Wesley Snipes Sets Two Guinness World Records with Return as Blade

Wesley Snipes, now 62, has returned as Eric Brooks, also known as Blade, setting two Guinness World Records. With the release of “Deadpool & Wolverine,” Snipes earned the record for “Longest Career as a Live-Action Marvel Character,” marking 26 years since he first wore the iconic costume.

According to Deadline, Snipes also set the record for “Longest Gap Between Character Appearances in Marvel Films,” with more than 19 years passing since his last role in 2004’s “Blade: Trinity.”

Snipes shared his surprise and excitement on Twitter, writing, “Whuuuut?! Really? Do I get a certificate too? Lordy Lordy Lordy…Thank you @GWR, I’m your fan!”

Ryan Reynolds, who worked with Snipes in the 2004 film, personally asked him to return as Blade. Snipes told Entertainment Weekly he was initially unsure about the idea.

“I didn’t think he could make it happen,” Snipes said. “I didn’t think Marvel or Disney would go for it, especially with Mahershala Ali cast for the new version. It didn’t make sense to me.”

But a call from Reynolds changed his mind. “When Ryan Reynolds calls you after 20 years, you take the call. He told me the idea… They said ‘yes’ and ‘it’s a go.’ ‘If you’re in, we’re in.’ Here we are.”

Snipes also talked about Reynolds’ growth as an actor and his unique talent. “Some things he did back then weren’t really my humor,” Snipes said. “But seeing him do it now made sense. Ryan is great at what he does. Deadpool is Ryan Reynolds all the way. It was fun working with him again.”

To get ready for the role, Snipes had to train for a month. “I wasn’t Blade ready. I don’t walk around as Blade every day. We had to work out,” he said. “I was worried about being fit enough for the action scenes. Thankfully, I didn’t have to do as much as I thought.”

Snipes added with a laugh, “After about a month, I got in shape. With a little help from some customized foam in certain areas, I was good to go. Let’s ride!”