Feature films based on video gameshave proven to be a tough nut for Hollywood to crack over the years. While some recent efforts likeRampageandSonic the Hedgehoghave been a significant improvement in terms of quality, these films can’t shake the general anxiety these adaptions tend to bring, thanks to abysmal past efforts likeHouse of the DeadandBloodrayne. Thankfully, the 2021 reboot ofMortal Kombatfits snugly into the former category, as a decent and faithful interpretation of the games on the silver screen.
While a good portion of the movie was filled with Easter eggs and other forms of fan service, there were still a few notable omissions from the series vast history. It is understandable that it would be very difficult to fit three decades worth of content into a two hour movie, but the positive side is that this leaves room for material in a potential sequel. With the current film already doing well, a follow-up could be a possibility in the coming years, and there are a number ofMortal Kombatcharacters that should enter the fray when the time comes.
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Nightwolf
Making his first entry into theMortal KombatserieswithMortal Kombat 3way back in 1994, Nightwolf is a formidable opponent that would command the screen in a film. A member of the fictional Matoka Tribe, Nightwolf is a fierce combatant that uses a tomahawk as his main method of attack, a unique fighting style that would make the character stand out from the others. It’s purely speculation as of right now, but there is a chance this fighter may have already been teased in the first movie. During the film, there is a scene showing Sonya Blade’s “Conspiracy Board” and eagle eyed fans should be able to notice a picture of Nightwolf labeled “The Matoka Warrior.”
Motaro
TheMortal Kombatuniversereaches much larger than the warriors of planet Earth. Being a tournament that pits several fighters from different realms against one another, this paves the way to include more freaky, supernatural beasts as well. Case in point, Motaro is a member of the Centuarian race, one of the many outlandish creatures inMortal Kombat’s Outworld. Similar to Nightwolf above, Motaro was also featured on Sonya’s “Conspiracy Board,” potentially hinting at an appearance in a possible sequel. It would be a welcome addition, as such a hulking foe would help spice up a roster of characters that are all roughly the same size.
Shinnok
Yet another character explicitly hinted at in theMortal Kombatmovie, specifically when Kano attempts to steal a golden amulet with a green gem at its center from Raiden’s temple. This trinket is the Amulet of Shinnok, an artifact of unspeakable power and one of the most dangerousweapons in all ofMortal Kombat.
While the object in question is bad in its own right, its creator is a true force to be reckoned with, as Shinnok is an evil elder god that has been the main threat in the narrative of severalMortal Kombatgames. The amulet amplifies the abilities of its host, something similar to the infinity stones Thanos used in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Altogether, Shinnok has the makings of a prime antagonist for the sequel film.
Kitana
As mentioned, thisnewMortal Kombatmovieis packed with references, as the iconic femme fatale Kitana was also teased during the sequence at Raiden’s Temple. Her trademark blue fans are easily seen on-screen in one shot, clearly acknowledging the existence of this longtime fan favorite character. Her fighting style is fast and deadly, with her razor sharp fans able to make mince meat of any opponent in mere moments. If the sequel is aiming to outdo its predecessor in terms of sheer blood and violence, Kitana is one character not to be left out.
Shao Khan
The big baddie of them all inMortal Kombat, Shao Khan is sure to make an appearance at some point down the line, whether in a second or even third film installment. Shang Tsung was the main villain in the 2021 film, but he is comparably a pretty nice guy next to his boss Shao Khan, who sits as the ruthless and barbaric emperor of the aforementioned Outworld. His gigantic Wrath Hammer alone would be a visual treat for filmmakers to take advantage of, and immense size make him able to take on multipleMortal Kombatfightersall at once. If a sequel’s goal is usually to go big or go home, there’s few things bigger in this franchise than Shao Khan.
