Adapting successful video-game franchises on the big screen has been a tough nut to crack for Hollywood. From Assassin’s Creed to Warcraft, the live-action adaptation of these widely recognized video-games has been a colossal failure, to put it mildly.
Sadly, the iconic Mortal Kombat franchise has also been plagued by the same inadequacy, resulting in the box-office disaster of Mortal Kombat: Annihilation back in 1997. With a Rotten Tomatoes score of 2%, Mortal Kombat: Annihilation might be the worst video-game adaptation of all time.
But soon enough, the curse might be lifted for good as the Master of Horror, James Wan has confirmed to act as a producer for the upcoming Mortal Kombat reboot in 2021. Directed by Simon McQuoid, the hopes of reviving the iconic video-game franchise on the big screen lies on the debutant.
As one of the largest and most popular video-game franchises, any news related to a live-action adaptation is surely going to attract a lot of eyeballs. Unsurprisingly, the internet was filled with rumors and hoaxes regarding the upcoming reboot. Yet to be released, only a few confirmed details have emerged, which will put the rumors to rest once and for all.
1. RUMOR: No Scorpion or Sub-Zero
One of the first rumor which gained traction was the absence of Scorpion and Sub-Zero in the upcoming Mortal Kombat movie. As fan-favorites, dropping Scorpion and Sub-Zero is a bold move that could have backfired. But fortunately, it was confirmed that Scorpion and Sub-Zero are very much present in the movie. Joe Taslim will be portraying the role of Sub-Zero while Hiroyuki Sanada would be playing the role of Scorpion.
2. CONFIRMED: R-Rated Movie
Pulling no punches this time, the Mortal Kombat reboot is going to be an R-Rated movie with extreme violence. As the video-game franchise achieved notoriety in the early ’90s for its gratuitous display of violence, the upcoming reboot will follow the same path and stay true to its source material.
3. RUMOR: Set in Chicago
The Mortal Kombat universe is known for its eighteen surviving realms, each having its unique environment. From the lush forests of Earthrealm to the fiery depths of Netherrealm, Mortal Kombat has everything to offer to its wide fan base. But according to recent rumors, the upcoming movie is going to be set in the city of Chicago.
4. CONFIRMED: The Fatalities Shall Return
Director Simon McQuoid and screenwriter Greg Russo have already become fan favorites even before the release of the movie. As big-time fans of the video-game franchise, both McQuoid and Russo have been trying their level best to create a cinematic experience that will be faithful to the game. And, what better way to stay faithful than showcasing the infamous fatalities of Mortal Kombat? Actor Lewis Tan who plays an undisclosed role in the movie even said that he felt sick in the stomach during filming since the scenes were so real.
5. RUMOR: Crossover With The DC Extended Universe
Probably one of the most ambitious yet ridiculous rumors in circulation, the upcoming Mortal Kombat movie will have a crossover with the DC Extended Universe. While there lies a possibility since New Line Cinema comes under the label of Warner Bros. As both Mortal Kombat and DC come under Warner Bros., this speculation has been gaining some traction. Also, Mortal Kombat x DC did take place back in 2008 which received lukewarm reviews upon its release.
6. CONFIRMED: Raiden Is In The Movie
One of the major characters in the Mortal Kombat universe, Raiden is the Protector of Earthrealm. He is also known as the God of Thunder. As one of the most popular characters of Mortal Kombat, dropping Raiden would have been a bad idea. As the victor of Earthrealm, Mortal Kombat will finally show the God of Thunder unleashing his true form against other fighters on the big screen.
