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Blade: Trinity

(Redirected fromAbigail Whistler)

Blade: Trinityis a 2004 Americansuperhero filmwritten and directed byDavid S. Goyer.It was produced by Goyer, Peter Frankfurt,Lynn Harris,andWesley Snipes,who also starred in the leading role as thetitle character.Based on theMarvel Comicscharacterof the same name,it is the third installment in theBladetrilogy,and co-starsRyan Reynolds,Jessica Biel,Kris Kristofferson,Dominic Purcell,Parker Posey,andTriple H.Vampire leader Danica Talos has framed Blade for numerous murders, and alongside a team of roguevampire huntershe must fight his most challenging enemy yet,Dracula.

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: Trinitywas 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, withSticky Fingazreplacing Snipes. Marvel regained the film rights to the character in 2012. Snipes reprised his role as Blade in the 2024 filmDeadpool & Wolverine,which starred Reynolds asDeadpool.Arebootfilm set in theMarvel Cinematic Universeand starringMahershala Aliis in development.

Plot

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A small group ofvampiresinvestigate an ancient tomb in theSyrian Desert,which they believe belongs to the first vampireDracula,also called "Drake". To keepBladefrom interfering, they frame him for the murder of a human familiar.FBIagents 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 byHannibal Kingand Abigail Whistler, Abraham's daughter, who invite Blade to join their band of vampire hunters, theNightstalkers.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 innovativeultraviolet"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" wherebrain deadhumans are drained of their blood for vampire consumption. Bladedeactivatesthe 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 ofBlade II,New Line Cinema made a deal withDavid S. Goyerto write and produce a thirdBladefilm.[3]In 2002, German directorOliver Hirschbiegelwas in talks to direct the film,[4]but chose instead to direct a film about Adolf Hitler calledDownfall.[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 Reynoldswas in negotiations to join the film andAshley Scottwas also being considered as his counterpart, and they would also star in a potential spin-off film.[7]Later that month,Jessica Bielsigned on to the project.[8]Producers at New Line Cinema suggested casting professional wrestlerTriple Hand Goyer was highly skeptical. Goyer was impressed by Triple H's comic timing and self-deprecation and ended up expanding his role.[6]

Appledid 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 Snipeswas 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 andcomputer effectsto 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-starPatton Oswaltalleged 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-starRyan Reynoldsas 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 forBlade: Trinity,but thought it made sense in the context ofDeadpool.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 usedEsperantoand 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 Kingis at one point seen watching theWilliam Shatner-starring Esperanto-language filmIncubuson 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'sdirector of photography,Gabriel Beristain, makes acameo appearanceas 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, byNew Line Records.It peaked at #68 on theTop R&B/Hip-Hop Albumsand #15 on theTop Soundtracks.

Lawsuits

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In 2005, Snipes suedNew Line Cinemaand 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-starsRyan ReynoldsandJessica 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 firstBlade's take but came behindBlade II,which had grossed $150 million worldwide.[19][20]

Critical response

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OnRotten Tomatoesthe 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: Trinityseems content to emphasize style over substance and rehash familiar themes ".[21]OnMetacriticthe 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 byCinemaScoregave the film an average grade of "B+" on an A+ to F scale.[24]

Roger Ebert,who gaveBladethree stars out of four[25]andBlade IIthree and a half stars,[26]gaveBlade: Trinityone 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 Berardinellialso rated the film one and a half stars out of four: "Blade: Trinityis 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 twoBladessatisfied 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 forBest Horror Filmat theSaturn Awardsbut lost toShaun of the Dead.[30]

Future

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Cancelled spin-offs

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In October 2008,Bladedirector Stephen Norrington was developing a prequel trilogy toBlade,featuringStephen Dorffreprising his role asDeacon Frost.[31][32][33]In 2016,UnderworldactressKate Beckinsalestated that a crossover sequel toBlade: Trinitywith theUnderworldfilm series had been in development but was cancelled after the film rights reverted toMarvel Studiosin 2012.[34][35]

Marvel Cinematic Universe

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

In July 2019, atSan Diego Comic-Con,Marvel Studios announcedaBladerebootset in theMarvel Cinematic Universe(MCU), withMahershala Alicast as the title character, who first had an uncredited voice cameo role inEternals(2021).[40]In February 2021, Stacy Osei-Kuffour was hired to write the script,[41]withBassam Tariqhired to direct by that September. Tariq left a year later due to the film's production shifts and creative differences.Yann Demangewas set to direct in November 2022, whenMichael Starrburywas rewriting the script, whileNic Pizzolattojoined as another writer in April 2023, andMichael Greenwas hired to write a new script by November. Demange had exited the film by June 2024, when Pearson was rewriting the script.[42]Bladewas 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 inDeadpool & 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]andIGNgave 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. ^abc"Blade: Trinity (2004)".Box Office Mojo.February 24, 2005.Archivedfrom the original on January 3, 2010.RetrievedJanuary 1,2022.
  3. ^Fleming, Michael (August 21, 2001)."New Line sharpens 'Blade 3'".Variety.Archivedfrom the original on October 23, 2013.RetrievedNovember 22,2020.
  4. ^Meza, Ed (July 8, 2002)."Hirschbiegel may take on next 'Blade'".Variety.Archivedfrom the original on May 6, 2021.RetrievedDecember 8,2020.
  5. ^Meza, Ed (April 15, 2003)."Teuton helmer is taking on Hitler".Variety.Archivedfrom the original on April 10, 2021.RetrievedDecember 8,2020.
  6. ^abcOtto, Jeff (March 1, 2004)."An Interview with David S. Goyer".IGN.Archivedfrom the original on March 19, 2022.RetrievedMay 27,2022.
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  8. ^"Biel sharpens up for 'Blade'".Variety.August 27, 2003.Archivedfrom the original on May 9, 2021.RetrievedNovember 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.Archivedfrom the original on October 29, 2020.RetrievedNovember 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.Archivedfrom the original on August 22, 2017.RetrievedFebruary 18,2020.
  11. ^Chris Parry (April 22, 2005)."eFilmCritic - Drugs, Stand-Ins, Mood Swings and Legal Action: The Real Wesley Snipes".eFilmCritic.Archivedfrom the original on October 7, 2021.RetrievedAugust 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.Archivedfrom the original on November 3, 2020.RetrievedNovember 3,2020.
  13. ^abRomano, Nick (July 26, 2024)."Wesley Snipes didn't think Blade return was possible until Ryan Reynolds called".Entertainment Weekly.
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  15. ^abAntónio Martins (March 16, 2004)."Flags of the World, Blade Trinity, Unnamed City in the USA".Archivedfrom the original on December 5, 2008.RetrievedOctober 27,2009.
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