Marvel Rivals Character Absence in Season 2 Hits at the Most Inopportune Moment

Since hitting the scene last December, Marvel Rivals has rapidly attracted a massive audience. Fans are hooked by its engaging PVP action and the developers’ swift attention to player input. However, what really pulls players in is the diverse lineup of characters, featuring fresh takes on Marvel’s beloved heroes and villains.

As we gear up for Marvel Rivals’ Season 2, there’s already buzz about two confirmed new characters: Emma Frost and Ultron. Enthusiasts of the game are eagerly anticipating how these iconic figures will spice up the Vanguard and Strategist roles. Yet, despite the hype surrounding new arrivals, there’s a hint of disappointment in the air for the fans expecting the appearance of a highly anticipated character.

Marvel Rivals kicked off its seasonal updates with a bang, launching with the much-acclaimed Eternal Night Falls. This vampire-centric season brought Dracula to the forefront as the primary villain. Players loved donning gothic-themed gear to combat Dracula’s plans under the moonlit ambiance of NYC’s newly introduced maps. Naturally, Blade seemed the most fitting new addition given his renowned vampire-slaying reputation, popularized by Wesley Snipes’ film portrayal. However, instead of Blade, players saw the Fantastic Four step into the spotlight. Although adding four characters was a treat, it left many scratching their heads about Blade’s notable absence. Some speculated that once Dracula was vanquished, Blade might emerge, only to be let down as Emma Frost and Ultron were later named the fresh faces of Season 2.

That said, the exclusion of Blade doesn’t rule out his debut forever. Leaks hint at the possibility of Blade joining the roster in due time, particularly since he already has a character model and has played a role in the game’s narrative. Yet, waiting for his arrival has grown additionally agonizing due to recent developments around Blade’s portrayal elsewhere.

Back in 2019, Marvel hinted at a new Blade movie as part of the MCU, featuring Mahershala Ali and intended to delve into Marvel’s supernatural domain. Sadly, the project hit numerous snags, rolling through a succession of directors and scriptwriters, facing delay after delay until it was struck off the schedule completely last year. Just last week, whispers about the film’s quiet cancellation started stirring upset among fans.

The whispers surrounding Blade’s cancellation make his absence from Marvel Rivals’ promotional activities for Season 2 all the more disheartening. It feels like Blade can’t seem to get his due spotlight beyond the comic pages. As Wesley Snipes quipped in the crossover between Deadpool & Wolverine, maybe there truly will only ever be one Blade. For now, gamers are holding out hope for the rumored Blade project from Arkane Studios while awaiting any potential updates on his inclusion in Marvel Rivals.