Unveiling the Epic Storyline: Kitana's Astonishing Journey in Mortal Kombat 1's Uncharted Universe

During its 31-year history, the Mortal Kombat franchise has established a diverse and well-known cast of fighters. While Scorpion and Sub-Zero, the series' iconic mascots, continue to be household names, they are not the only beloved characters in the game. Raiden, Liu Kang, Kung Lao, Johnny Cage, and Kenshi are just a few of the series' beloved staples who are returning in Mortal Kombat 1, alongside the Princess of Outworld herself, Kitana.

Known for her signature blue attire and razor-sharp fans, Kitana is widely regarded as one of the most popular female fighters in the Mortal Kombat series. Throughout the character's existence, she has experienced numerous betrayals, participated in tournaments, and endured death. In Mortal Kombat 1, the universe is remolded by Fire God Liu Kang, and while Kitana and he share a close history, some of her most unfortunate life events may still hold true, regardless of the altered universe.

What Kitana's Canon Events Could Be In Mortal Kombat 1

Kitana made her debut in Mortal Kombat 2 in 1993, where she played an important role in the game's storyline. Initially, she believed herself to be the daughter of Queen Sindel and Emperor Shao Kahn and served as a loyal princess and assassin for the emperor. However, upon discovering that her true father, King Jerrod, was killed by Shao Kahn, she betrays him. Kitana later learns that Shao Kahn had planned for this betrayal by creating a clone of her named Mileena. Joining forces with Earthrealm, Kitana and her team successfully defeat Shao Kahn.

In the Dreamcast-exclusive Mortal Kombat Gold, a port of Mortal Kombat 4 released in 1999, Kitana joins Earthrealm's defenders once again to defeat Shinnok. Following the battle, she becomes the leader of her homeland, Edenia, and forms an alliance with other tribes in Outworld as a precaution against Shao Kahn's possible return. In Mortal Kombat: Armageddon, Kitana, along with the defenders of the realms, tragically loses her life at the hands of Shao Kahn.

In the aftermath of Kitana's death in the same battle, Raiden finds himself on the brink of defeat. However, he manages to relay a crucial message to his past self, resulting in the creation of a new timeline. This is where the events of Mortal Kombat 2011 unfold. Following the original Mortal Kombat trilogy, albeit with some alterations, Raiden reveals the truth to Kitana about her father's demise at the hands of Shao Kahn. Encountering Mileena in Shang Tsung's life pits, Kitana turns against her father and ultimately perishes in their final showdown.

Resurrected by Quan Chi in Mortal Kombat X, Kitana returns as a Revenant and collaborates with Kronika in Mortal Kombat 11 to craft a fresh universe. However, their scheme is thwarted as past versions of combatants break through the timeline. Kitana's younger self embarks on a mission to eliminate Shao Kahn, successfully defeating him and uniting Outworld's factions along the way. As a result, she ascends to the position of Outworld's new Kahn.

Mortal Kombat 1's new timeline in the Mortal Kombat universe appears to introduce significant changes. However, there are certain events that may still remain canon. In both previous iterations, Kitana and the forces of Outworld joined together to confront Shao Kahn. While Shao Kahn's involvement in Mortal Kombat 1 has yet to be confirmed, fans have observed Kitana and Mileena seated together in the trailer, suggesting that they both serve as princesses of Outworld. Kitana's canon event in Mortal Kombat 1 could involve her teaming up with Mileena to defeat their father. Alternatively, Kitana's canon event in Mortal Kombat 1 could revolve around her death, which occurred twice in previous universes. However, considering Liu Kang's leadership, it appears unlikely that he would allow such a fate to befall her.

Mortal Kombat 1 is set to release on September 19, 2023, for Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.