The new live-action Mortal Kombat film will focus primarily on the rivalry between Sub-Zero and Scorpion, two of the most famous characters in the games.
The next live action Mortal combat film will focus on the rivalry between Scorpion and Sub-Zero. Directed by Simon McQuoid and produced by James Wan (Aquaman, The Conjuring, Furious 7), the new film will be the franchise’s first real trip back to the big screen since 1997 Mortal Kombat: Annihilation. Like the 90s movie, the new Mortal combat will adapt the video game series of the same title, known for its violent “fatal” final blows and fantastic martial arts history.
Scorpion and Sub-Zero are perhaps the two most recognizable characters of all Mortal combat lore. The first is an undead ninja dressed in yellow that blows fire and encourages enemies to approach him and the last is a ninja dressed in blue with magical powers of ice. Appearing for the first time in the original Mortal combat arcade game, Scorpion and Sub-Zero have always been circulating in the gaming stories. Most plots have some version of the same few strikes – both belong to rival warrior clans; Scorpion and his family are killed, presumably by Sub-Zero and his relatives; Scorpio is resurrected to take revenge.
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Speaking recently to Weekly entertainment, director Simon McQuoid revealed his own version of the new Scorpio / Sub-Zero story, claiming it will be at the center of the film. “It’s like a family drama with exciting brutal fighting,” McQuoid said. “This is the image of this film for me”. According to McQuoid, the film begins with an extensive flashback sequence detailing the origins of the rivalry between Scorpio (Hiroyuki Sanada) and Sub-Zero (Joe Taslim). Set in feudal Japan, the scene shows the rivalry between the rival clans of the two warriors, which ends up having dire consequences for both. The film then jumps to the present day, where the repercussions of the old conflict will certainly be felt.
Defining the history of ninjas’ origin so far is a notable departure from the source material. In games, Scorpion kills Sub-Zero in the Mortal Kombat tournament, not long after his alleged transgression took place. The new film seems to be turning the script for this, with the two characters probably dead and resurrected when the modern conflict begins. The core of the story looks the same, which should be a good sign for skeptics of video game film adaptations.
A big question left by the new Mortal combat images and revelations is how the ninja back story will connect with the protagonist and newcomer in the Cole Young series (Lewis Tan). In the interview, McQuoid alludes to a blood connection between Cole and the past, and it seems likely that he will be drawn into the rivalry between Sub-Zero and Scorpion on one side or the other. Given that the action apparently starts with Sub-Zero trying to kill Cole, a tie with Scorpion may be more likely. Fans will have to continue to speculate on the details while they wait for Mortal combat for release on April 16.
Source: Entertainment Weekly
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