Mortal Kombat 1 Developer Finally Confirms Mind-Blowing Scorpion Fan Theory

Highlights

Fans are eagerly anticipating the release of Mortal Kombat 1 on September 19, excited to witness the unfolding of the new dynamic between Scorpion and Sub-Zero.

A popular fan theory surrounding Scorpion's portrayal in Mortal Kombat 1 has seemingly been confirmed by a developer from NetherRealm. Scorpion was first introduced to players in the original Mortal Kombat game in 1992 and has since become the iconic face of the franchise, with his undead, fire-controlling, yellow-clad ninja persona. He has made appearances in every Mortal Kombat installment and movie adaptation, even starring in his own animated film. Additionally, Scorpion was featured as a guest fighter in the first Injustice game.

In the original Mortal Kombat timeline, Scorpion was formerly known as Hanzo Hasashi, a highly-ranked member of the Shirai Ryu ninja clan. However, after his family was attacked by the rival Lin Kuei, Hanzo was resurrected by the sorcerer Quan Chi. In this newfound existence, he served as Quan Chi's minion in the first Mortal Kombat tournament and sought revenge on Lin Kuei warrior Bi-Han, also known as Sub-Zero. Nevertheless, Liu Kang's alterations to the MK timeline in Mortal Kombat 11 have brought about a significant change in Scorpion's relationship with Sub-Zero. As a result, the two ninjas are now portrayed as brothers within the Lin Kuei.

Since the reveal of this twist, fans have speculated that Hanzo Hasashi may not be the one wearing Scorpion's iconic yellow mask in Mortal Kombat 1. Recent discussions during an interview at San Diego Comic-Con 2023 with Mortal Kombat 1 story director Dominic Cianciolo seem to have confirmed these suspicions. Cianciolo delved into the revamped relationship between the three playable Lin Kuei members and inadvertently revealed that Scorpion is now Kuai Liang, the second Sub-Zero in the original Mortal Kombat continuity.

Kuai Liang, who formerly served as Scorpion's nemesis in the old Mortal Kombat timeline, faces an ironic twist of fate. In Mortal Kombat 2, he adopted the identity of Sub-Zero to avenge his brother Bi-Han's death at the hands of Scorpion. However, Bi-Han was later resurrected as the ghostly ninja Noob Saibot. Initially, Scorpion and Sub-Zero had a brotherly relationship in Mortal Kombat 1, but character bios suggest that they may become enemies once again.

The long-standing rivalry between Scorpion and Sub-Zero has already undergone significant changes in Mortal Kombat 1. With the revelation that Scorpion may actually be Kuai Liang, it raises questions about the positions of Hanzo Hasashi and Noob Saibot in the rebooted MK timeline. It will be fascinating to witness the unfolding of this new dynamic, and fans can anticipate the introduction of the new Lin Kuei storyline in the upcoming release of Mortal Kombat 1 this autumn.

Mortal Kombat 1 launches September 19 for PC, PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series X/S