Mahershala Ali’s next film has arrived as an unexpected success story. Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother, directed by Bassim Tariq, has received outstanding early reviews ahead of its 25 September release.
A highly praised new film for Mahershala Ali
After 17 initial reviews, Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother holds a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The film is listed as both Certified Fresh and a Certified Masterpiece.
Ali plays a deeply religious hitman who crosses Houston in a violent effort to protect his children after his wife dies. The film’s action has attracted particular attention, with Ali’s physical preparation for the abandoned Blade project reportedly informing his performance.
The cast also includes John Cho, Giancarlo Esposito and Tramell Tillman. Reviewers have praised Ali’s acting as well as the film’s distinctive visual style. TheWrap’s review described the collaboration between Ali, Tariq and their creative partners as something that felt destined to happen.
What happened to Mahershala Ali’s Blade?
Marvel announced Blade in 2019 with Ali attached to star. Tariq joined as director in 2021, but departed in 2023 after repeated delays. Another director was hired later and left in 2024 amid further production problems.
At one stage, reports described the project as a story set during the Prohibition era. Costume designer Ruth E. Carter was also attached before leaving to work on Sinners, a film with a similar premise.
Marvel eventually stopped providing meaningful updates, leaving the project apparently stuck in development. Kevin Feige said earlier in 2026 that he felt like a “failure” for not getting the film made, comments that many interpreted as confirmation the project had been cancelled.
Ali later confirmed the situation, saying that any future Marvel version of Blade would not feature him. His only MCU appearance remains a voice-only performance heard at the end of The Eternals.
A different kind of action showcase
Although Ali and Tariq’s version of Blade remains an unanswered possibility, their new collaboration gives audiences a completed film with a very different identity. Its Houston setting, family-driven stakes and action-led story offer a strong alternative to wondering what the Marvel project might have become.
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