Characters That Need To Appear In Mortal Kombat 2
It's official. After the "Mortal Kombat" movie delivered an uppercut of success — especially on HBO Max — the powers that be at Warner Bros. decided to greenlight Round 2 and even hired "Moon Knight" showrunner Jeremy Slater to pen the script (via Deadline). The news of "Mortal Kombat 2" is sure to delight all the Kombatants who can't wait to see Earthrealm and Outworld do battle in a tournament where the rules are made up and don't really matter. (Well, it's about the journey, not the destination, right?)
While not much is known about which actors or characters will return for the sequel, there's likely to be an influx of new fighters to fire up the action. Considering how the "Mortal Kombat" video games have featured almost 80 playable characters over the past three decades, there's no shortage of options to choose from. That said, there are some names that simply cannot be ignored if the film is to be deemed a flawless victory. So, let's take a look at the characters that need to appear in "Mortal Kombat 2."
Kuai Liang
After the "Mortal Kombat" movie, Sub-Zero is officially on ice — or is he? Bi-Han is done, and he's only likely to return as Noob Saibot if the franchise decides to go in that direction. However, this is "Mortal Kombat," and Sub-Zero is as much a part of the story as Scrat is to "Ice Age." There's absolutely no chance that Subby will be ignored in the film sequel.
The easiest way to bring Sub-Zero back is through the introduction of Kuai Liang, Bi-Han's brother. In the video games, he has taken on the icy mantle and continues to provide the cold shoulder to his enemies. However, this version of Subby is a good guy who can be trusted to do the right thing. He's joined forces with Earthrealm's warriors and become a valuable ally as they fight against Outworld's nefarious troops. Wouldn't it make sense if the film universe followed the same narrative path? Interestingly, Joe Taslim, who portrayed Sub-Zero in the previous film, is signed on for four sequels, so perhaps he could play Kuai Liang if the filmmakers decide to experiment with a twin angle here.
Baraka
From the blades on his forearms to the razor-sharp teeth that are the envy of Nosferatu, the Tarkatan warrior known as Baraka is easily one of the most recognizable characters in "Mortal Kombat." He didn't make the cut for the 2021 film, but that's okay because he only debuted in the second video game. However, his inclusion in "Mortal Kombat 2" could hold more significance, especially taking into account Mileena's death and their personal history.
In the video game lore, Mileena and Baraka are unlikely lovers. With her now gone in the film universe, the Nomad will undoubtedly seek out her executioner, Sonya Blade, and demand blood for blood. And look, Baraka isn't the kind of guy who can be reasoned with; he's unlikely to sit down, have a cup of tea, and talk things over with her in a rational way. Not only will this rivalry give Baraka motivation to be a part of the proceedings, but it will also provide Sonya with a much-needed new storyline arc since Kano is no longer relevant here. Basically, it's a win-win for everyone.
Johnny Cage
Here's Johnny! Well, hopefully. One of the most disappointing aspects of the "Mortal Kombat" film was the absence of the fictional star of "Ninja Mime" and other fantastic B-grade action films, Johnny Cage. As one of the pillars of the franchise, most fans didn't understand why he wasn't included in the first place. Director Simon McQuoid told Variety that the real reason he wasn't in the film was because "he's such a giant personality that he almost has his own gravitational field." Though, the tease of the "Citizen Cage" poster and Cole Young saying he was off to Los Angeles at the end of the movie all but confirmed that Cage is coming in the sequel.
Now, the debate over who should play him will dominate the headlines until it's officially announced. Lewis Tan said that he'd like to see Scott Adkins in the role, while other sources have suggested the likes of The Miz and Charlie Hunnam as possible candidates. Regardless of who gets the rub here, they'll have some pretty big shoes to fill since the master of the nut punch will be the undisputed superstar of "Mortal Kombat 2."
Kitana
Mileena's sister, Kitana, was a notable absentee in the "Mortal Kombat" film. While her steel fans were included in the background as an Easter egg, Shao Kahn's preferred child (dependent on the timeline, of course) was nowhere to be found. The film's screenwriter, Greg Russo, told Polygon that Kitana is actually his favorite character from the video games, but the decision to exclude her was made because "it didn't make sense to start bringing in the Edenian characters yet." As one of the leading characters in the franchise, it's highly improbable that she will be ignored a second time in "Mortal Kombat 2."
In terms of who could play the character, many fans would love to see Gal Gadot as Kitana. Castings aside, it does feel like a lost opportunity that we won't see Kitana and Mileena do battle on screen now. Still, considering the rules of death in "Mortal Kombat" are straight out of the pages of "Days of Our Lives," Mileena could still make a comeback in some magical manner.
Shao Kahn
Since the actual tournament is set to take place in "Mortal Kombat 2," the likelihood that the emperor will announce his arrival with the giant swing of his hammer is extremely high. Shao Kahn's presence was already teased thanks to the glimpse of his statue in the first movie, so it's only natural that his big debut would take place in the sequel. Though, the question remains: Will he be the big bad or merely a lingering presence throughout the film? Maybe it'll be like in the second game where he sits on his throne, watches the tournament play out, and only shows up for the final fight.
The fact that "Mortal Kombat" co-creator Ed Boon has already suggested that megastar Dwayne Johnson is the perfect candidate to play Shao Kahn speaks volumes. While Boon might not get a final say in who the filmmakers cast in the role, it shows how big this part could be for the actor who ends up playing the emperor who doesn't want anyone to make him laugh.
Quan Chi
Who's the most devious character in "Mortal Kombat" history? The answer isn't Shang Tsung or Shao Kahn. They're amateurs of the dark arts compared to Quan Chi, who's like the Gargamel of this franchise, on a mission to capture all the Smurfs. The pale sorcerer — who is definitely not related to Kratos from "God of War" — pulls all the strings and tricks people into doing his evil bidding. Remember that whole blood feud between Sub-Zero and Scorpion? That was all orchestrated by Quan Chi, who lit the match between the Lin Kuei and Shirai Ryu clans.
Despite his prominence as a villain in the "Mortal Kombat" video games, he's yet to appear in a live-action film. That wouldn't be the case if the producers of "Mortal Kombat: Annihilation" had managed to get footage of Quan Chi's scene into the final print of the film. Alas, maybe this time, the filmmakers will remember to include him from the onset of the production.
Sindel
Unfortunately, the mental picture that most fans have of Sindel in live-action is the atrocious "too bad you will die" quote that actress Musetta Vander delivered in "Mortal Kombat: Annihilation." It's a shame, really, since the bride of Shao Kahn was one of the most striking and vicious fighters created for "Mortal Kombat 3," and the hopes were high that her on-screen debut would do the character justice. Well, at least she wasn't alone in being poorly depicted — every character suffered in the 1997 film.
If Kitana pops up in the upcoming film, there's no doubt that her mother won't be too far behind. Their narrative arcs are so deeply intertwined that things can go one of two ways: Either Sindel supports her daughter in her battle against Outworld, or she sides with her sneaky husband, who refuses to respect the rules of the tournament. Look, family drama is exactly what the franchise needs more of, so why can't "Mortal Kombat 2" be more like "Party of Five" but with fatalities?
Jade
Check the "Mortal Kombat" forums, and one thing is clear: Jade is a popular character that many fans consider to be violently underrated. Introduced as Shao Kahn's assassin and Kitana's personal bodyguard, the Edenian warrior is among the best fighters in the whole franchise. Whether it's in hand-to-hand combat or through the use of weapons like her Bo staff, she'll give her opponents a tough time on any stage.
Considering how heavy the "Mortal Kombat" film was on intense action and high-class martial arts, there will be a desire to take it up a notch in the sequel. The search for an actress to portray Jade doesn't have to be a long or arduous exercise, though. In fact, Joe Taslim's "The Night Comes For Us" co-star Julie Estelle, who played The Operator, might be the ideal candidate to make the green-suited assassin come to life in a sensational way that'll make her haters green with envy.
Frost
Since it's pretty much a given that Sub-Zero will play a part in "Mortal Kombat 2," there's the potential to bring in more members of the Lin Kuei. In this case, Frost — Subby's former apprentice — would prove to be an excellent option. Despite being trained by the ice warrior, she resented the fact that he made peace with Scorpion in the video game storyline and challenged her mentor to a fight. The apprentice failed to defeat the Grandmaster and was subsequently banished from the clan. The vengeful Frost didn't take the disappointment lying down and sought out new ways to defeat Sub-Zero, which culminated in her receiving a cybernetic upgrade to enhance her powers.
If Kuai Liang is introduced and puts the Lin Kuei's issues with Scorpion aside, it would make sense to show one of his pupils taking issue with it. It might be a little early to transform Frost into the cybernetic ice warrior from the video games, but the film could plant the seeds for a future battle between the master and apprentice.
Rain
The name Rain doesn't strike much fear into anyone. It sounds like someone who throws water balloons at others and runs away laughing, so how intimidating can this guy really be? Yet, the purple-coloured ninja, who is indeed named after the legendary Prince song, has developed such a rabid fanbase that every time a new game enters production, they demand his inclusion. Plus, he actually has an imaginative and impressive set of abilities as he's able to manipulate and use water and lightning to lay a Mount Olympus-infused smackdown on his opponents.
From a storyline perspective, Rain also has a compelling backstory that would make him an intriguing character in "Mortal Kombat 2." He's a disgraced Edenian prince and half-god who wants nothing more than to ascend to the throne of Outworld. Someone like Shao Kahn would never know if Rain is really in his corner or trying to secure the crown all for himself since he plays the game of deception a little too well for anyone's liking.
D'Vorah
Even though D'Vorah is a relatively new addition to the "Mortal Kombat" universe, she's already made quite the impression on the fanbase. Not only does she have a bold insectoid look and formidable powerset, but she has also been a major thread in the video game's rebooted storyline. Whether she's serving Kotal Kahn or swerving him to team up with Quan Chi and Shinnok, D'Vorah feeds on backstabbing as much as she does her opponent's cold, dead bodies.
Keeping in mind that Kano put a hole through Syzoth's chest in the first film, there's now a job opening for a loyal servant-type of creature to show up in "Mortal Kombat 2." This is absolutely the perfect role for someone like D'Vorah, who fits the part of a slithery servant like a glove. And the best part? She could be the one to fan the flames of chaos in her own camp, making the story even more juicy and twisty than expected.
Shinnok
The A, B, and C plot method is commonly used in serialized storytelling, with A being the main plot, B being the parallel subplot, and C setting up a future story. In the case of "Mortal Kombat," Shang Tsung has already been introduced as a primary antagonist (in this case, the main conflict of A), while Shao Kahn is a parallel villain who'll likely play a part in the proceedings too (he's B here). So, what would be the setup for the next big villain, or Plot C, here? That's easy — it's Shinnok. In fact, don't be surprised if he's exposed as the mastermind behind all of the shenanigans by the time "Mortal Kombat 3" rolls in.
If Kahn is the Darth Vader of this universe, Shinnok is Emperor Palpatine. The Fallen Elder God is a vengeful, nasty piece of work who craves total destruction and uses his dark persuasive power of manipulation to control everyone around him. But this doesn't mean he's an unskilled or poor fighter who needs others to do the slapping for him — quite the contrary. Maybe, just maybe, we might get a glimpse of what he's truly capable of in "Mortal Kombat 2."