Thanks to ComingSoon.net for sharing a press release from Spike TV network, the short version of which is this: "Blade" is being adapted into a TV series. And no, Wesley Snipes is not involved.
"Spike TV is set to bring Blade, one of Hollywood’s most successful theatrical franchises, to television. The "Blade" trilogy, which has earned more than $400 million worldwide, will be adapted into a two-hour original drama that marks the network’s first foray into scripted entertainment. Produced by New Line Television, Blade premieres on Spike TV in June 2006.
"’Blade’ is perfectly suited for Spike TV and its male viewers," says Pancho Mansfield, Executive Vice President, Original Programming at Spike TV. "The new ‘Blade’ promises to capture what men want to see: thrilling action and effects combined with an intelligent and highly creative story."
David S. Goyer, who wrote the screenplays for the "Blade" trilogy as well as Batman Begins, serves as executive producer and co-wrote the script with popular comic book author Geoff Johns. Peter O’Fallon (Suicide Kings, Eureka, American Gothic) serves as director.
Spike TV’s Blade focuses on Marvel’s eponymous immortal warrior of the same name fighting a shadowy underworld of vampires who want to destroy the human race. The title character is a half-man, half-vampire who uses his incredible powers and skills to fearlessly battle the demonic creatures of the night in a blood-drenched crusade to prevent the ascendance of vampires over mankind.
Kirk "Sticky" Jones (Over There) has been cast in the leading role of "Blade." Jill Wagner (Monk), Neil Jackson (Stargate SG-1), Nelson Lee (Traffic, the TV mini-series) and Jessica Gower (Blurred) round out the cast for the tele-picture.
Bill McGoldrick, Vice President, Original Programming and Lisa Ullmann, Director of Original Programming, are executives responsible for production at Spike TV. Avi Arad, President and CEO of Marvel Studios, Ari Arad, Executive Vice President, Marvel Studios, Jim Rosenthal and Jon Kroll of New Line Television will serve as executive producers."
