A Spin-Off 'Blade' Prequel?

With the vampire genre flourishing thanks to the likes of “Twilight” and “True Blood,” it was only a matter of time before comic books turned their attention towards bloodsuckers once more in the form of “Blade,” the half-vampire vampire-hunting hero from Marvel Comics. The Wesley Snipes-starring franchise has been dormant for years, though there was a recent rumor about a revival sans Snipes. Now, new rumors suggest that not only will Snipes not return, but Blade himself might be absent as well.

In an interview with The Sunday Mail, actor Stephen Dorff allegedly remarked that a prequel trilogy to the first “Blade” film is in the works. Dorff would reprise his role as the villainous Deacon Frost in a series of movies exploring the character’s rise from underling to vampire overlord.

“It will be a prequel to the ‘Blade’ movies, Deacon’s story,” the actor said. “It’s a new trilogy the director [Stephen Norrington] has created. It will [be] cool.”

Norrington himself sent an update to Mania.com clarifying a few details. He did confirm that this news is accurate, but it's "not exactly how the article describes but close." He's not planning to start working on this spin-off until he finishes the remake of "The Crow." He credits Dorff for coming up with the idea that "has evolved into a very interesting story." So there you have it - it may be a long ways out, but Norrington did confirm that it was actually happening.

Maybe the biggest question about a Deacon Frost trilogy is whether or not there’s an audience in place. Sure, vampires are on the rise, but will the “Twilight” fans come to theaters for a guaranteed bloodfest focusing on a seriously villainous character? Without Blade’s involvement, will comic book fans fill out the seats?

On that last point, Norrington said “Blade” fans will be happy. “The linkage to ‘Blade’ is still big in the equation,” he said.

More news to come! Catch ya' later!
Sources: MTV News, First Showing