Marvel have announced that Bassam Tariq has stepped down as director of the upcoming 'Blade' reboot.
Tariq's departure means that the beginning of production, which was due to start in November, is now undetermined.
"Due to continued shifts in our production schedule, Bassam is no longer moving forward as director of 'Blade' but will remain an executive producer on the film," Marvel said in a statement. "We appreciate Bassam’s talent and all the work he’s done getting 'Blade' to where it is."
Tariq thanked Marvel in his own statement: "It’s been an honour working with the wonderful folks at Marvel. We were able to put together a killer cast and crew. Eager to see where the next director takes the film."
Sources close to The Hollywood Reporter, who first broke the news, say that the studio is still on the lookout for a replacement director.
The film stars Mahershala Ali as the titular character, who takes over from Wesley Snipes. The original trilogy starring Snipes ran from 1998 to 2004.
Ali spoke to Stephen Colbert last year to discuss the upcoming role saying that "the anticipation is so great. My excitement for any role is pretty equal, honestly. I've never walked into a role where the anticipation of it were so great, where people were already so familiar with the character and have their own opinions and point of view."
"There's clearly an added layer of pressure, which I will embrace," he added.
Tariq directed rap drama 'Mogul Mowgli' which starred Riz Ahmed. He also wrote, directed and produced the acclaimed 2019 documentary 'Ghosts of Sugar Land'.
Marvel's 'Blade' is due to release on November 3, 2023.
