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Blade: Trinity

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Blade: Trinity
Theatrical release poster
Directed byDavid S. Goyer
Written byDavid S. Goyer
Based on
Blade
by
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyGabriel Beristain
Edited by
  • Conrad Smart
  • Howard E. Smith
Music by
Production
companies
Distributed byNew Line Cinema
Release date
  • December 8, 2004 (2004-12-08)
Running time
113 minutes[1]
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$65 million[2]
Box office$132 million[2]

Blade: Trinity is a 2004 American superhero film written and directed by David S. Goyer. It was produced by Goyer, Peter Frankfurt, Lynn Harris, and Wesley Snipes, who also starred in the leading role as the title character. Based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name, it is the third installment in the Blade trilogy, and co-stars Ryan Reynolds, Jessica Biel, Kris Kristofferson, Dominic Purcell, Parker Posey, and Triple H. Vampire leader Danica Talos has framed Blade for numerous murders, and alongside a team of rogue vampire hunters he must fight his most challenging enemy yet, Dracula.

Blade: Trinity was released in the United States on December 8, 2004. The film grossed $132 million at the box office worldwide on a budget of $65 million and received mostly negative reviews from critics for its formulaic themes, directing, and acting; it is the worst-reviewed film in the trilogy. The film was followed by a television series, Blade: The Series, in 2006, with Sticky Fingaz replacing Snipes. Marvel regained the film rights to the character in 2012. Snipes reprised his role as Blade in the 2024 film Deadpool & Wolverine, which starred Reynolds as Deadpool. A reboot film set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and starring Mahershala Ali is in development.

Plot

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A small group of vampires investigate an ancient tomb in the Syrian Desert, which they believe belongs to the first vampire Dracula, also called "Drake". To keep Blade from interfering, they frame him for the murder of a human familiar. FBI agents subsequently locate Blade's hideout and kill his mentor and friend, Abraham Whistler. Demoralized, Blade surrenders and is arrested.

The vampires' familiars have arranged for the authorities to turn Blade over to them. He is rescued by Hannibal King and Abigail Whistler, Abraham's daughter, who invite Blade to join their band of vampire hunters, the Nightstalkers. From them, Blade learns that Danica Talos, an old enemy of King, has revived Drake, intending to use his powers to cure vampires of their weaknesses. As the first of the vampires, Drake can survive in sunlight.

Along with newly innovative ultraviolet "Sun dog" ammunition, the Nightstalkers have created an experimental bioweapon known as Daystar, capable of killing vampires at the genetic level. However, to make it effective, they need a purer blood source. Drake is too powerful to kill via normal means, so they hope that the virus will kill him and, with his blood in the mix, ensure the rest of the species is wiped out, but this might also kill Blade.

Eager to test Blade, Drake isolates him from the Nightstalkers. He explains his view that all humans and vampires are inferior in his eyes and that he intends to wipe them out. Abigail finds evidence of the vampires' plans for human subjugation, a network of "blood farms" where brain dead humans are drained of their blood for vampire consumption. Blade deactivates the farm's life support systems and executes the familiar cop who had been rounding up humans for the vampires.

Returning to the Nightstalkers' hideout, Abigail and Blade find all of them dead except for King and Zoe, the daughter of Sommerfield (Daystar's creator), both of whom have been taken captive. A recording left by Sommerfield reveals that Drake's blood is all that is needed to make it complete and effective. King is tortured by the vampires for information but refuses to talk, even when they threaten to turn him, starve him, and then give him Zoe to feed on.

Blade and Abigail arrive and free the captives. Drake eventually bests Blade in combat and prepares to kill him. Abigail fires the Daystar arrow, but Drake catches it before it strikes him. He drops it to the floor by Blade, not realizing the danger it poses to him. Abigail distracts Drake long enough for Blade to stab Drake with the Daystar arrow, triggering a chemical reaction that completes the virus and releases it into the air, killing Danica and the rest of the vampires.

As Drake slowly succumbs to his wounds and the virus, he praises Blade for fighting honorably but warns him that he will eventually succumb to his need for blood, proving that Blade is the vampire race's future. Using the last of his power, Drake shapeshifts into Blade. The FBI recovers the body, but as they begin the autopsy, it transforms back into the deceased Drake so that Blade can escape, leaving him free to continue fighting.

Alternate endings

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In the unrated extended edition, the body in the morgue does not transform back into Drake. "Blade" awakens as the autopsy begins and attacks the doctors and FBI agents present. The scene ends as he menacingly approaches a cowering orderly. King narrates that the virus did not kill Blade as the human half of his heart did not stop beating, it only slowed down, causing him to enter into a comatose state until his body was ready to fight again.

In another alternate ending, the Nightstalkers reappear six months later, having tracked a werewolf to a casino in Asia.

Cast

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Production

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Development

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In 2001, before the release of Blade II, New Line Cinema made a deal with David S. Goyer to write and produce a third Blade film.[3] In 2002, German director Oliver Hirschbiegel was in talks to direct the film,[4] but chose instead to direct a film about Adolf Hitler called Downfall.[5] Goyer, friends with both Stephen Norrington and Guillermo Del Toro, asked for their advice. Del Toro did conceptual artwork for the film and was thanked in the end credits.[6]

In August 2003, Ryan Reynolds was in negotiations to join the film and Ashley Scott was also being considered as his counterpart, and they would also star in a potential spin-off film.[7] Later that month, Jessica Biel signed on to the project.[8] Producers at New Line Cinema suggested casting professional wrestler Triple H and Goyer was highly skeptical. Goyer was impressed by Triple H's comic timing and self-deprecation and ended up expanding his role.[6]

Apple did not pay for product placement. They made the equipment available and included the option to buy it at a 60% reduction.[6]

Production troubles

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Reportedly, Wesley Snipes was unhappy with the film's script and original choice of director. David S. Goyer, who had written all three films in the franchise, was then selected to replace the director of the film, which Snipes also protested. Snipes reportedly caused difficulty during filming, including frequently refusing to shoot scenes, often forcing director Goyer to use stand-ins and computer effects to add his character to scenes. Goyer described making the film as "the most personally and professionally difficult and painful thing I've ever been through".[9] Co-star Patton Oswalt alleged that Snipes would spend much of his time smoking marijuana in his trailer and that he became violent with Goyer after accusing him of racism. It has also been alleged that Snipes refused to interact with Goyer, his co-stars, or the crew, and would instead communicate with them through his assistant or the use of notes.[10] Snipes also allegedly referred to co-star Ryan Reynolds as a "cracker" on one or more occasions.[11] Snipes denied that version of events and said that as an executive producer on the film he had the authority to make decisions but that some people had difficulty accepting that.[12]

Snipes had found Reynolds' humor a little too over-the-top for Blade: Trinity, but thought it made sense in the context of Deadpool. Snipes enjoyed working with Reynolds, stating "He's unique in that way, and he's found a fantastic niche for himself doing what he does. Deadpool is Ryan Reynolds all day long. So it was enjoyable. It was enjoyable to work with him. It was enjoyable to revisit."[13]

Language

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In the DVD special features,[14] Goyer talks about how cities are often multilingual. Goyer used Esperanto and its flag as part of the fictional city where Blade is set.[15] The Esperanto flag is shown twice, at the entrance to the Police headquarters after Blade is rescued from jail, and in the rooftop scene where Drake threatens to drop a baby over the edge.[15] Background elements such as signs and advertisements include Esperanto translations. Hannibal King is at one point seen watching the William Shatner-starring Esperanto-language film Incubus on television; one reviewer remarked that it was "an unintentionally apt reference" considering first-time director "Goyer's grasp of directorial fundamentals (such as when to tilt the camera and when to shoot in close-up) is about as strong as Shatner's fluency in Esperanto".[16] The film's director of photography, Gabriel Beristain, makes a cameo appearance as the one-eyed newspaper vendor who talks to Whistler in Esperanto and discusses the public perception that Blade is a menace to society.

Music

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Main article: Blade: Trinity (soundtrack)

A soundtrack containing hip-hop music and electronic music was released on November 23, 2004, by New Line Records. It peaked at #68 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and #15 on the Top Soundtracks.

Lawsuits

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In 2005, Snipes sued New Line Cinema and Goyer, claiming that the studio did not pay his full salary, that he was intentionally cut out of casting decisions and the filmmaking process, despite being one of the producers, and that his character's screen time was reduced in favor of co-stars Ryan Reynolds and Jessica Biel.[17] In 2006, Snipes was sued by United Talent Agency for allegedly failing to fulfill agreements to pay commission to the agency on his earnings.[18]

Reception

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Box office

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The film's American box office gross was $52 million, and the total worldwide gross was $132 million.[2] This matched the first Blade's take but came behind Blade II, which had grossed $150 million worldwide.[19][20]

Critical response

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On Rotten Tomatoes the film has an approval rating of 24% based on reviews from 167 critics, with an average rating of 4.4/10. The website's consensus reads: "Louder, campier, and more incoherent than its predecessors, Blade: Trinity seems content to emphasize style over substance and rehash familiar themes".[21] On Metacritic the film has a score of 38% based on reviews from 30 critics, indicating "generally unfavorable reviews".[22] Rotten Tomatoes included the film at 76 out of 94 on a countdown (from 94 to 1) of "worst to best" comic book to film adaptations.[23] Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "B+" on an A+ to F scale.[24]

Roger Ebert, who gave Blade three stars out of four[25] and Blade II three and a half stars,[26] gave Blade: Trinity one and a half stars, writing: "It lacks the sharp narrative line and crisp comic-book clarity of the earlier films, and descends too easily into shapeless fight scenes that are chopped into so many cuts that they lack all form or rhythm".[27] James Berardinelli also rated the film one and a half stars out of four: "Blade: Trinity is a carbon copy of its predecessors. It's all kick-ass attitude and style without any substance to back it up. Yet, where the first two Blades satisfied on a visceral level, this one doesn't".[28]

Later David S. Goyer was also very critical about the final product: "I don't think anyone involved in that film had a good experience on that film, certainly I didn't. I don't think anybody involved with that film is happy with the results. It was a very tortured production."[29]

The film was nominated for Best Horror Film at the Saturn Awards but lost to Shaun of the Dead.[30]

Future

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Cancelled spin-offs

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In October 2008, Blade director Stephen Norrington was developing a prequel trilogy to Blade, featuring Stephen Dorff reprising his role as Deacon Frost.[31][32][33] In 2016, Underworld actress Kate Beckinsale stated that a crossover sequel to Blade: Trinity with the Underworld film series had been in development but was cancelled after the film rights reverted to Marvel Studios in 2012.[34][35]

Marvel Cinematic Universe

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In May 2013, Marvel had a working script for a new Blade film.[36] Snipes said in July 2015 that he had discussions with Marvel to reprise the role.[37][38][39]

In July 2019, at San Diego Comic-Con, Marvel Studios announced a Blade reboot set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), with Mahershala Ali cast as the title character, who first had an uncredited voice cameo role in Eternals (2021).[40] In February 2021, Stacy Osei-Kuffour was hired to write the script,[41] with Bassam Tariq hired to direct by that September. Tariq left a year later due to the film's production shifts and creative differences. Yann Demange was set to direct in November 2022, when Michael Starrbury was rewriting the script, while Nic Pizzolatto joined as another writer in April 2023, and Michael Green was hired to write a new script by November. Demange had exited the film by June 2024, when Pearson was rewriting the script.[42] Blade was originally scheduled to be released on November 7, 2025.[43] In October 2024, the film was delayed and removed from the release schedule.

In 2024 Snipes reprised his role as Blade in Deadpool & Wolverine.[13]

Video game

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A tie-in Java mobile game developed by Mforma was released.[44] GameSpot rated it 7.1 out of 10,[45] and IGN gave it 7.7 out of 10.[46]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Blade: Trinity". BBFC. 112m 57s
  2. ^ a b c "Blade: Trinity (2004)". Box Office Mojo. February 24, 2005. Archived from the original on January 3, 2010. Retrieved January 1, 2022.
  3. ^ Fleming, Michael (August 21, 2001). "New Line sharpens 'Blade 3'". Variety. Archived from the original on October 23, 2013. Retrieved November 22, 2020.
  4. ^ Meza, Ed (July 8, 2002). "Hirschbiegel may take on next 'Blade'". Variety. Archived from the original on May 6, 2021. Retrieved December 8, 2020.
  5. ^ Meza, Ed (April 15, 2003). "Teuton helmer is taking on Hitler". Variety. Archived from the original on April 10, 2021. Retrieved December 8, 2020.
  6. ^ a b c Otto, Jeff (March 1, 2004). "An Interview with David S. Goyer". IGN. Archived from the original on March 19, 2022. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  7. ^ Fleming, Michael (August 21, 2003). "Reynolds wields 'Blade'". Variety. Archived from the original on May 6, 2021. Retrieved November 23, 2020. Pairing could lead to a spin-off film.
  8. ^ "Biel sharpens up for 'Blade'". Variety. August 27, 2003. Archived from the original on May 9, 2021. Retrieved November 23, 2020. Pairing of Biel and Reynolds could lead to a spinoff film and a new franchise for the company.
  9. ^ Eggertsen, Chris (January 6, 2016). "David Goyer: I never spoke to Wesley Snipes again after nightmarish 'Blade 3' shoot". UPROXX. Archived from the original on October 29, 2020. Retrieved November 3, 2020.
  10. ^ Nathan Rabin (November 19, 2012). "Patton Oswalt on his most memorable roles and giving life advice to Dane Cook". The A.V. Club. Archived from the original on August 22, 2017. Retrieved February 18, 2020.
  11. ^ Chris Parry (April 22, 2005). "eFilmCritic - Drugs, Stand-Ins, Mood Swings and Legal Action: The Real Wesley Snipes". eFilmCritic. Archived from the original on October 7, 2021. Retrieved August 24, 2014. I spent two days on the Blade: Trinity set on behalf of Spin Magazine
  12. ^ Simon Hattenstone (November 2, 2020). "Wesley Snipes on art, excellence and life after prison: 'I hope I came out a better person'". The Guardian. Archived from the original on November 3, 2020. Retrieved November 3, 2020.
  13. ^ a b Romano, Nick (July 26, 2024). "Wesley Snipes didn't think Blade return was possible until Ryan Reynolds called". Entertainment Weekly.
  14. ^ David S Goyer. 'Nightstalkers, Daywalkers and Familiars: The World of Blade: Trinity.
  15. ^ a b António Martins (March 16, 2004). "Flags of the World, Blade Trinity, Unnamed City in the USA". Archived from the original on December 5, 2008. Retrieved October 27, 2009.
  16. ^ Nick Schager (July 6, 2004). "Blade: Trinity, Film Review". Slant Magazine. Archived from the original on March 17, 2009. Retrieved October 27, 2009.
  17. ^ Shprintz, Janet (April 20, 2005). "Snipes throwing legal blade at 'Trinity' team". Variety. Archived from the original on April 9, 2018. Retrieved July 8, 2014.
  18. ^ Variety Staff (August 1, 2006). "UTA gripes over Snipes". Variety. Archived from the original on December 1, 2020. Retrieved November 23, 2020.
  19. ^ "Blade (1998)". Box Office Mojo. IMDB. October 16, 1998. Archived from the original on January 23, 2009. Retrieved January 7, 2011.
  20. ^ "Blade II (2002)". Box Office Mojo. IMDB. Archived from the original on January 2, 2010. Retrieved January 7, 2011.
  21. ^ "Blade: Trinity (2004)". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango. Archived from the original on February 2, 2022. Retrieved May 10, 2022. Edit this at Wikidata
  22. ^ "Blade: Trinity". Metacritic. Archived from the original on December 16, 2021. Retrieved February 20, 2020.
  23. ^ "Comix Worst to Best". Rotten Tomatoes. Archived from the original on May 8, 2007. Retrieved July 8, 2024.
  24. ^ "Cinemascore". Archived from the original on December 20, 2018.
  25. ^ Ebert, Roger (August 21, 1998). "Blade". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on June 20, 2013. Retrieved November 4, 2020.
  26. ^ Ebert, Roger (March 22, 2002). "Blade II". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on November 27, 2022. Retrieved November 4, 2020.
  27. ^ Ebert, Roger (December 7, 2004). "Even Blade fans will find Trinity a bloody bore". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on November 27, 2022. Retrieved November 3, 2020.
  28. ^ James Berardinelli. "Blade: Trinity - Reelviews Movie Reviews". Reelviews.net.
  29. ^ "'Blade' Writer Breaks Silence on That Wesley Snipes Strangulation Rumor". The Hollywood Reporter. July 22, 2021. Archived from the original on September 25, 2022. Retrieved September 25, 2022.
  30. ^ "NOMINATIONS FOR 31ST ANNUAL SATURN AWARDS ANNOUNCED". Film Threat. February 10, 2005. Archived from the original on January 23, 2018. Retrieved January 22, 2018.
  31. ^ "Norrington, Dorff Teaming on Blade Spin-Off". ComingSoon.net. July 7, 2009. Archived from the original on January 26, 2022. Retrieved September 28, 2019.
  32. ^ "Stehpen Dorff to star in Blade trilogy spin-off". The Sunday Mail. The Daily Record. October 12, 2008. Archived from the original on November 10, 2008.
  33. ^ "Blade Spinoff In Development: Will Feature Stephen Dorff Reprising Deacon Frost Role". Dietrichthrall.wordpress.com. July 8, 2009. Archived from the original on February 3, 2011. Retrieved January 8, 2011.
  34. ^ Jayson, Jay (October 7, 2016). "Marvel Is Doing Something With Blade According To Kate Beckinsale". ComicBook.com. Archived from the original on July 18, 2018. Retrieved February 18, 2020.
  35. ^ Kit, Borys (August 14, 2012). "Fox's Daredevil Rights on Verge of Reverting to Marvel as Ticking Clock Looms (Video)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on August 15, 2012. Retrieved August 10, 2016.
  36. ^ Kit, Borys; Bond, Paul (May 7, 2013). "Marvel Cliffhanger: Robert Downey Jr.'s $50 Million Sequel Showdown". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on February 18, 2014. Retrieved May 8, 2013.
  37. ^ The Player: Wesley Snipes, Philip Winchester Interview – Comic-Con 2015. July 10, 2015. Archived from the original on December 22, 2021 – via YouTube.
  38. ^ Snipes "In Talks" With Marvel About Blade Reboot. IGN News. July 10, 2015. Archived from the original on December 22, 2021 – via YouTube.
  39. ^ Patten, Dominic (July 9, 2015). "Comic-Con: Wesley Snipes On 'Blade' Marvel Talks, 'The Player' & Spike Lee". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 10, 2015. Retrieved July 11, 2015.
  40. ^ Galuppo, Mia (July 20, 2019). "Mahershala Ali to Star in 'Blade' Reboot for Marvel". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on July 21, 2019. Retrieved July 21, 2019.
  41. ^ Kit, Borys (February 5, 2021). "Marvel's 'Blade' Movie Finds Its Writer in 'Watchmen' Scribe (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on February 5, 2021. Retrieved May 28, 2021.
  42. ^ Gonzalez, Umberto (June 12, 2024). "Marvel's 'Blade' Loses Director Yann Demange | Exclusive". TheWrap. Archived from the original on June 12, 2024. Retrieved June 12, 2024.
  43. ^ Vary, Adam B. (August 2, 2024). "Marvel Removes 2026 Title, Searchlight's 'A Real Pain' Moves to November in Major Disney Release Date Update". Variety. Archived from the original on August 2, 2024. Retrieved August 2, 2024.
  44. ^ "It's a mobile Marvel". The Guardian. December 13, 2004. Archived from the original on November 4, 2020. Retrieved December 19, 2020.
  45. ^ "Blade Trinity Review". GameSpot. Archived from the original on October 14, 2020. Retrieved December 19, 2020.
  46. ^ "Blade: Trinity". IGN.com. December 18, 2004. Archived from the original on May 14, 2021. Retrieved December 19, 2020.
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