LOS ANGELES (AP) — Marvel fans will have to wait a little longer for the new "Blade" movie as filmmaker Yann DeMange has exited the Marvel Studios project.

According to entertainment news outlet The Hollywood Reporter, DeMange, known for directing the critically acclaimed films "'71" (2014) and "White Boy Rick" (2018), left the film on amicable terms.

Announced by Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige at 2019 Comic Con, "Blade" has grappled with a number of creative challenges over the past few years.

The film will star two-time Oscar winner Mahershala Ali as the iconic comic book vampire slayer, previously played by Wesley Snipes in 1998's "Blade" and its two sequels.

Demange joined the project in 2022 following Bassam Tariq's exit due to creative differences. The film was scheduled to be produced in 2023, but was delayed due to the writers' strike in the US.

Eric Pearson, co-writer of Marvel's upcoming film "The Fantastic Four," is set to pen the script for "Blade." Previously, Michael Green, Stacey Osei-Kuffour, Michael Starbury, Beau DeMaio and Nick Pizzolatto were attached to the project as writers.

Marvel will release "Blade" in theaters on November 7, 2025.