Paused 'Blade' still shooting in Cleveland

Marvel Studios recently paused production on its vampire superhero flick, Blade, after director Bassam Turiq stepped down in late September. He remains attached to the film as an executive producer.

Cleveland was set to host Blade’s production crew in November. Some local cast and crew hoping to work on the picture wondered via social media if the change in director and reported script updates might see a change in Blade’s on-location plans.

“There is no indication that the Cleveland portion of the script is likely to be omitted,” says Bill Garvey, president of the Greater Cleveland Film Commissio n. “We look forward to the project spending and creating jobs in Northeast Ohio sometime next year.”

No official word from either camp has explained why Bassam left the film, though scheduling conflicts are the most likely culprit. Marvel has pushed back production on the reboot several times over the last few years.

The movie, featuring Academy Award winner Mahershala Ali in the title role, would be the third Marvel Studios movie to shoot in Cleveland. Other films include The Avengers and Captain America: Winter Soldier. Spider-Man 3, a Sony film featuring the Marvel superhero, was also shot on location in Cleveland.

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