movie being PG-13, then who are we to judge? It’s not like Marvel Studios is known for producing bad comic book movies; every single release in Phase Three was a critical and box office success.

Of course, Blade isn’t the only upcoming Marvel movie that has fans worried about its rating. Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool 3 is currently in development, and is expected to take place within the main MCU timeline. The first two movies made history as R-rated superhero movies that were still able to make a ton of money at the box office. But will the Disney-owned MCU pull Reynolds back? We’ll have to wait and see.

Marvel fantastic have long-waited for Blade to finally join the MCU, although Mahershala Ali has some big shoes to fill thanks to the legacy of Wesley Snipes. While we’ll have to wait until Phase Five for that project to come to life on the big screen, Ali did technically already make his entrance into the shared universe. Namely by an uncredited voice cameo in Eternals’ post-credits scene.

The next installment in the MCU is Thor: Love and Thunder on July 8th. In the meantime, check out the 2022 movie release dates to plan your next movie experience. 

Contrary to popular belief, the link between horror and comic books is not so distant and there are already many screen adaptations to prove that, including Blade. The 1998 hit from New Line Cinema starred established action hero Wesley Snipes in the title role of a human (born Eric Brooks) with all the strengths but none of the weaknesses of a vampire, which easily makes him the ultimate hunter of the most vicious bloodsuckers.

A new interpretation from Marvel Studios is in the works starring Mahershala Ali but has been removed from the 2025 movie release schedule indefinitely. Therefore, fans have plenty of time to catch the original Blade movies on streaming. As we continue to wait for the upcoming superhero movie, let us point you in the right direction.

Blade (1998)

Director: Stephen Norrington

Starring: Wesley Snipes, Stephen Dorff, Kris Kristofferson

What it's about: With the help of his mentor, a naturally born half-man, half-vampire with furious hate toward creatures of the night tries to help cure a doctor from becoming one herself, which leads him to a standoff against one of his most powerful enemies yet, Deacon Forst. Released at a time when R-rated comic book movies were still rare, writer David S. Goyer’s stylish, blood-soaked adaptation of Marv Wolfman's Blade series became highly influential for the state of the genre going forward.

How to watch Blade

• Rent or buy Blade on Amazon
• Buy Blade on Blu-ray on Amazon

Blade II (2002)

Director: Guillermo del Toro

Starring: Wesley Snipes, Kris Kristofferson, Ron Perlman

What it's about: Blade is forced to form an alliance with his enemies to rid the world of an even greater threat: a race of creatures known as the Reapers, which feed on both vampires and humans alike to quench their insatiable bloodlust. Guillermo del Toro, who would later return to the comic book movie genre with Hellboy and Hellboy II: The Golden Army, brought his dazzling, signature visual style to Blade II – the bigger, bloodier second installment of the franchise, which was once again penned by David S. Goyer.

How to watch Blade II

• Rent or buy Blade II on Amazon
• Buy Blade II on Blu-ray on Amazon

Blade: Trinity (2004)

Director: David S. Goyer

Starring: Wesley Snipes, Jessica Biel, Ryan Reynolds, Dominic Purcell

What it's about: While on the run from the FBI, Blade must join forces with a group of fellow vampire hunters called Nightstalkers to take down the most famous and feared bloodsucker of them all: Dracula. Future Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds made his Marvel movie debut as Hannibal King alongside Jessica Biel as Abigail Whistler in Blade: Trinity – the final installment of the original Snipes-led franchise.

How to watch Blade: Trinity

• Rent or buy Blade: Trinity on Amazon
• Buy Blade: Trinity on Blu-ray on Amazon

Blade: The Series (2006)

Starring: Sticky Fingaz

What it's about: A couple years after the release of Blade: Trinity, the franchise continued in the form of a TV series spin-off created by Goyer which aired for one, 12-episode season on the Paramount Network when it was still called Spike TV.

How to watch Blade: The Series

• Stream Blade: The Series on CWTV.com
• Buy Blade: The Series on Apple TV+
• Buy Blade: The Series on DVD on Amazon

After revisiting this action-packed trilogy (and short-lived spin-off series), are you excited to see what Mahershala Ali will bring to the role in the upcoming Marvel movie, or will Snipes always be Blade to you? Well, to be honest, as far as we are concerned, slaying creatures of the undead is fun to watch no matter who is wielding the sword.

While the conversation surrounding the 2022 Academy Awards has largely revolved around Will Smith slapping Chris Rock and the controversy over Amy Schumer’s bit with Kirsten Dunst, there were plenty of other memorable events from this year’s ceremony. For example, Woody Harrelson, Wesley Snipes and Rosie Perez reunited onstage for the 30th anniversary of their movie White Men Can’t Jump. However, upon seeing the playback of that moment, Perez has revealed that things humorously didn’t go exactly according to plan that night, and pot may be the reason why.

Woody Harrelson, Wesley Snipes and Rosie Perez came out during the 2022 Academy Awards to present the Best Cinematography category. However, now Perez has revealed that Harrelson and Snipes didn’t follow her instructions when it came to handling her dress, as The Flight Attendant actress explained while appearing on The Daily Show:

So it turns out that Woody Harrelson and Wesley Snipes was only supposed to the long, trailing portion of Rosie Perez’s dress prior to going onto the Oscars stage, but instead they kept their grip on it as the trio walked out together, much to Perez’s annoyance. Why did they not follow her instructions? Perez suspects pot to be the culprit, and while we can’t confirm if that is indeed the case, Harrelson has certainly been known to get high from time to time. Granted, Harrelson said in 2017 that he doesn’t smoke pot anymore, but it seems as though he changed his mind since then.

Upon rewatching Woody Harrelson, Wesley Snipes and Rosie Perez’s portion of the 2022 Academy Awards (which you can do too with a Hulu subscription), going off the way the former two are acting, I could buy that they were high and that they handle Rosie Perez’s dress the way she instructed either because they forgot or thought it would be funny to mess with her. Regardless, in the end, these three got the job done, through both their banter with one another and announcing that Greg Fraser won the Best Cinematography Oscar for his work on Dune. That was one of six Oscars that Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of the Frank Herbert novel took home that night.

This segment of the 2022 Academy Awards also served as a reminder for how long it’s been since White Men Can’t Jump came out. The Ron Shelton-written and directed movie remains one of the most notable entries on Woody Harrelson, Wesley Snipes and Rosie Perez’s respective resumes, and now there’s even a White Men Can’t Jump remake in the works. So far the cast of this new take on White Men Can’t Jump includes Jack Harlow in the Harrelson role and Sinqua Walls in the Snipes role. 

While we wait for more news on how the White Men Can’t Jump remake is coming along, you’re welcome to stream the original on Hulu. If you’re more interested in what the future has in store, scan though the 2022 movie releases.

Back in 1992, Woody Harrelson and Wesley Snipes (respectively best known at the time for Cheers and Major League) crossed paths for the sports comedy White Men Can’t Jump. The Ron Shelton-feature was both a critical and commercial success, and three decades later, a White Men Can’t Jump remake is being put together. Back in March, it was announced that Jack Harlow will play the Harrelson role in the White Men Can’t Jump remake, and now we’ve received word on who will be filling the Snipes role in the upcoming movie.

Sinqua Walls has been brought aboard the White Men Can’t Jump remake as its co-lead, as shared by Deadline. At this stage, it’s unclear if Walls’ character will also be named Sidney Deane (one of Wesley Snipes’ best performances), just like we’re in the dark on if Jack Harlow’s character will be named Billy Hoyle. While this remake will serve as Harlow’s acting debut, you might recognize Wells from his time on TV shows like The Secret Life of the American Teenager, Teen Wolf, Power and American Soul, or maybe you’ve caught some of his film appearances, including The 15:17 to Paris and the recently-released Resort to Love.

In the original White Men Can’t Jump, Woody Harrelson’s Billy Doyle makes his money hustling streetballers, and Wesley Snipes’ Sidney Deane pitches a partnership for the two of them to make more money together. While the partnership gets off to a rocky start, with Sidney screwing over Billy as revenge for losing two games to him earlier, the men eventually come to an understanding and enter a big two-on-two tournament to try to win the $5,000 grand prize. The 1992 movie also starred Rosie Perez, Tyra Ferrell, Cylk Cozart and Kadeem Hardison, among others, and it was Ron Shelton’s third feature directorial effort, having previously helmed Bull Durham and Blaze.

We’ll have to wait and see how similar the White Men Can’t Jump remake will be to its predecessor, as well as what tweaks it makes to fit into modern times. For now though, at least we know the two faces attached to lead this flick. Following Jack Harlow’s casting, fellow rapper Quavo threw his hat in the ring for the Wesley Snipes role, but the filmmakers opted to go in a different direction with Sinqua Walls. Who knows though, maybe they can find a different character for Quavo to play.

Behind the scenes, the White Men Can’t Jump remake is being helmed by music video director Calmatic, who also tackled the upcoming House Party reboot. Black-ish creator Kenya Barris co-wrote the new White Men Can’t Jump script with Doug Hall, and will also produce through his Khalabo Ink Society production company. The remake is among several movies Sinqua Walls has coming up, with the others including the horror flick Nanny and the drama Mending the Line, which he also executive produced.

It hasn’t been announced yet when the White Men Can’t Jump remake will begin shooting or be released to the public, but we here at CinemaBlend will keep our eyes and ears peeled. In the meantime, you’re welcome to stream the original movie with a Hulu subscription.

News of a White Men Can’t Jump remake came as a surprise to fans of the original film after years of being dormant. What was even more of a surprise was the casting of popular rapper Jack Harlow in the Woody Harrelson role. While the remake will be Harlow’s first acting role, another popular rap star has been thrown his hat in the ring to play the Wesley Snipes role.

TMZ caught up with rapper Quavo from the rap group Migos as he was boarding a flight at LAX. The popular rapper made it noticeably clear that he wants to be the “Nail Tech” rapper’s co-star in the reboot. He said about wanting to replace the Blade actor in the film:

The “Bad and Boujee” rap star is ready to take the film world by storm with Harlow as his co-pilot. The rap superstar mentioned his fellow rapper “can do everything” before calling him “amazing.” So, he’s ready for his big-screen debut as well.

Unlike Jack Harlow, Quavo has some acting roles under his belt, popping up on shows like Atlanta, black-ish, Ballers, and Narcos: Mexico. But each show was more of a guest spot as he played himself. So if he were to audition or land the role, it would mark his first substantive role since breaking through to the music scene in 2013.

While his acting skills will be up for critique, his skills on the court can’t be questioned. Throughout entertainment, the rapper is known as one of the best celebrity ballers, having displayed his prowess within celebrity basketball leagues. In recent years, Quavo has become a staple in the NBA's annual All-Star Celebrity Game, scoring the MVP title in 2018. His basketball techniques go beyond just the celebrity world as he was tapped to become a playable character in NBA2k22.

The occasional actor has big shoes to fill if he secures the role. The 1992 original film was a commercial hit that shored up Wesley Snipes’ star power and launched Woody Harrelson’s post-Cheers movie career. Snipes and Harrelson played basketball hustlers Syd Deane and Billy Hoyle trying to pay off Hoyle’s mobster debts. The film went on to become a beloved basketball movie.

Right now, no indication on who will replace the Coming 2 America actor as the remake is in development with black-ish creator Kenya Barris set as a producer. So, viewers might have to wait a while to hear if Quavo made the cut or not. There hasn’t been any talk about who will replace Rosie Perez’s Gloria in the reboot. Perez has previously criticized talks of a remake. For any more updates on the White Men Can’t Jump remake, you can check back with CinemaBlend for more news!

To relive all the smack talk from Snipes and Harrelson, you can watch the original film by subscribing to Hulu.

One of the best Marvel movies yet, Spider-Man: No Way Home once again sees the Marvel Cinematic Universe pull off something that fans long thought was simply impossible. Not only does the blockbuster feature a selection of villains from past Spider-Man movies outside of the canon, but it also sees the return of both Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield as their respective versions of the web-slinger. It’s terrifically exciting to see the heroes fight together with Tom Holland’s version, and it’s something that audiences will never forget – and it also makes us wonder what else might be possible thanks to the magic of the multiverse.

Many different Marvel movies were produced and released in the decades before the existence of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and while we don’t know what the future has in store for the franchise, it would certainly be amazing if the stories continued to explore the vastness of infinity and bring back gone-but-not-forgotten incarnations of special Marvel characters. There are eight heroes in particular who stand out in my mind, and I’ve provided reasoning to include all of them below.

Wesley Snipes As Blade

To be honest, this present time in the Marvel Cinematic Universe may not be the best time to bring back the Wesley Snipes incarnation of Blade. The franchise is right on the verge of debuting a brand new version of the Daywalker played by two-time Academy Award-winner Mahershala Ali, and Marvel is going to want audiences to be identifying him as the character instead of thinking about the version from the Blade trilogy. That being said, one cannot quickly dismiss the fact that the original Blade movie was a huge moment in the history of comic book movies, and having Snipes appear as the vampire slayer from an alternate universe would be a great way to honor that legacy.

Ben Affleck As Daredevil

If I’m being perfectly honest, the idea of Ben Affleck returning to the role of Daredevil is interesting now more than ever given the actor/director’s decision to walk away from the role of Bruce Wayne/Batman. The Daredevil movie from 2003 definitely wasn’t a career highlight for him (though he does admittedly have some positive takeaways), but one of the great things about the whole insanity of the multiverse is the potential for repaired legacies. If Affleck were to make a quick cameo as Matt Murdock in an upcoming film and just act like a total badass for five minutes, audiences would forget the mediocre past and become infatuated with the awesome present.

Nicolas Cage As Ghost Rider

It’s not exactly a secret that Nicolas Cage loves comic books (and still thinks he'd be perfect for some comic book villains). Unfortunately, his history when it comes to making Marvel movies is not spectacular. In 2007 and 2011 he got two opportunities to play Johnny Blaze a.k.a. Ghost Rider, but sadly neither Ghost Rider nor Ghost Rider: Spirit Of Vengeance are what one would call “watchable.” Of course, neither of those films were developed by Marvel Studios, and their track record suggests that they could provide the character with some redemption. We’ve yet to see the motorcycle-riding hell-raiser in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and it would be an exciting surprise to see Cage get a third shot at getting it right.

David Hasselhoff As Nick Fury

When the Marvel Cinematic Universe was first casting Nick Fury, Samuel L. Jackson made all the sense in the world. The iteration of the character from Marvel’s Ultimate line of comics was specifically based on him, so it was a way of both being faithful to the comics and enlisting a talented performer. As originally drawn, however, Fury was a curly-haired white guy, and said version was portrayed by David Hasselhoff in the 1998 TV movie Nick Fury: Agent Of Shield. Hasselhoff already has MCU connections, having cameoed in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, and it would be great to see him strap on an eyepatch and do at least one scene with Jackson in an upcoming blockbuster.

Patrick Stewart As Professor X

In the making of this list, I made a conscious decision to limit the presence of the X-Men franchise. The Marvel Cinematic Universe is going to be introducing mutants in their own way in the coming years, and while we already know that Ryan Reynolds is eventually going to be back as Deadpool, the franchise should have freedom to bring together a fresh ensemble without being restricted by the past. If there is any single character from the X-Men movies who should appear, though, my vote goes to Patrick Stewart’s Professor X. The actor may have said that he wants Logan to be his final turn as the brilliant telepath, but the reality is that he was born to play the leader of the X-Men, and it would be amazing to have that fact be recognized as canon in the MCU.

Lea Thompson As Beverly Switzler

With very little effort, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has done a nice job helping to repair the big screen reputation of Howard The Duck. The character’s solo film from 1986 remains more notorious than beloved, but the iteration played by Seth Green has provided audiences with some chuckles while watching the Guardians of the Galaxy movies and Avengers: Endgame. So, why not provide Beverly Switzler some redemption as well – specifically the version played by Lea Thompson?  Traveling from across the multiverse, she could share scenes with the MCU’s Howard, and perhaps inform audiences about what happened with her band, Cherry Bomb.

Reb Brown As Captain America

Admittedly, the last thing that Sam Wilson needs at this present moment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is another Captain America to enter the picture, but the idea of having an appearance from Reb Brown as Steve Rogers from across the multiverse is just too great an idea to ignore. In 1979, Brown starred as the legendary star-spangled hero in both Captain America and Captain America II: Death Too Soon, and it would be amazing to see him pick up the shield again. It would be a brilliant way to honor the long legacy of live-action Marvel Comics adaptations, the same being true for…

Peter Hooten As Dr. Stephen Strange

If we’re talking about actors from the earliest Marvel movies, we have to include Peter Hooten – if not especially because his character is more naturally linked to the multiverse than any other mentioned above. In 1978, Hooten became the first actor to ever portray Dr. Stephen Strange, playing the Master of the Mystic Arts in the CBS TV movie Doctor Strange. That was nearly 50 years ago now, and it would be remarkable to see him return to the role.

We’ll keep our fingers crossed that at least one of these comebacks happens in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the coming years. To keep track of everything heading our way from the massive franchise, be sure to check out our upcoming Marvel Movies and upcoming Marvel TV guides. And, before you plan your next big MCU rewatch, you should consult our Marvel movies in order feature. 

Sharing the Blade mantle brought Mahershala Ali and Wesley Snipes together. Of course, most Marvel fans would love to see the two stars play the vigilante half-vampire at the same time. Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be in the cards for now. That hasn’t stopped Snipes from shouting and blessing Ali as he becomes the MCU’s Blade. After hearing about the True Story star’s blessing, the Ali broke down what Snipes’ words meant to him.

Most Marvel fans have already witnessed the lovefest play out online. Unlike what fans expected to play, Mahershala Ali and Wesley Snipes have remained friendly. After months of back-and-forth praise and compliments, the Moonlight star spoke with The Breakfast Club about his feelings on the Coming 2 America star’s words.

That is how you handle taking over a role so beloved and associated with another actor. Mahershala Ali could’ve gone about his business without recognizing Wesley Snipes’ words. But he was so grateful to Snipes for giving his blessing as Ali begins his Blade journey. When looking at how Ali became the Marvel vampire hunter, the Dolemite is My Name star could’ve been bitter and disparaged the actor, but he didn’t. So it’s nice to know the two stars have nothing but mutual respect.

Understandably, Mahershala Ali would be gracious for Snipes’ blessing. Wesley Snipes has been no slouch in the praise department. The Blade vet revealed he felt Ali would “do great” as the beloved character. Having played the character for years, Snipes spoke on how physically demanding being Blade can be before offering advice to the Hidden Figures star.

While the Green Book star loved taking up the Blade mantle, there’s still speculation Wesley Snipes might pop up in the MCU. Ali was asked by the morning show if whether the Cut Throat City star will reprise his role. Of course, in typical Marvel fashion, Mahershala Ali didn’t confirm nor deny if Snipes could come back. Given Phase Four is going for the multiverse angle, it wouldn’t be too farfetched to see both stars share the screen. But viewers wouldn’t know until a mid-credit or end-credit scene comes up in an upcoming MCU film.

Mahershala Ali has multiple projects in the pipeline before he officially becomes Blade. Snipes is currently riding high on the success of Netflix’s True Story. It remains to be seen if Marvel’s multiverse brings the two stars together in some insane twist. Until then, audiences will have to wait to see Ali’s take on the beloved character with production expected to start July 2022.

Although Blade has existed in Marvel Comics lore since 1973, it was Wesley Snipes’ cinematic run as the character from 1998 to 2004 that catapulted the Daywalker to worldwide fame. Now it’s Mahershala Ali’s turn to put his own spin on Blade, as it was announced back in 2019 that that vampire hunter also known as Eric Brooks is being rebooted for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. That said, Ali still feels like he needs to earn this role from Snipes.

The actor shared this while speaking with Reelblend cohost Jake Hamilton on Jake’s Takes about his Apple TV+ movie Swan Song. When asked by Hamilton what he looks forward to exploring in the Blade character and how it’ll differ from Wesley Snipes’ “interpretation,” Mahershala Ali responded:

The first Blade movie came out in 1998, two years before X-Men and four years before Spider-Man. Granted, unlike Marvel’s mutants and Web-Slinger, Blade wasn’t widely known as a comic book character back then, but the movie nevertheless played an integral in turning the superhero genre into a Hollywood mainstay. So naturally there will be people curious about how Mahershala Ali’s version compares to Wesley Snipes’, but from the former’s perspective, he just wants the opportunity to honor what the latter has done with the role, whilst simultaneously bringing something new to a character who hasn’t been on the big screen in nearly 20 years. It’s understandable why Ali is itching to tackle this role, especially taking into account he was the one who pitched a Blade reboot to Marvel Studios.

Warning: SPOILERS for Eternals are ahead!

There still hasn’t been a timetable set on when we’ll get our first look at Mahershala Ali’s Blade, but we recently heard him in the MCU. Eternals’ post-credits scene saw Kit Harington’s Dane Whitman reach for the Ebony Blade that’s been in his family for centuries, but before he gripped the sword’s handle, Eric Brooks asked off screen if Dane’s truly ready for that. It’s unclear at this point if Harington will reprise Dane (known in Marvel Comics lore as The Black Knight) in the Blade reboot, but now some groundwork’s been laid for Blade’s full MCU introduction down the line.

Marvel’s Blade reboot will be directed by Mogul Mowgli’s Bassam Tariq and written by Watchmen’s Stacy Osei-Kuffour. Along with Mahershala Ali playing the title role, it was reported earlier this month that Delroy Lindo has been added to the cast, though his character hasn’t been identified yet. Filming is expected to begin in summer 2022, but there’s no word yet on the project’s release date.

While we wait for more news about Blade, you can watch Mahershala Ali in Swan Song when it premieres December 17 on Apple TV+. Our upcoming Marvel movies guide is also available for those of you curious about what else the MCU has lined up for theatrical presentation.

With the Infinity Saga in the rear view, Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is introducing a ton of new characters to help fill out the ranks. One of the highly anticipated heroes finally joining the franchise is the vampire hero Blade. OG Blade Wesley Snipes recently revealed what he thinks will decide the reboot’s success…. and it’s not Maheshala Ali.

Not much is known about the MCU’s developing Blade movie, and fans were thrilled to learn that Oscar winner Mahershala Ali would be playing the role. He’s got some big shoes to fill given Wesley Snipes’ iconic performance in his own trilogy. Snipes previously threw his support behind the Moonlight actor, and has now addressed who will decide the movie’s success: the fans. As he put it,

He’s got a point. The original Blade movie came before superhero movies were a popular genre, and scenes like the blood rave definitely elicited a strong reaction from audiences. That reaction led to a full trilogy ultimately being built around Wesley Snipes’ vampiric hero.

Wesley Snipes’ comments to ET Online shows how the iconic actor has continued to be a class act regarding the upcoming Blade reboot. While he understandably has some ownership over the Marvel hero, he seems to have a great attitude about the new version heading to theaters. And fans can’t wait to see how vampires will factor into the greater Marvel Cinematic Universe.

While Mahershala Ali has some big shoes to fill as Marvel’s Blade, his career and filmography truly speak for themselve. Ali is a massively acclaimed actor whose work has two Oscars under his belt. It just the type of A-listers that the MCU tends to attract these days.

Funny enough, Mahershala Ali actually already appeared in the MCU-- although it was on the small screen. He played the villainous Cottonmouth in Season 1 of Netflix’s Luke Cage. But this time he’s playing another character, and will factor into the big screen adventures of the franchise.

While Marvel fans will continue waiting for the Blade movie, Mahershala Ali technically already made his debut as the character formerly occupied by Wesley Snipes. Ali’s voice was briefly heard in the end-credits scene of Eternals, speaking to Kit Harington’s Dane Whitman. It remains to be seen how these two characters might interact in the future.

Eternals is in theaters now and Blade is currently expected to arrive sometime during Phase Four. In the meantime, check out the 2021 movie release dates to plan your next movie experience. 

Mahershala Ali has been preparing to take on Blade in his first MCU outing. While many fans were excited about Ali’s casting, some felt a little sour that original star Wesley Snipes passed over for the chance to join the MCU. Some viewers might expect the two actors to have some beef over the role, but it’s been quite the opposite. Snipes even went on as far as to give some advice to Ali about playing the iconic Marvel character.

Since Ali was announced to join the MCU, Wesley Snipes has done nothing but praise the two-time Oscar winner. He’s even lent his support to Mahershala Ali on and off social media. Snipes once again showed his support for the Blade star in a recent Yahoo! interview. Of course, playing Blade comes with some physical demands for the actor. The True Story star offered the Swan Song star some sage advice about keeping fit and safe.

Hopefully, Mahershala Ali will take Wesley Snipes’ advice to heart. Having starred in three Blade films, Snipes knows how demanding it is to play the Marvel icon could be. The Coming 2 America star reinforced his support for Ali by stating he was “cool” with Marvel’s decision. He referred to the studio’s decision as a business move. Snipes mentioned having no attachment to the character before congratulating the Oscar winner.

Mahershala Ali may find some relief in Wesley Snipes having in his corner. Ali might have felt the pressure stepping into Snipes’ shoes as he popped up in a surprise cameo in Eternals. The voice cameo marked Ali’s MCU debut. With the ensemble film being his debut, the Oscar winner faced tremendous anxiety surrounding his end-credit moment. Despite his nervousness, incorporating the vampire icon into the MCU has been long overdue.  

While Wesley Snipes won’t be involved, the original film’s legacy has been recognized by Marvel. The Blade reboot’s director revealed Marvel is focusing more on the character rather than his relation to other MCU characters. It is currently unknown what genre or comic storyline the film will borrow from.

Right now, not much is known about the reboot other than Mahershala Ali has been joined by The Harder They Fall’s Delroy Lindo. The film is expected to start production in July 2022 with no release date set for the Blade reboot. If you want to see what else is coming in Phase Four, check out our guides to every upcoming Marvel movie and television series.

Major spoilers for Marvel Studios’ Eternals lie ahead.

Following years of anticipation, Blade is finally set to enter the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Of course, this iteration of the Daywalker is set to be played by Oscar winner Mahershala Ali, which has plenty of fans excited. Despite this, many still hold a special place for Wesley Snipes’ iteration of the comic book hero. As a result, the superhero-loving public is always curious to get his thoughts on the reboot and its lead. So far, Snipes has been nothing but classy about the upcoming movie, and he recently continued this trend with a sweet post. 

Having played the vampire hunter in a film trilogy, Wesley Snipes truly defined the character for a generation. And while many are excited to see what the Moonlight star will bring to the table, there are others who believe he’s going to have a hard time topping Snipes. The 59-year-old actor himself feels optimistic about his successor’s chances, though. He said as much in a recent Twitter post, in which he retweeted a fan’s comment. Check it out for yourself down below: 

The Hollywood legend has spoken, and I’m definitely tempted to agree with him. Those who’ve seen Mahershala Ali in action know that he’s one of the finest actors working today. He has the commanding presence needed to play a character like Blade as well as the cool demeanor that’s been associated with the hero. What’s most impressive about Ali is that he’s an actor who knows how to use his eyes, which is essential, as the half-vampire really knows how to stare down his enemies.

As mentioned, this isn’t the first time Wesley Snipes has shared positive thoughts about the project. Snipes was originally asked about the Marvel Studios casting back in the fall of 2019, during which he gave a diplomatic answer that praised the legacy of the character. He later commended the studio for the job it’s doing on the film. Still, based on some of his other reactions, the actor still takes great pride in being the first person to play the titular character. 

Mahershala Ali and Marvel Studios, for their part, have also shown respect to the man that started it all. Ali actually mentioned that he has a somewhat funny “connection” to his predecessor, as his people apparently used to tell him that he looked like the White Men Can’t Jump star. Bassam Tariq, who is helming the upcoming reboot, has also spoken about the original franchise’s impact on his big-screen take.

As of right now, the Daywalker’s solo MCU film is still in the early stages of production. In addition to landing its star and director, it also has a screenwriter in Watchmen alum Stacy Osei-Kuffour. Though the project has the tools to succeed, there’s naturally still some anxiousness on Mahershala Ali’s part. The star recently made his debut through a vocal cameo during the post-credits scene of Eternals, which he says was a daunting experience. Still, he’s excited about actually playing the character on screen in the near future. 

Hopefully, this new take on Blade will be well worth the wait and, as mentioned, there are plenty of reasons to be confident. It’ll be interesting to hear Wesley Snipes’ thoughts on it and, who knows, maybe he’ll get that cameo fans have been clamoring for. 

1998’s original Blade film is currently available to stream on HBO Max, in case you’d like to check out Wesley Snipes’ performance.

It’s no secret that the Marvel Cinematic Universe is an absolute behemoth in the entertainment industry. And as OG stars like Robert Downey Jr. depart from their role, a number of new heroes are being introduced. That includes the upcoming inclusion of Blade, played by Mahershala Ali. And the new Blade director recently explained why Wesley Snipes’ original version remains so important.

Wesley Snipes starred as the vampiric title character in a trilogy of Blade movies through the late 1990’s and early 2000’s. This tenure is especially impressive as it was before Marvel movies became so popular. Director Bassam Tariq spoke to the legacy of Snipes’ movies, as he put it:

Well, there you have it. While Wesley Snipes has been open about his continued connection with the character Blade, it doesn’t look like he’s involved in the MCU’s take on the character. Still, Bassam Tariq understands how the movie is only possible through the strides of Snipes during his original trilogy.

Bassam Tariq’s comments to IndieWire show how passionately the filmmaker feels about his upcoming MCU, and the role Blade has had in popular culture as a whole. Marvel fans have been holding out hope to see the vampire hero join the MCU, and now that time is nearly upon us. And Tariq wants to make sure that he’s honoring Black talent both in front and behind the camera. That includes the groundbreaking work previously done by Wesley Snipes.

Exactly what Bassam Tariq, Mahershala Ali, and company are planning for the upcoming Blade movie is unclear, but it’s thrilling to learn that he’ll be occupying the same cinematic universe as the Avengers and Guardians. There's no telling how he might interact with those heroes, especially since Blade is typically a bit more violent than the PG-13 MCU adventures we’ve seen on the big screen.

Phase Four is already introducing some very high concepts, including a liberal use of the multiverse. And while magic is being used more and more, vampires are a new concept for Bassam Tariq to introduce. We’ll just have to wait and see how bloody this property ends up being. I doubt there’s going to be a blood rave ala Wesley Snipes’ Blade.

The MCU’s Blade doesn’t currently have a release date but it’s expected to arrive within Phase Four. In the meantime, check out the 2021 movie release dates to plan your next movie experience.

There are so many Major League behind-the-scenes facts from the making of not only one of the best baseball movies ever made, but also one of the all-time great sports flicks that make the story of the underdog Cleveland Indians team so much better. As crazy as it may seem, it has been 35 years since David S. Ward introduced audiences to one of the most dysfunctional, unlikely, and iconic group of baseball players brought to life by Tom Berenger, Charlie Sheen, and a new-on-the-scene Wesley Snipes.

Below is a breakdown of some of the most impressive Major League behind-the-scenes facts including why the movie wasn’t actually filmed in Cleveland, how Charlie Sheen prepared to take on the role of Ricky “Wild Thing” Vaughn, and other great stories that will have rushing home to watch this raucous baseball movie.

Wesley Snipes Had A ‘Ridiculous’ Audition Experience

Wesley Snipes’ Willie Mays Hayes will forever be remembered as one of the most impactful fictional Black athletes in a movie, as well as one of cinema’s funniest and most athletic baseball players. And just like how his character would prove himself by running at mach speed in his pajamas during the spring training sequence, Snipes participated in an audition in an unorthodox outfit: a flying suit and a pair of boxing shoes. 

As he told Collider in 2021, Snipes showed up to what he thought was going to be a screen test only to find out that he was expected to run the bases with other actors, something he wasn’t prepared to do based on his clothing choices:

Though he would later call it a “ridiculous” audition experience, it paid off as the actor impressed the producers and he got the part. Decades later, Major League is still considered one of Snipes’ best movies.

Director David S. Ward Had To Tie Down Rene Russo’s Hands To Keep The Actress From Moving So Much

Rene Russo has spent her career appearing in the likes of Nightcrawler, The Thomas Crown Affair, and the Thor movies, but when she earned the role of Lynn Wells, Tom Berenger’s on-screen ex in Major League, she was an unseasoned model-turned-actress. And as you can imagine, she was a bit nervous on set, which resulted in Russo moving her hands and arms around during takes. But, as director David S. Ward told the Hollywood Gold podcast in March 2024, he came up with a way to fix the problem:

Russo wasn’t too bothered by it, and later told Entertainment Weekly that she was forever grateful to Ward for taking a chance on a first-time actress and making it work.

Major League Shot In Milwaukee As Opposed To Cleveland For A Variety Of Reasons

The events of Major League are set in Cleveland, Ohio, the real-life home of the Indians baseball team, now known as the Guardians. However, the movie was actually shot in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with Milwaukee County Stadium, the former home of the Brewers, filling in for Cleveland Stadium, the team’s home ballpark until 1994. And while this is a commonly known fact about the movie, the reason behind it might not be as well known.

During a 2016 interview with ESPN, writer-director David S. Ward, a Cleveland native, revealed Major League was filmed in Milwaukee because the Cleveland Browns, who shared a stadium with the Indians until relocating to Baltimore and changing their name to the Ravens, had already started preseason football and there were lines on the field, making it not look ideal. There were also union issues that would have made shooting there much more expensive than taking the production to Wisconsin. 

The Major League Cast Went Through A Version Of Spring Training To Prepare For The Movie

In order to look like an actual MLB team, the Major League cast was put through a rigorous training camp that was essentially a version of spring training or boot camp. With the help of former Los Angeles Dodgers catcher and 1981 World Series co-MVP Steve Yeager, who came on as a technical advisor, the movie’s stars and supporting actors went through weeks of baseball drills and conditioning training. As director David S. Ward told Yahoo! Sports in 2019, this was done to avoid having any members of the cast get injured during filming and throw the whole show off schedule.

Yeager must have impressed everyone enough to earn a more long-term job as he was hired on to take the role of third-base coach Duke Temple in Major League as well as stand in for Tom Berenger as catcher Jake Taylor when certain scenes called for more accurate throws to first and second. 

Charlie Sheen’s Fastball Got Up To 85 MPH But Only After Taking Steroids

A few members of the Major League cast had a history with baseball, but none had as much experience than or looked as believable as Charlie Sheen. Sheen revealed in Sports Illustrated’s 2011 Major League oral history that before following his father’s footsteps, he was a decent enough baseball player, which made preparing for the role of California Penal League standout and Cleveland Indians rookie sensation Ricky “Wild Thing” Vaughn a lot easier. And while his history helped him get his fastball up to a respectable speed, he also had some assistance from the effects of the steroids he was taking:

On top of Charlie Sheen taking steroids to increase the speed of his pitch, director David S. Ward also moved up home plate 10 feet to make it appear he was throwing even faster during filming. Winning.

Willie Mays Hayes Was Always In Slow Motion Because Wesley Snipes Wasn’t Very Fast

Willie Mays Hayes might have hit like Mays but he only ran like Hayes because all of Wesley Snipes’ running scenes were shot in slow motion. During Sports Illustrated’s Major League oral history, director David S. Ward revealed that while Snipes actually made that great grab that had him go over the outfield wall in the movie, all of his running shots were slowed down not to capture his speed but to make it appear is he were a speed demon because the actor was not very fast. Plus, it also makes that scene where Hayes runs in his pajamas all the more epic.

Director David S. Ward Made The Actors Play Catch As Part Of Major League’s Casting Process

One part of the Major League casting process that seems both insane and totally understandable is the way David S. Ward tested the actors’ baseball skills through a simple game of catch. This is brought up in Jonathan Knight’s The Making of Major League: A Juuuust a Bit Inside Look at the Classic Baseball Comedy during the section about Tom Berenger auditioning for the role of clubhouse leader Jake Taylor. In the book it is revealed that even though Berenger had trouble throwing the ball during the meeting, Ward decided to go with the casting and figure out what to do with the mechanics later.

The Major League Cast Had Some Wild Nights Out While Filming In Milwaukee

With Milwaukee being one of the biggest beer towns in the United States, it would be more surprising if the Major League cast and crew didn’t go out whenever given the opportunity. And boy, did they go out and party when the opportunity presented itself. When the topic came up in Sports Illustrated’s Major League oral history, Charlie Sheen pointed out that James Gammon, who played coach Lou Brown was one of the biggest offenders, as he put it so lovingly:

Later on in the piece, it was brought up that while James Gammon knew how to have a good time at a bar, it was Charlie Sheen who had most of the fun, especially when it came to figuring out airline schedules so the various women visiting him in Milwaukee never crossed paths. Maybe the crew will recreate the madness if Major League 4 ever happens. 

Major League Was Able To Use The Yankees As The ‘Bad Guys’ Partially Because The Team’s Then-Owner Was From Cleveland

You can’t have a good underdog story without a team going up against one of the strongest franchises in the history of professional sports, so it only seemed fitting to have the Cleveland Indians take on the New York Yankees in Major League. There was only one problem: the film’s producers had to get clearance from both MLB and the owner of the Yankees, George Steinbrenner. When speaking with ESPN in 2016, David S. Ward revealed that he didn’t get the approval from the Yankees’ owner right away but eventually got the go-ahead, and he believes it was partially because Steinbrenner happened to be from Cleveland.

‘Mr. Baseball’ Bob Uecker Largely Ad-Libbed His Iconic Dialogue In Major League

To this day, one of the best things about Major League is Bob Uecker’s iconic performance as radio announcer Harry Doyle with quotes like “Juuuust a bit outside” and “This guy threw at his own son in a father-son game” among other zingers. During the Sports Illustrated oral history of the movie, Uecker (the radio announcer for the Milwaukee Brewers and iconic WrestleMania celebrity guest) revealed the producers told him to just riff while filming and that he didn’t have to follow the script. They told him to just do his thing and the rest is history.

Jeremy Piven Played An Insult-Hurling Bench Jockey But His Scenes Were Cut

As mentioned earlier, the Major League cast is one of the best ever assembled for a baseball movie, but the group of actors was originally included another future star before a last-minute decision left their performance on the cutting room floor. During the Sports Illustrated oral history, David S. Ward revealed that Jeremy Piven played an insult-hurling bench jockey who was featured at various points throughout the movie but he cut the character because the material didn’t really work. Piven would go on to find fame and later became a fixture of the Entourage cast.

Major League Originally Had A Different Ending But It Performed Poorly With Test Audiences

Major League has one of the all-time great sports movie endings with the Cleveland Indians overcoming the odds and defeating the New York Yankees while also foiling owner Rachel Phelps’ (Margaret Whitton) plan of moving the team to sunny Florida after an abysmal season. Well, the original plan for the movie, which was thankfully walked back, had a scene where Phelps revealed that she didn’t want to move the team and her diabolical plan was just a way to motivate the team and avoid bankruptcy by building a roster of cheap players.

According to the Los Angeles Times, a drastically different alternate ending made it as far as early test screenings but audiences reacted to it poorly because they hated the owner so much. With that in mind, the producers dropped the “good guy” twist and filmed more of those iconic shots of her being annoyed by the team’s success, which made for one of the most incredible moments in a baseball movie.

Well, now all there is to do is find a copy of Major League, pop it in, and take in the timeless story of one of the most remarkable seasons in baseball movie history. And after that, there are so many other great sports underdog stories to revisit.

Mahershala Ali may be in fittings for his own black leather jacket as the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s version of Blade continues through development, but for nearly 25 years, the role has belonged to Wesley Snipes. The 58-year-old actor played the vampire hunter in three Blade films, with the final entry, Blade: Trinity, unfortunately leaving the franchise limping along to an exit. And over the years, rumors have spread regarding Snipes and writer/director David S. Goyer having a physical altercation on set.

Back in 2012, Blade: Trinity cast member Patton Oswalt claimed that the “troubled production” once led to Wesley Snipes trying to strangle David Goyer. The filmmaker has now responded to those rumors with these words:

While speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, David Goyer did not talk about whether the attempted strangling happened or not. He simply shared that he is no longer friends with Wesley Snipes, but is on talking terms with Patton Oswalt. It’s a peculiar response that keeps the rumor mill rolling and certainly asks us to read between the lines.

According to Patton Oswalt’s story on the subject, he shared that one day on set, the cast was allowed to pick their own clothing, and there was one Black actor who decided to wear a shirt that said “Garbage” on it in big letters. When it came time for Wesley Snipes to be part of the scene, he allegedly called the director a "racist motherfucker" for allowing the one other Black guy in the movie to have that word on his clothing, leading to him attempting to strangle David Goyer.

Last year, Wesley Snipes was asked about Patton Oswalt’s claims and he had a more straightforward answer involving what happened. As he claimed:

As Wesley Snipes puts it, he believes the facts lie in the detail about what might happen to a Black actor such as himself if he was violent toward a director like David Goyer. The Blade actor said that if it was true, he would not be the respected working actor he is today, recently finding roles in Dolemite Is My Name, Coming 2 America and Cut Throat City.

Blade will return with Mahershala Ali taking on the role for the MCU, with director Bassam Tariq reportedly helming the movie. As far as the Wesley Snipes situation, David Goyer could have easily dispelled the rumors by simply sharing it did not occur, but he chose not to speak directly about. Since the claims have not been confirmed or denied by Goyer, what happened on the set of Blade: Trinity looks like it may remain a mystery for some time.

There was once a time when Sylvester Stallone, Wesley Snipes, Jason Statham and a lot of other badasses gathered to make blockbuster action movies together. Much as The Avengers became the franchise for those who liked to bond over comic book action, The Expendables allowed folks to bro out to action stars of the past and present. And as you’ll see in the throwback footage shared by Stallone himself, those days must have been a hell of a time.

Clearly missing the days of The Expendables series, Sylvester Stallone shared a fun video from the set of The Expendables 3 on his Instagram. It’s pretty jam-packed with everyone and anyone you could think of who starred in the 2014 entry to this particular series. Which means that yes, you’ll get to see Harrison Ford hanging out with the boys while watching the video included below:

Seriously, how awesome is it to see Sly on set with Antonio Banderas, Mel Gibson, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jason Statham?! It’s practically a class photo for The Expendables 3, and everyone looks pretty jazzed to be a part of the moment. Even the sometimes cantankerous Harrison Ford is all smiles; the energy is that infectious.

Of course, the centerpiece of it all is the fact that this throwback to those simpler days reminds us that 2010’s The Expendables was a pretty historic moment in action cinema history. For the first time, Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger, two titans once engaged in a bit of an historic rivalry, worked together for the fans. With that mythic conflict at an end, the sky was the limit for who they could get to join in, and the two ensuing sequels proved it.

With such great memories comes some bittersweet truth, as The Expendables 3, so far, has proven to be the de facto finale of the franchise. The production itself was beset by all sorts of problems, as a PG-13 rating and an eventually leaked copy of the film were among the reasons some have cited for the third installment’s ultimate disappointment at the box office. As everyone has scattered with their own projects, like Stallone’s Rocky IV director’s cut and Jason Statham’s duties on The Meg franchise, as well as the Fast and Furious spin-off Hobbs and Shaw, it almost feels like The Expendable 4 is dead for good.

Then again, with all of the good vibes that The Expendables 3 gave to those participants captured on film, who’s to say that it couldn’t happen again? Sylvester Stallone knows how to get a band back together when he wants to, and with his plate seemingly free of the Creed series, this could be the next big move for him. Provided, of course, that the supposedly-confirmed Demolition Man sequel doesn’t get off the ground first.

A new era of Blade will soon be upon us. At the 2019 San Diego Comic-Con, a decade and a half after Wesley Snipes’ last outing as the Daywalker, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige announced that True Detective’s Mahershala Ali would bring Blade to life within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Nearly two full years later, Ali hasn’t met with Snipes about playing Blade, although the latter recently admitted that it would be “strange” if the former contacted him about the role.

While Wesley Snipes spoke with Den of Geek about his latest movie, Coming 2 America, the conversation briefly focused on Blade. Here’s what the actor had to say about why he’s ok with not talking about Marvel’s most famous vampire hunter with Mahershala Ali:

Given that Mahershala Ali will be the second actor to play Blade on film, one wouldn’t fault him if he wanted to pick Wesley Snipes’ brain about the role. However, as Snipes sees it, he doesn’t expect that Ali will chat him up about all things Blade. No doubt Snipes thinks that Ali is perfectly capable of figuring out the role by himself, which is hardly an unreasonable thought given that Ali is an Academy Award and Golden Globe winner. And if I might get speculative for a moment, while obviously Ali’s Blade will pull certain elements from the source material like Snipes’ version did, it wouldn’t be surprising if Ali wants to make sure that his Blade performance doesn’t too closely resemble what Snipes did over the course of the original Blade trilogy.

One thing is certain: Wesley Snipes is fully supportive of Mahershala Ali taking over as Blade. He first said as much back in September 2019, and this past February, he stated how he’s fully behind both Ali and Marvel Studios’ efforts to bring Blade back to the big screen. Snipes reiterated his support in this more recent interview with the following:

Breaking from the traditional Marvel Studios model of Kevin Feige and the other MCU architects deciding which stories will be told in the coming years and then seeking actors to play the characters leading said stories, it was Mahershala Ali who pitched rebooting Blade to Marvel, with the meeting happening shortly after he won an Academy Award for his performance in Green Book. Considering how deep his connection to the original Blade movies runs, it makes sense why Ali was determined to bring the Daywalker into the MCU. This marks Ali’s fourth comic book project, having already lent his talents to Luke Cage, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and the currently-airing Invincible.

As things currently stand, the Blade reboot doesn’t have an official release date, although it would make sense if it ended up being slotted for October 7, 2022. The last major update concerning the project was that Stacy Osei-Kuffour, who worked on HBO’s Watchmen series, will write the Blade script. So there’s still a ways to go before we learn what this next Blade story will be about and who will appear alongside Ali’s iteration of the character, but the wheels of progress are slowly turning.

While we wait for more news about how Blade is coming along, browse through our upcoming Marvel movies guide to learn what else is coming down the MCU pipeline. To the Mahershala Ali fans out there, Swan Song is his next movie lined up, and it also stars Naomi Harris, Awkwafina and Glenn Close.

Coming 2 America was a dream come true for many fans of the original 1988 film, and this even extended to one of the film’s stars -- Wesley Snipes. The actor originally auditioned for a role in the first movie but unfortunately, lost out on the part. So you can imagine how excited he was to land the role of the hilariously imposing General Izzi. Having been noted as a scene-stealer in the sequel, Snipes certainly made the most of his performance. However, he does believe that he missed out on one opportunity, and the film probably should have tried it.

As General Izzi, Wesley Snipes got to chew up more than his fair share of scenery, which allowed him some fun on the set. Co-stars Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall also got do this by reprising their “makeup” characters like Clarence the barber and Reverend Brown, and it sounds like Snipes has a bit of FOMO:

So based on his comments to Den of Geek, Wesley Snipes definitely wanted to join in when it came to creating an off-the-wall makeup character, and who can blame him? Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall really get to go all out with their makeup-heavy alter egos and, as Snipes indicates, the results are usually hilarious.

Given Wesley Snipes’ abilities as a comedic actor, it is somewhat surprising that he didn’t get the chance to create another role. His performance as D'Urville Martin in Dolemite Is My Name alone is more than enough proof of what he brings to the table. All in all, having him try a character of that nature could have added a fresh element to Coming 2 America.

Wesley Snipes still managed to make the most of his time on the Coming 2 America set in other ways, though. During the shoot, the actor actually took the opportunity to embrace co-star Paul Bates (Oha) and tell him what his work has meant to him. I think just about any of us would take a chance like that if we were in Snipes’ shoes.

Fans will just have to wonder if Wesley Snipes will ever get the chance to play a wild, makeup-heavy character at some point in the future. But if Eddie Murphy does get the opportunity to make that third Coming to America film he’s thinking about, there could be hope for Snipes yet.

Coming 2 America is currently available to stream on Amazon Prime.

Seeing the original Coming to America cast was great in Coming 2 America, but it was the newcomers who stole the show. Wesley Snipes was one of them with outrageous antics as General Izzi. But the actor’s antics shouldn’t be a surprise given his affinity for the original. His love for the first film translated into a nice, yet embarrassing moment. The Coming 2 America star revealed an awkwardly sweet fanboy moment while filming.

Wesley Snipes, like many people, was a huge fan of Coming to America. So, being in the sequel was a dream come true for the actor after auditioning for the original in the 1980s. Snipes praised everyone involved with Coming 2 America to Collider before exposing a fanboy moment he experienced with original castmate Paul Bates:

Wesley Snipes’ recollection of his awkward moment with Paul Bates spoke on how important Coming to America has been for audiences. The original film had a lasting impact on pop culture, especially for Black culture. As Snipes told Collider, the film gave a fantastical look at African culture while being a positive portrayal of love between two upwardly mobile Black people. Snipes was correct in acknowledging how iconic and influential the film was, even in an awkward moment. The actor being cast in Coming 2 America was the dream for any fan who loves and studies film.

But Wesley Snipes’ casting was a full-circle moment. As previously mentioned, the actor auditioned for Coming to America in the early part of his career. But his performance as D’Urville Martin in Dolemite is My Name prepared him to play General Izzi compared to his early roles in drama and action films. Despite the mixed reception for Coming 2 America, Snipes was singled out for his over-the-top performance. Snipes’ inclusion proved some things can come back around if you genuinely want it or don’t expect it.

While Wesley Snipes cherished his role in Coming 2 America, his legacy has also paved the way for many actors today especially in the sci-fi and action genres. But Snipes was able to show a different side of himself in the sequel. Hopefully, he will be able to show more sides in the future.

Star Trek: The Next Generation's cast was iconic, so it's hard to imagine the bridge crew of the series could've looked any different than it did. With that said, the series just missed out on bagging a huge celebrity apparently, as Wesley Snipes recently confirmed he nearly landed the role of Geordi La Forge.

The actor shared the story of the audition with Collider and his feelings when he lost the role to LeVar Burton. Snipes also talked about why he ultimately isn't too hurt that he missed out on the role:

Wesley Snipes auditioned for Star Trek: The Next Generation in the '80s, and the series premiered in 1987 and ran all the way to 1994. In the span of that time, Snipes did lots of movies, some among his most notable like Major League, King of New York, New Jack City, and White Men Can't Jump. That's a hell of a run for iconic roles, so it's hard even to fathom who would've gotten those roles had Snipes been locked down on the set of TNG and unable to take them.

And yet, it's a reality the world almost lived in as Wesley Snipes confirmed the selection for Geordi La Forge came down to the wire. Snipes also gave LeVar Burton some love and credited the actor for all he brought to the Star Trek character.

Wesley Snipes has not taken a role in Star Trek since then but, with so much happening with the franchise in television and movies, it's not too late. It would be great to see him have some role in an upcoming movie or show, maybe in a role bigger than Lt. Commander? Snipes would make an awesome captain of his own ship, or maybe there's some alien race that resembles vampires? They have full-blown planets based on prohibition-era mob movies, so I can't help but think it's not that big of a stretch.

All the Star Trek anyone could want is currently available to binge on Paramount+. Would you like to see Wesley Snipes join the world of Star Trek? Sound off on our poll as to whether you'd rather see it on television or film, and read up on which former The Next Generation actor hasn't had an interest in returning to the franchise.

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The upcoming Blade reboot will undoubtedly differ from the original trilogy starring Wesley Snipes. As the vampire flick moves further into production, rumors have swirled that there will be some pretty significant changes for the Mahershala Ali-led project. The latest rumor suggests that a character who has never appeared alongside the previous cinematic Daywalker may debut within the MCU.

Allegedly, a casting call for the project is looking for a character named Ruby, who is a teenager and will play a strong supporting role in the film. According to Daniel Richtman (via Disinsider), Ruby carries the weight of her upbringing and the events happening in the world around her. While the character is identified as Ruby, some think that it may just be an alias, and the character will be none other than Blade’s daughter, Fallon Grey.

If true, it would be the first time that fans of the Blade property will see the vampire slayer’s daughter in action on the big screen. Back in 2015, comic book writer Tim Seeley announced that he would helm a new series for Marvel that would follow Fallon Grey as she took over the family business from her father. The project ended up falling through, but if this rumor pans out, it could have huge implications for the MCU and Blade.

While Disney has been largely tight-lipped about a release date for Blade, franchise veteran Wesley Snipes has had quite a bit of fun teasing fans about a potential reprisal. Since Mahershala Ali was announced as lead for the upcoming reboot, Snipes has been supportive of the decision, noting that while he is happy for the Moonlight star, he will always be the original Daywalker.

Blade is just one of many upcoming MCU films, the next of which is Black Widow on May 7. While we probably won’t see Blade for a bit, as there’s still no official release date, the reboot will be the first time fans can catch a new film based on the Daywalker since 2004’s Blade: Trinity.

As for the rumor of a potential Fallon Grey appearance, all I can say is why not? The MCU has already seen success with another young hero. Tom Holland’s portrayal of Spider-Man has been wildly popular for the franchise, and the actor himself isn’t afraid to admit that playing a younger character has been a bit of a secret weapon for Marvel.

While the Fallon Grey rumors remain unconfirmed, fans of the MCU will be excited to hear that Marvel is scheduled to release four films this year, after taking an unprecedented break from theaters in 2020. It looks like Marvel is once again returning to form after a tough year for both studios and theaters. Hopefully things will be back to normal by the time we see Mahershala Ali don the iconic leather trench coat.

Whether people admit it or not, Wesley Snipes playing Blade helped bring comic book movies into fashion. So when Marvel decided to reboot the iconic Marvel vampire, it was perhaps surprising for some to hear that Oscar winner Mahershala Ali will play the title role instead of Snipes. Despite not being a part of the Marvel reboot, Snipes has continued to be a class act when speaking on Mahershala Ali’s impending version.

Without Wesley Snipes as Blade, there would be no Marvel Cinematic Universe. The actor became embedded in people’s minds as the character in the original trilogy. Snipes was interviewed by Uproxx about his role in Coming 2 America. With the Marvel reboot still on people’s minds, the conversation soon turned to Blade. The actor alluded to having a project bigger than his Blade films in the works before praising Mahershala Ali and Marvel:

Wesley Snipes is correct in that Mahershala Ali will have some big shoes to fill. Not only was the Blade film series immensely popular, but moviegoers loved Snipes as the half-human, half-vampire Marvel staple. But like many superhero films, multiple actors can play the same role without pitting them against each other. There have been multiple actors who’ve played Batman, Superman, Spider-Man and the X-Men without any problems. But as the superhero genre continues to evolve, DC and Marvel are embracing the idea of multiverses as old and new actors play the same character in the same film. In that case, Ali and Snipes could end up being in the same film someday.

The fact that Wesley Snipes spoke so highly of Mahershala Ali showcases that actors don’t have to hate each other as far as reboots are concerned. Plus, the actor seemed to have moved on from the role, having spoken on bigger projects in the interview.

Wesley Snipes will always be Blade to fans of the original Blade trilogy. Mahershala Ali even acknowledged the connection between him and Snipes. Even after Ali’s casting, the actor has continued to support the new Blade while still staking his claim on the role. But many fans of the original Blade films have been pushing for Snipes to make a cameo, which he’s acknowledged. Even with Snipes' blessing, the reboot’s reported PG-13 rating has some fans upset. Despite his success, Snipes recently spoke on his reps being against him taking on the iconic Marvel character.

As mentioned before, having Wesley Snipes and Mahershala Ali in the same film wouldn’t be too far off. But Snipes giving Marvel and Ali his blessing (somewhat) legitimatizes the reboot for many skittish fans. If you want to relive Snipes as Blade again, you stream Blade on YouTube, Blade II on Vudu and Prime Video, and Blade: Trinity on Hulu, Prime Video and HBO Max.

The boom of comic book movies today is often traced back to the success of Sam Raimi's Spider-Man and the first X-Men movie in the early 2000s. However, the first Blade movie, starring Wesley Snipes as the vampire hunter, came out in 1998-- and that movie was such a hit it spawned a pair of sequels. While not always recognized as an early Marvel movie, Blade was actually made a more popular character thanks to the success of the films. They also made Snipes a bigger star, which makes it somewhat shocking to learn that people didn't want him to take the job.

Speaking with ET ahead of his role in Coming 2 America, Wesley Snipes explained that, while Blade is now popular enough that he'll be joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Snipes' agents were less than sold on the idea back in the '90s and actually counseled the actor against taking the part. According to the actor,

It's easy to look back now and think that anybody who suggested Wesley Snipes not play Blade was nuts, but it maybe makes more sense when you look at the context. With the exception of the Batman franchise, comic books movies were largely absent from the box office in the late 1990s, and the ones that did come out didn't make much of a mark. A year before Blade was released, around the time it would have been going into production, Batman and Robin came out. That movie ended the franchise due to a lack of both critical and commercial success. Blade probably seemed as far from a sure bet as anything at the time.

And if the Blade movies hadn't been the success they were, we might not be getting ready to see Blade join the MCU Mahershala Ali is set to play the vampire hunter in a forthcoming MCU movie written by Stacy Osei-Kuffour. And while Snipes says he completely supports the new actor taking on the role, he also claims he's "not done yet," which certainly makes it sound like the actor expects to be working within the franchise again. Snipes was campaigning to join the MCU as Blade himself before Ali came into the picture. It makes one wonder if the new film will have a place for him.

He could certainly appear in the new Blade in a different role. Or perhaps the new Blade will work as a sort of sequel to the trilogy, making Snipes' version of the character canon to the MCU. At this point we know so little about the upcoming film that anything is possible.