Karen, played by N'Bushe Wright in the first "Blade" film, does not appear in "Blade II" because the character's storyline did not continue in the sequel. The film shifts focus to new characters and the evolving plot surrounding Blade's battle against a new breed of vampires, known as Reapers. The absence of Karen allows for the introduction of new allies and antagonists, such as the Bloodpack, which are essential to the sequel's narrative. Additionally, budget and creative decisions may have influenced her exclusion.

"Blade II," released in 2002 and directed by Guillermo del Toro, was a commercial success, grossing over $155 million worldwide against a budget of approximately $54 million. It received generally positive reviews from critics, praising its action sequences, visual style, and del Toro's direction. The film solidified Blade's place in the superhero genre and contributed to the rise of comic book adaptations in the early 2000s, further establishing the character as a popular figure in pop culture.

As of October 2023, there has been no official announcement regarding Wesley Snipes reprising his role as Blade in a fourth film. While Snipes expressed interest in returning to the character, Marvel Studios is focusing on a new Blade film, which will star Mahershala Ali in the titular role. This reboot is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and aims to introduce a new interpretation of the character. Snipes has indicated he would support the new project, but he is not involved in "Blade 4" as of now.

"Blade: Trinity," the third installment in the Blade franchise, faced several challenges that contributed to its underwhelming performance. Critics noted a weaker script and less compelling character development compared to its predecessors. The film's tone shifted towards a more comedic approach, which alienated some fans. Additionally, behind-the-scenes conflicts, particularly between director David S. Goyer and star Wesley Snipes, affected production. Marketing also struggled to generate excitement, leading to lower box office returns compared to "Blade" and "Blade II."