A General Overview
The 1998 superhero film Blade, starring Wesley Snipes as the titular hero, is widely credited with modernizing the superhero movie genre. Prior to Blade’s release, superhero films of the 1990s tended to be kiddie fare filled with standard action sequences and campy one-liners thrown in for good measure. But Blade brought a gritty, R-rated approach to the genre, setting the stage for films of a darker, grittier nature – films like X-Men, Spider-Man, and Iron Man. In this article, we take a look at how Blade changed superhero movies, and how its influence is still being felt today.
The Director Who Changed the Genre
The man behind the success of Blade was director Stephen Norrington, who had already earned a reputation for inventive action sequences with his 1996 film Death Machine. Norrington was originally given the Blade script as a writing exercise and hadn’t planned on directing it, but he was so taken with the script that he agreed to direct it. His vision for the film was a dark and violent take on the vampire/superhero motif, and it was a huge risk for the studio to take. But it paid off, as Norrington’s Blade was a box office success and established the director as one of the pioneers of the modern superhero film.
The Impact of Blade on Its Own Genre
The success of Blade was an instant game changer in the world of superhero films. It was the first superhero film with an R rating and it ran counter to the typical children’s fare that had characterized the superhero genre until then. The movie was praised for its dark, gritty action sequences and its high production values, which set it apart from its peers. Its success ushered in a new era of superhero films, with X-Men, Spider-Man, and Iron Man following in its footsteps. The success of Blade opened up a world of possibilities for R-rated superhero films, and for films that don’t bow to the usual conventions of the genre.
Blade’s Influence on the Genre Today
Today, the influence of Blade can still be seen in dozens of films. Blade was one of the first films to make use of computer-generated effects, paving the way for a new generation of superhero films that make use of groundbreaking special effects. It also broke new ground with its exploration of themes of race, gender, and sexuality, which are now commonplace in superhero films. In addition, the success of the film helped open up the possibility of diverse casting in superhero films, as well as smaller-budgeted films that take risks with their storytelling.
Blade and Its Impact on Hollywood
Blade’s success also had a major impact on Hollywood. At the time, the superhero genre was still seen as largely kid-oriented, but Blade’s success opened up possibilities for major studios to make adult-oriented films. The success of Blade also helped launch the careers of many of its stars, such as Wesley Snipes and Stephen Norrington, who are now household names. And it showed that a movie with a smaller budget and a diverse cast could still be a success, helping to open up the industry to new filmmakers and storytellers.
The Future of Blade and Superhero Movies
Blade truly revolutionized the superhero movie genre and its influence can still be seen in the films of today. With its fourth installment on the way, Blade promises to continue its impact on the genre. Its darker, grittier tone and willingness to explore themes of race, gender, and sexuality have helped to shape the tone and content of superhero films over the last two decades. With its fourth installment on the way and more projects in the works, Blade looks set to continue its influence on the genre for many years to come.
Blade and The Marvel Cinematic Universe
Blade has had a major influence on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The tonal shift ushered in by Blade can be seen in many of the MCU films, such as The Dark Knight, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Doctor Strange. With the success of Blade and other darker R-rated superhero films, there was an increased willingness to take chances with more mature storylines, and this ushered in a new era of superhero films in the MCU. The original Blade also served as the inspiration for the successful Marvel character Blade, who was brought to life on the big screen in 2018.
Blade and Other Media
Blade’s influence can also be seen in other media, such as comics and video games. Marvel Comics has released several spin-off comic series based on the Blade franchise, and the character has become a cultural icon. Video games such as The Darkness and Shadow Warrior have taken cues from the Blade franchise in their storylines and gameplay. Blade has even spun off into a successful animated series, which has become a cult hit.
Blade’s Legacy in the Genre
Blade’s legacy in the superhero movie genre is undeniable. It ushered in a new era of darkness and maturity in the genre and opened up the possibilities for more R-rated superhero films. Its influence can be seen in numerous films, comics, and video games, and it’s a testament to the power of Blade that it’s still going strong, more than two decades after its initial release.
