Mahershala Ali Listened to Ka’s ‘Honor Killed the Samurai’ for New Hitman Role: ‘It Just Was the Right Vibe & Tone for This Guy’
Ali plays a recently widowed father who also happens to be a devoutly religious hitman.
Mahershala Ali, the acclaimed actor, was at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival for the premiere of his latest film, Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother. In the movie, Ali plays a devoutly religious hitman who is on a mission to protect his children following the loss of his wife. During a chat on the red carpet, ETalk asked Ali what he listens to when preparing for roles, and he shared that he immersed himself in the late Ka's fourth solo album, Honor Killed the Samurai.
Ali explained that the album's intentional, methodical pace and special energy made it the perfect soundtrack for the character he was portraying. The actor, who has long been an advocate for Ka, a critically acclaimed rapper and producer, expressed his desire to see a documentary made about Ka's life. Ka, a New York City firefighter who was a first responder during the 9/11 attacks, tragically passed away in October 2024 at the young age of 52.
Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother, directed by Bassam Tariq and starring John Cho, Giancarlo Esposito, and Tramell Tillman, is set to hit theaters nationwide on September 25.
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