View source for Blade: Trinity

{{Short description|2004 film by David S. Goyer}}
{{Use American English|date=August 2019}}
{{Use mdy dates|date = November 2019}}
{{Infobox film
| name           = Blade: Trinity
| image          = Blade Trinity poster.JPG
| alt            = 
| caption        = Theatrical release poster
| director       = [[David S. Goyer]]
| writer         = David S. Goyer
| producer       = {{Plainlist|
* Peter Frankfurt
* [[Wesley Snipes]]
* David S. Goyer
* [[Lynn Harris]]
}}
| based_on       = {{Based on|[[Blade (character)|Blade]]|[[Marv Wolfman]]|[[Gene Colan]]}}
| starring       = {{Plainlist|
* Wesley Snipes
* [[Kris Kristofferson]]
* [[Jessica Biel]]
* [[Ryan Reynolds]]
* [[Parker Posey]]
* [[Natasha Lyonne]]
* [[Dominic Purcell]]
* [[Triple H]]
}}<!--DO NOT CHANGE THIS CAST, THIS IS ACCORDING TO THE CREDIT BLOCK ON THE POSTER!-->
| music          = {{Plainlist|
* [[Ramin Djawadi]]
* [[RZA|The RZA]]
}}
| cinematography = [[Gabriel Beristain]]
| editing        = {{Plainlist|
* Conrad Smart
* Howard E. Smith
}}
| studio         = {{Plainlist|
* [[New Line Cinema]]
* [[Marvel Entertainment|Marvel Enterprises]]
* Amen Ra Films
* Imaginary Forces
* Shawn Danielle Productions Ltd.
}}
| distributor    = New Line Cinema
| released       = {{Film date|2004|12|08}}
| runtime        = 113 minutes<ref>{{cite web |title=Blade: Trinity |url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/blade-trinity-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc00otg1ote |website=[[BBFC]] |quote=112m 57s }}</ref>
| country        = United States
| language       = English<!-- primary language only -->
| budget         = $65 million<ref name="BOM" />
| gross          = $132 million<ref name="BOM" />
}}
'''''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 [[Blade (New Line franchise character)|title character]]. Based on the [[Marvel Comics]] [[Character (arts)|character]] [[Blade (character)|of the same name]], it is the sequel to ''[[Blade II]]'' (2002) and the third installment in the [[Blade (franchise)|''Blade'' trilogy]]. The film 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 hunter]]s he must fight his most challenging enemy yet, [[Dracula (Marvel Comics)|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 [[Wade Wilson (film character)|Deadpool]]. A [[Reboot (fiction)|reboot]] film set in the [[Marvel Cinematic Universe]] and starring [[Mahershala Ali]] is in development.

==Plot==
<!-- Per WP:FILMPLOT, plot summaries for feature films should be between 400 to 700 words. Please check the word count before making any additions. -->
A small group of vampires, led by the Talos' siblings, Danica and Aster, and their bodyguard Jarko, investigate an ancient tomb in the [[Syrian Desert]], which they believe belongs to the first vampire [[Dracula (Marvel Comics)|Dracula]], also called "Drake". To keep [[Blade (New Line franchise character)|Blade]] from interfering, they frame him for the murder of a human familiar. [[Federal Bureau of Investigation|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 (comics)|Nightstalkers]]. From them, Blade learns that the vampires have 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' blind scientist, Sommerfield, has created an experimental [[bioweapon]] known as Daystar, capable of killing vampires at the genetic level. However, to make it effective, they need a pure blood source. Drake is too powerful to kill because he is immune to any vampire weaknesses, including sunlight, 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.

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 [[Euthanasia|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, Sommerfield's daughter, 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 effective, but she also warns that Blade might be killed too. 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. Abigail kills Aster while King kills Jarko. Blade and Drake engage in combat until the latter bests him. As Drake prepares to kill Blade, Abigail fires the Daystar arrow, but Drake catches the arrow before he drops it. This distraction allows 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 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, acknowledging 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.

===Alternate endings===
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 he was ready to walk the Earth again.

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

==Cast==
{{div col}}
* [[Wesley Snipes]] as [[Blade (New Line franchise character)|Eric Brooks / Blade]]
* [[Jessica Biel]] as Abigail Whistler
* [[Ryan Reynolds]] as [[Hannibal King]]
* [[Dominic Purcell]] as [[Dracula (Marvel Comics)|Dracula / Drake]]
* [[Kris Kristofferson]] as [[Abraham Whistler]]
* [[Parker Posey]] as Danica Talos
* [[Callum Keith Rennie]] as Asher Talos
* [[Triple H]] as Jarko Grimwood
* [[Natasha Lyonne]] as Sommerfield
* Ginger "Haili" Page as Zoe
* Mark Berry as Chief Martin Vreede
* [[John Michael Higgins]] as Dr. Edgar Vance
* [[Patton Oswalt]] as Hedges
* [[James Remar]] as FBI Agent Ray Cumberland
* Michael Anthony Rawlins as FBI Agent Wilson Hale
* [[Christopher Heyerdahl]] as Caulder
* Scott Heindl as Gedge
* Cascy Beddow as "Flick"
* Paul Anthony as Wolfe
* John Ashker as Campbell
* [[Eric Bogosian]] as Bentley Tittle
* [[:simple:Ronald Selmour|Ron Selmour]] as Dex
* [[Françoise Yip]] as Virago
* [[Kett Turton]] as "Dingo"
* Michel Cook as SWAT Member
{{div col end}}

==Production==
===Development===
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.<ref>{{cite web |date=August 21, 2001 |last=Fleming |first=Michael |title=New Line sharpens 'Blade 3' |url=https://variety.com/2001/voices/columns/new-line-sharpens-blade-3-1117851502/ |website=Variety |access-date=November 22, 2020 |archive-date=October 23, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023024415/http://variety.com/2001/voices/columns/new-line-sharpens-blade-3-1117851502/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2002, German director [[Oliver Hirschbiegel]] was in talks to direct the film,<ref>{{cite web |date=8 July 2002 |last=Meza |first=Ed |title=Hirschbiegel may take on next 'Blade' |url=https://variety.com/2002/film/news/hirschbiegel-may-take-on-next-blade-1117869391/ |website=Variety |access-date=December 8, 2020 |archive-date=May 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506123101/https://variety.com/2002/film/news/hirschbiegel-may-take-on-next-blade-1117869391/ |url-status=live }}</ref> but chose instead to direct a film about Adolf Hitler called ''[[Downfall (2004 film)|Downfall]]''.<ref>{{cite web |date=15 April 2003 |last=Meza |first=Ed |title=Teuton helmer is taking on Hitler |url=https://variety.com/2003/film/news/teuton-helmer-is-taking-on-hitler-1117884614/ |website=Variety |access-date=December 8, 2020 |archive-date=April 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410180324/https://variety.com/2003/film/news/teuton-helmer-is-taking-on-hitler-1117884614/ |url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref name="Otto" />

{{Anchor|Casting}}
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.<ref>{{cite web |date=21 August 2003 |last=Fleming |first=Michael |title=Reynolds wields 'Blade' |url=https://variety.com/2003/film/news/reynolds-wields-blade-1117891216/ |website=Variety |quote=Pairing could lead to a spin-off film. |access-date=November 23, 2020 |archive-date=May 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506125325/https://variety.com/2003/film/news/reynolds-wields-blade-1117891216/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Later that month, [[Jessica Biel]] signed on to the project.<ref>{{cite web |title=Biel sharpens up for 'Blade' |url=https://variety.com/2003/scene/markets-festivals/biel-sharpens-up-for-blade-1117891587/ |website=Variety |date=27 August 2003 |quote=Pairing of Biel and Reynolds could lead to a spinoff film and a new franchise for the company. |access-date=November 23, 2020 |archive-date=May 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509124109/https://variety.com/2003/scene/markets-festivals/biel-sharpens-up-for-blade-1117891587/ |url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref name="Otto">{{cite web |date=1 March 2004 |last1=Otto |first1=Jeff |title=An Interview with David S. Goyer |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/03/01/an-interview-with-david-s-goyer |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=May 27, 2022 |archive-date=March 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319172127/https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/03/01/an-interview-with-david-s-goyer |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Apple Inc|Apple]] did not pay for product placement. They made the equipment available and included the option to buy it at a 60% reduction.<ref name="Otto" />

===Production troubles===
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 generated imagery|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".<ref>{{cite web |date=6 January 2016 |last=Eggertsen |first=Chris |title=David Goyer: I never spoke to Wesley Snipes again after nightmarish 'Blade 3' shoot |url=https://uproxx.com/hitfix/david-goyer-directing-blade-3-was-the-most-painful-thing-ive-ever-been-through/ |website=UPROXX |access-date=November 3, 2020 |archive-date=October 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029143943/https://uproxx.com/hitfix/david-goyer-directing-blade-3-was-the-most-painful-thing-ive-ever-been-through/ |url-status=live }}</ref> 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 the rest of the cast and crew, including Goyer, and would instead communicate with them through his assistant or the use of notes.<ref>{{cite web |date=2012-11-19 |author=Nathan Rabin |url=https://www.avclub.com/article/patton-oswalt-on-his-most-memorable-roles-and-givi-88860 |title=Patton Oswalt on his most memorable roles and giving life advice to Dane Cook |work=[[The A.V. Club]] |access-date=February 18, 2020 |archive-date=August 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822042244/http://www.avclub.com/article/patton-oswalt-on-his-most-memorable-roles-and-givi-88860 |url-status=live }}</ref> Snipes also allegedly referred to co-star [[Ryan Reynolds]] as a "[[cracker (term)|cracker]]" on one or more occasions.<ref name="Parry">{{cite web |date=2005-04-22 |author=Chris Parry |url=http://www.efilmcritic.com/feature.php?feature=1451&printer=1 |title=eFilmCritic - Drugs, Stand-Ins, Mood Swings and Legal Action: The Real Wesley Snipes |website=eFilmCritic |quote=I spent two days on the Blade: Trinity set on behalf of Spin Magazine |access-date=August 24, 2014 |archive-date=October 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007050609/https://www.efilmcritic.com/feature.php?feature=1451&printer=1 |url-status=live }}</ref>
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.<ref>{{cite web |date=2 November 2020 |author=Simon Hattenstone |title=Wesley Snipes on art, excellence and life after prison: 'I hope I came out a better person' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2020/nov/02/wesley-snipes-on-art-excellence-and-life-after-prison-i-hope-i-came-out-a-better-person |website=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=November 3, 2020 |archive-date=November 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201103003410/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2020/nov/02/wesley-snipes-on-art-excellence-and-life-after-prison-i-hope-i-came-out-a-better-person |url-status=live }}</ref>

Snipes had found Reynolds' humor a little too over-the-top for ''Blade: Trinity'', but thought it made sense in the context of [[Wade Wilson (film character)|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."<ref name="Romano">{{cite magazine |date=July 26, 2024 |last1=Romano |first1=Nick |title=Wesley Snipes didn't think Blade return was possible until Ryan Reynolds called |url=https://ew.com/wesley-snipes-blade-return-deadpool-and-wolverine-ryan-reynolds-reunion-comic-con-2024-exclusive-8684479 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] }}</ref>

===Language {{Anchor|Locations|Language}}===
In the DVD special features,<ref name="nightstalkers">{{cite video| people = David S Goyer| title = 'Nightstalkers, Daywalkers and Familiars: The World of Blade: Trinity}}</ref> Goyer talks about how cities are often multilingual. Goyer used [[Esperanto]] and its flag as part of the fictional city where Blade is set.<ref name="flag">{{cite web| author = António Martins| date = 16 March 2004| title = Flags of the World, Blade Trinity, Unnamed City in the USA| url = http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/fic(bla3.html| access-date = 2009-10-27| archive-date = December 5, 2008| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081205044042/http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/Flags/fic(bla3.html| url-status = live}}</ref>
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.<ref name="flag" /> 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 (1966 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".<ref>{{cite web |author=Nick Schager |date=July 6, 2004 |title=Blade: Trinity, Film Review |url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/Film/film_review.asp?ID=1159 |work=Slant Magazine |access-date=2009-10-27 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090317111529/http://www.slantmagazine.com/Film/film_review.asp?ID=1159 |archive-date=2009-03-17}}</ref> 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==
{{Main|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]].

{{Anchor|Release}}
==Lawsuits==
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]].<ref>{{cite journal |date=2005-04-20 |last=Shprintz |first=Janet |url=https://variety.com/2005/biz/news/snipes-throwing-legal-blade-at-trinity-team-1117921445/ |title=Snipes throwing legal blade at 'Trinity' team |journal=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |access-date=2014-07-08 |archive-date=April 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409132644/http://variety.com/2005/biz/news/snipes-throwing-legal-blade-at-trinity-team-1117921445/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
In 2006, Snipes was sued by United Talent Agency for allegedly failing to fulfill agreements to pay commission to the agency on his earnings.<ref>{{cite web |date=1 August 2006 |author=Variety Staff |title=UTA gripes over Snipes |url=https://variety.com/2006/film/people-news/uta-gripes-over-snipes-1200338674/ |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |access-date=November 23, 2020 |archive-date=December 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201004150/https://variety.com/2006/film/people-news/uta-gripes-over-snipes-1200338674/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Reception==
===Box office===
The film's American box office gross was $52 million, and the total worldwide gross was $132 million.<ref name="BOM">{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=blade3.htm |title=Blade: Trinity (2004) |publisher=[[Box Office Mojo]] |date=2005-02-24 |access-date=2022-01-01 |archive-date=January 3, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100103024017/http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=blade3.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> This matched the first ''Blade''{{'}}s take but came behind ''Blade II'', which had grossed $150 million worldwide.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=blade.htm |title=Blade (1998) |publisher=IMDB |work=[[Box Office Mojo]] |date=1998-10-16 |access-date=2011-01-07 |archive-date=January 23, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090123121231/http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=blade.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=blade2.htm |title=Blade II (2002) |publisher=IMDB |work=[[Box Office Mojo]] |access-date=2011-01-07 |archive-date=January 2, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102030444/http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=blade2.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Critical response===
On [[Rotten Tomatoes]], the film has an approval rating of {{RT data|score}} based on reviews from {{RT data|count}} critics, with an average rating of {{RT data|average}}. 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".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/blade_trinity|title=Blade: Trinity (2004)|website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]|publisher=[[Fandango Media|Fandango]]|access-date={{RT data|access date}}|archive-date=February 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220202050057/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/blade_trinity|url-status=live}}{{RT data|edit}}</ref> On [[Metacritic]], the film has a score of 38% based on reviews from 30 critics, indicating "generally unfavorable" reviews.<ref>{{cite web |title= Blade: Trinity |url= https://www.metacritic.com/movie/blade-trinity |website= [[Metacritic]] |access-date= February 20, 2020 |archive-date= December 16, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20211216182118/https://www.metacritic.com/movie/blade-trinity |url-status= live }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/features/special/2007/comic/?r=76&mid=1139025 |title=Comix Worst to Best |website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070508050341/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/features/special/2007/comic/?r=76&mid=1139025 |archive-date=2007-05-08 |access-date=2024-07-08}}</ref> Audiences polled by [[CinemaScore]] gave the film an average grade of "B+" on an A+ to F scale.<ref name="CinemaScore">{{cite web |url= https://www.cinemascore.com/publicsearch/index/title/ |title= Cinemascore |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181220122629/https://www.cinemascore.com/publicsearch/index/title/ |archive-date= 2018-12-20}}</ref>

[[Roger Ebert]], who gave ''[[Blade (1998 film)|Blade]]'' three stars out of four<ref>{{cite web |date=August 21, 1998 |last=Ebert |first=Roger |author-link=Roger Ebert |title=Blade |url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/blade-1998 |website=[[Chicago Sun-Times]] |access-date=November 4, 2020 |archive-date=June 20, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130620104856/https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/blade-1998 |url-status=live }} {{Rating|3|4}}</ref> and ''[[Blade II]]'' three and a half stars,<ref name=":0">{{cite web |date=March 22, 2002 |last=Ebert |first=Roger |author-link=Roger Ebert |title=Blade II |url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/blade-ii-2002 |website=Chicago Sun-Times |access-date=November 4, 2020 |archive-date=November 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221127202213/https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/blade-ii-2002 |url-status=live }} {{Rating|3.5|4}}</ref> 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".<ref>{{cite web |date=December 7, 2004 |last=Ebert |first=Roger |author-link=Roger Ebert |title=Even Blade fans will find Trinity a bloody bore |url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/blade-trinity-2004 |website=[[Chicago Sun-Times]] |access-date=November 3, 2020 |archive-date=November 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221127202214/https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/blade-trinity-2004 |url-status=live }} {{Rating|1.5|4}}</ref> [[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".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://preview.reelviews.net/movies/b/blade3.html |title=Blade: Trinity - Reelviews Movie Reviews |author=James Berardinelli |publisher=Reelviews.net}} {{Rating|1.5|4}}</ref>

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."<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/blade-trinity-wesley-snipes-fight-1234985307/ | title='Blade' Writer Breaks Silence on That Wesley Snipes Strangulation Rumor | website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] | date=July 22, 2021 | access-date=September 25, 2022 | archive-date=September 25, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925170902/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/blade-trinity-wesley-snipes-fight-1234985307/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

The film was nominated for [[Saturn Award for Best Horror Film|Best Horror Film]] at the [[Saturn Awards]] but lost to ''[[Shaun of the Dead]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://filmthreat.com/uncategorized/nominations-for-31st-annual-saturn-awards-announced/|title=NOMINATIONS FOR 31ST ANNUAL SATURN AWARDS ANNOUNCED|author=<!-- Staff -->|work=[[Film Threat]]|date=10 February 2005|access-date=2018-01-22|archive-date=2018-01-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180123072809/http://filmthreat.com/uncategorized/nominations-for-31st-annual-saturn-awards-announced/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Home media===
[[New Line Home Entertainment]] released the film on DVD in April 26, 2005 on both regular and "Unrated" versions. Early copies of both versions included an exclusive comic book titled ''Blade Nightstalking''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Comments |first=Ian Melton {{!}} |date=2020-06-18 |title=Obscure Comics: The Forgotten Blade Trinity Comic and Manga |url=https://bleedingcool.com/comics/obscure-comics-the-forgotten-blade-trinity-comic-and-manga/ |access-date=2025-02-25 |website=bleedingcool.com |language=en}}</ref>

The film was released on Blu-ray in June 19, 2012. It contains only the "Unrated" version.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=8374 |title=Blade & Blade: Trinity Announced for Blu-ray |access-date=2025-02-25 |via=www.blu-ray.com}}</ref>

==Future==

=== Television series ===
A follow-up television series titled ''[[Blade: The Series]]'' was released in 2006 and ran for one season. It stars [[Sticky Fingaz]] as the titular character, replacing Snipes.

===Cancelled spin-offs===
In October 2008, ''Blade'' director Stephen Norrington was developing a prequel trilogy to ''Blade'', featuring [[Stephen Dorff]] reprising his role as [[Deacon Frost]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 7, 2009 |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/56913-norrington-dorff-teaming-on-blade-spin-off |title=Norrington, Dorff Teaming on Blade Spin-Off |website=ComingSoon.net |access-date=September 28, 2019 |archive-date=January 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126062424/https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/56913-norrington-dorff-teaming-on-blade-spin-off |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Stehpen Dorff to star in Blade trilogy spin-off |url=http://www.sundaymail.co.uk/lifestyle/lifestyle-catchall/2008/10/12/stehpen-dorff-to-star-in-blade-trilogy-spin-off-78057-20795553/ |website=[[Sunday Mail (Scotland)|The Sunday Mail]] |publisher=[[Daily Record (Scotland)|The Daily Record]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081110090149/http://www.sundaymail.co.uk/lifestyle/lifestyle-catchall/2008/10/12/stehpen-dorff-to-star-in-blade-trilogy-spin-off-78057-20795553/ |archive-date=2008-11-10 |date=Oct 12, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://dietrichthrall.wordpress.com/2009/07/08/blade-spinoff-in-development-will-feature-stephen-dorff-reprising-deacon-frost-role/ |title=''Blade'' Spinoff In Development: Will Feature Stephen Dorff Reprising Deacon Frost Role |publisher=Dietrichthrall.wordpress.com |date=2009-07-08 |access-date=2011-01-08 |archive-date=February 3, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110203000943/http://dietrichthrall.wordpress.com/2009/07/08/blade-spinoff-in-development-will-feature-stephen-dorff-reprising-deacon-frost-role/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2016, ''[[Underworld (film series)|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.<ref>{{cite web |date=October 7, 2016 |last=Jayson |first=Jay |url=https://comicbook.com/2016/10/07/marvel-is-doing-something-with-blade-according-to-kate-beckinsal/ |title=Marvel Is Doing Something With Blade According To Kate Beckinsale |publisher=[[ComicBook.com]] |access-date=February 18, 2020 |archive-date=July 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718224606/http://comicbook.com/2016/10/07/marvel-is-doing-something-with-blade-according-to-kate-beckinsal |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="2012Blade">{{cite news |first=Borys |last=Kit |title=Fox's Daredevil Rights on Verge of Reverting to Marvel as Ticking Clock Looms (Video) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/daredevil-marvel-fox-comic-adaptation-sequel-361982 |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=August 14, 2012 |access-date=August 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120815190217/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/daredevil-marvel-fox-comic-adaptation-sequel-361982 |archive-date=August 15, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy}}</ref>

===Marvel Cinematic Universe===
<!--- Please see instead [[Draft:Blade (2025 film)]] --->
In May 2013, Marvel had a working script for a new [[Blade (character)|Blade]] film.<ref name="May2013HorizonFilms">{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/marvel-cliffhanger-robert-downey-jrs-518837 |title=Marvel Cliffhanger: Robert Downey Jr.'s $50 Million Sequel Showdown |last1=Kit |first1=Borys |last2=Bond |first2=Paul |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=May 7, 2013 |access-date=May 8, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140218021012/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/marvel-cliffhanger-robert-downey-jrs-518837 |archive-date=February 18, 2014 |url-status=live |df=mdy}}</ref> Snipes said in July 2015 that he had discussions with Marvel to reprise the role.<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTXQZ9x4fLs |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/TTXQZ9x4fLs |archive-date=2021-12-22 |url-status=live|title=The Player: Wesley Snipes, Philip Winchester Interview – Comic-Con 2015|date=July 10, 2015|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55K0kC8uO0M |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/55K0kC8uO0M |archive-date=2021-12-22 |url-status=live|title=Snipes "In Talks" With Marvel About Blade Reboot |work=[[IGN]] News|date=July 10, 2015|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name="SnipesBlade">{{cite web |title=Comic-Con: Wesley Snipes On 'Blade' Marvel Talks, 'The Player' & Spike Lee |first=Dominic |last=Patten |date=July 9, 2015 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |url= https://deadline.com/2015/07/wesley-snipes-blade-comic-con-interview-blade-the-player-1201472733/ |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150710071119/http://deadline.com/2015/07/wesley-snipes-blade-comic-con-interview-blade-the-player-1201472733/ |archive-date=July 10, 2015 |url-status= live |access-date= July 11, 2015}}</ref>

In July 2019, at [[San Diego Comic-Con]], Marvel Studios announced [[Blade (upcoming film)|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 (film)|Eternals]]'' (2021).<ref>{{cite web |last=Galuppo |first=Mia |title=Mahershala Ali to Star in 'Blade' Reboot for Marvel |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/mahershala-ali-star-blade-marvel-1225888 |publisher=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |access-date=21 July 2019 |date=20 July 2019 |archive-date=July 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721064559/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/mahershala-ali-star-blade-marvel-1225888 |url-status=live }}</ref> In February 2021, Stacy Osei-Kuffour was hired to write the script,<ref>{{cite web |date=5 February 2021 |last=Kit |first=Borys |title=Marvel's 'Blade' Movie Finds Its Writer in 'Watchmen' Scribe (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/marvels-blade-movie-finds-its-writer-in-watchmen-scribe-exclusive-4127473/ |publisher=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |access-date=28 May 2021 |archive-date=February 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205222400/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/marvels-blade-movie-finds-its-writer-in-watchmen-scribe-exclusive |url-status=live }}</ref> 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 (writer)|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.<ref name="BladeDemangeExit">{{Cite web |last=Gonzalez |first=Umberto |date=June 12, 2024 |title=Marvel's 'Blade' Loses Director Yann Demange {{!}} Exclusive |url=https://www.thewrap.com/marvel-blade-director-yann-demange-exits-mcu-eric-pearson/ |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240612231120/https://www.thewrap.com/marvel-blade-director-yann-demange-exits-mcu-eric-pearson/ |archive-date=June 12, 2024 |access-date=June 12, 2024 |website=[[TheWrap]]}}</ref> ''Blade'' was originally scheduled to be released on November 7, 2025.<ref name="Aug2024Dates">{{Cite web |last=Vary |first=Adam B. |date=August 2, 2024 |title=Marvel Removes 2026 Title, Searchlight's 'A Real Pain' Moves to November in Major Disney Release Date Update |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/disney-release-date-update-marvel-a-real-pain-1236094195/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802183824/https://variety.com/2024/film/news/disney-release-date-update-marvel-a-real-pain-1236094195/ |archive-date=August 2, 2024 |access-date=August 2, 2024 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> In October 2024, the film was delayed and removed from the release schedule.

In 2024 Snipes reprised his role as Blade in ''[[Deadpool & Wolverine]]''.<ref name="Romano" />

==Video game==
A tie-in Java mobile game developed by Mforma was released.<ref>{{cite web |date=13 December 2004 |title=It's a mobile Marvel |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2004/dec/13/mondaymediasection.media |website=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=December 19, 2020 |archive-date=November 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201104065759/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2004/dec/13/mondaymediasection.media |url-status=live }}</ref> GameSpot rated it 7.1 out of 10,<ref>{{cite web |title=Blade Trinity Review |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/blade-trinity-review/1900-6115044/ |website=GameSpot |access-date=December 19, 2020 |archive-date=October 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201014005635/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/blade-trinity-review/1900-6115044/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and [[IGN]] gave it 7.7 out of 10.<ref>{{cite web |title=Blade: Trinity |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/12/18/blade-trinity-2 |website=[[IGN]].com |date=December 18, 2004 |access-date=December 19, 2020 |archive-date=May 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514064515/https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/12/18/blade-trinity-2 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Film}}
* [[Vampire film]]s

==References==
{{Notelist}}
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{wikiquote}}
* {{AFI film}}
* {{Mojo title}}
* {{IMDb title|0359013}}
* {{TCMDb title}}
* ''[https://archive.today/20121208141828/http://marvel.com/movies/Blade.Blade:_Trinity Blade: Trinity]'' at [[Marvel.com]]
* ''[http://www.horrorlair.com/scripts/blade3.html Blade: Trinity] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090408161826/http://www.horrorlair.com/scripts/blade3.html |date=April 8, 2009 }}'' script at HorrorLair

{{Blade}}
{{Marvel comics films}}
{{Dracula}}
{{David S. Goyer}}

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