This is one of those moments in filmmaking where we have to accept the way things are and just move on. Characters being recast in reboots is one of those things that just happens. But when news broke that two-time Oscar winner Mahershala Ali will be playing the title role in a new Blade movie, the reaction was mixed.

While some have praised the casting, others aren’t so fond of it and consider Wesley Snipes to be their Blade. Now Snipes has made a statement, and has called upon those Blade fans to “chillaaxx.” More on the report below.

Here’s what Snipes had to say about the casting in a supportive statement to Comicbook.com:

Okay, now that Snipes has given his blessing, can we just move on?

It should be interesting to see how Marvel Studios will interpret Blade for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, especially since the first cinematic take on the character was ultra-violent. Not a whole lot of information about the film was given at their panel during the San Diego Comic-Con. Additionally, it wasn’t even on the slate of films scheduled to appear in Phase 4. This leads us to believe that the film could appear sometime in Phase 5. Which of the Phase 4 films will lead into it is still a mystery.

But the reaction has been somewhat understandable, considering how Snipes is associated with the character the same way that Robert Downey Jr. is Iron Man, Chris Evans is Captain America, and Chris Hemsworth is Thor.

No writer or director has been officially attached to the upcoming Blade, which also has no release date as of yet. We’ll keep you posted should any new developments come in.

[Source: ComicBook.com]