Wesley Snipes’ most popular role in his career was riddled with controversies and behind-the-scene drama

Wesley Snipes has had a monumental career in the movie industry, where has worked in a plethora of films, spanning different genres. The actor gained fame in the 80s when he gave some of the biggest hits in that period, and he stole the spotlight, irrespective of being the main or a supporting cast of the film. Some of his renowned films include King of New York, New Jack City, Demolition Man, and many more.

Marvel Felt Wesley Snipes’ Blade Was A Lost Cause Until it Toppled Steven Spielberg’s Project

In the book MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios, Peter Frankfurt, the producer of the first Blade film, stated how Marvel could not predict the success of the film, as they took an upfront price for the 1998 film, that they made them sign up for profits based on the film’s success. Frankfurt shared that Marvel was ecstatic to have a film that didn’t have too many deals along with it, as Blade was not a big name back then.
Wesley Snipes in a still from Blade
“Marvel as a movie-making entity was inconsequential, and it was during the course of making ‘Blade’ that the ownership changed. […] Avi Arad kind of arrived on the scene. He really had nothing to do with the first Blade. I think Marvel was paid $25,000 — that was what their upside on ‘Blade’ happening was. That all happened before I even got involved; that was the deal that New Line made with Marvel. [Marvel] didn’t think that it was worth anything.”
A still from Blade
The producer added that the project was a “weird oddity” as the film could not be categorized in a genre, but more importantly, it toppled Steven Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan from the top of the box office.
“‘Blade’ was a weird oddity. […] It came out the second weekend of ‘Saving Private Ryan’; it knocked ‘Saving Private Ryan’ out of first place. Everyone was like, ‘What is that thing? Is it a horror movie? Is it a superhero movie? Is it a vampire movie? Is it a kung fu movie?’ No one could figure it out, which is exactly what we had wanted to do, a total genre-bender.”
However, disappointment did not stop Steven Spielberg’s project. Though the film was a massive success at the box office, many believed that the film would win the Academy Award for Best Film. Sadly, the film did not have a fairytale ending as in 1999 the film got snubbed, and Shakespeare in Love won the ceremony’s prestigious prize. The loss of the film felt personal, and even to this day, numerous people share the same sentiment.

Wesley Snipes Sues The Production Team of Blade: Trinity For Less Screen Time

Wesley Snipes’ portrayal of Blade in the Blade trilogy remains to be his most iconic performance of all time, as his performance has been cemented in the history of cinema, and the memories of cinema connoisseurs. Each film increased the stakes, but more importantly, Snipes’ performance in each film was standing ovation-worthy. Sadly, Blade: Trinity marked the end of the franchise.
Wesley Snipes in a still from Blade: Trinity
However, unlike the first two films, it was quite disappointing, as per ScreenRant the film had several issues from poor character writing to plot holes that made no sense, leaving the film in a mess. But most important of all, was Snipes’ alleged problems with his co-stars during the production of the film. In 2005, the Money Train actor sued the entire production of Blade: Trinity along with director David S. Goyer as they allegedly didn’t pay his salary in full. 

Moreover, he was kept out of casting decisions, with the addition of Ryan Reynolds and Jessica Biel abrupt changes were made to the script, sidelining his character. A lack of communication between Snipes and the director also hindered the film’s success.

Blade (1988) can be streamed on Max.