Looking Back at “Blade: Trinity” 20 Years Later

Revisiting Blade: Trinity on its 20th Anniversary.

Twenty years ago, on December 8, 2004, Blade: Trinity brought Wesley Snipes back for his third and final turn as the titular half-vampire, half-human vampire hunter. Written, directed, and produced by David S. Goyer, this film capped off the Blade trilogy, which helped pave the way for Marvel’s domination in Hollywood.

In Blade: Trinity, Snipes’s Blade finds himself a wanted man, framed for a series of murders by the FBI and the vampire underworld. With few allies left, he reluctantly teams up with the Nightstalkers, a ragtag group of vampire hunters led by Abigail Whistler (Jessica Biel), the daughter of Blade’s mentor, and the wisecracking Hannibal King (Ryan Reynolds). Their mission? To take down the ultimate vampire, Dracula (Dominic Purcell), reimagined as a ferocious predator named “Drake.”

The film is packed with action sequences and one-liners.

However, what stands out most is the chemistry between the cast. Reynolds’s sharp humor provided a comedic counterpoint to Snipes’s brooding Blade, while Biel brought physicality and intensity as a warrior in her own right. Purcell’s portrayal of Drake added a layer of menace that elevated the film’s stakes.

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While Blade: Trinity didn’t match the critical acclaim of its predecessors, Blade (1998) and Blade II (2002), it still delivered memorable moments. The showdown between Blade and Drake on a city rooftop remains a highlight, as does Abigail’s archery prowess, showcased in slow-motion battles. Ryan Reynolds also left a lasting impression, with his quippy, sarcastic performance hinting at his future in the superhero genre.

At the box office, Blade: Trinity earned $132 million worldwide, a respectable finish but less than the $155 million grossed by Blade II. Despite mixed reviews, the film’s legacy endures as part of a groundbreaking franchise. The Blade trilogy introduced Marvel’s darker, edgier side to audiences and demonstrated that comic book adaptations could succeed in the mainstream—a critical stepping stone for Marvel Studios’ later success.

The franchise’s impact extended beyond the films. In 2006.

Blade: The Series brought the story to television, exploring new characters and conflicts within the vampire-hunting world. Though short-lived, the series highlighted the enduring appeal of the character and the universe built around him.

In a surprising twist of fate, Snipes returned as Blade in Deadpool & Wolverine, a film that united Marvel’s edgiest antiheroes. His appearance was a nostalgic nod to the fans who had followed the character since the late ’90s.

As Blade: Trinity celebrates its 20th anniversary, its place in cinematic history is undeniable. The trilogy laid the groundwork for the Marvel Cinematic Universe by proving that bold, unconventional heroes could resonate with audiences. Wesley Snipes’s portrayal of Blade remains iconic—a perfect blend of cool charisma and deadly determination.

Looking ahead, a new Blade film starring Mahershala Ali promises to introduce the character to a new generation. But for many fans, Snipes’s Blade will always be the one who started it all, cutting a path for Marvel’s success with his silver sword and unrelenting swagger.

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