What Mortal Kombat 2's Latest Game Champions Can't Seem to Overcome

Mortal Kombat 2 is the highly anticipated continuation of the 2021 Mortal Kombat movie series reboot, with it revitalizing many aspects of the franchise for an all-new generation. 2021's Mortal Kombat movie ended on the perfect setup for the next installment in the series, with the Earthrealm team heading off to find some new champions, including Johnny Cage. Several new Earthrealm champions have already been confirmed to appear in Mortal Kombat 2, and while there is still a lot to learn about the exciting new sequel, it could be setting the series up for a nasty fate.

Mortal Kombat 2 will be introducing several new champions from the video games, but this could end up repeating the same problem that finished off the worst Mortal Kombat movie. Although the modern Mortal Kombat movie series has been far more critically successful than its predecessors, it is not the first Mortal Kombat movie series. In fact, the upcoming sequel Mortal Kombat 2 is actually the fourth live-action Mortal Kombat movie. Mortal Kombat 2 has had the opportunity to learn from the franchise's past mistakes, but it is still headed down a pretty troublesome path.

Mortal Kombat 2 Has Several Characters (Like Annihilation Did)

Kung Lao grazing his hat in Mortal Kombat 2021 - Mortal Kombat 2 Has Several Characters (Like Annihilation Did)

Mortal Kombat 2 is set to introduce a variety of new characters, adding excitement to the upcoming sequel. Among the new champions, Johnny Cage stands out as a notable addition. Additionally, Quan Chi, Queen Sindel, King Jerrod, Jade, Kitana, Baraka, and Shao Kahn have been confirmed to make appearances in the film. There is also speculation that other characters from the Mortal Kombat series may debut in Mortal Kombat 2, although only these have been officially announced.

The first live-action sequel to the original Mortal Kombat movie was Mortal Kombat Annihilation in 1997. This film also brought in new characters from the video game franchise, such as Shao Kahn, Shinnok, Sindel, Jade, Motaro, Sheeva, Nightwolf, Ermac, Rain, Baraka, Mileena, and Smoke. While Mortal Kombat Annihilation aimed to showcase a wider array of characters from the games, this decision ultimately led to the film's downfall.

Mortal Kombat 2 Will Have To Balance Its Old & New Characters

Karl Urban as Butcher smiling in The Boys and Johnny Cage pointing at himself in the Mortal Kombat game - Mortal Kombat 2 Will Have To Balance Its Old & New Characters

Balancing old and new characters in Mortal Kombat 2 is crucial. While it's important to highlight the new characters and their impact on the story, sidelining the beloved old characters from the previous film could be a risky move. The challenge lies in finding the right balance to satisfy both old and new fans of the franchise.

In Mortal Kombat 2, the focus cannot solely rely on the old characters to drive the narrative forward. It is essential for the new characters to be developed and showcased as prominently as their predecessors. This balancing act will be a significant challenge for the writers and filmmakers, as they strive to create a cohesive and engaging story that incorporates both old and new elements seamlessly.

One character that is expected to receive significant screen time in Mortal Kombat 2 is Johnny Cage, portrayed by Karl Urban. However, the film must also dedicate substantial storylines to the lesser-known characters, allowing them to evolve alongside the familiar faces. By giving these characters the opportunity to grow and shine, Mortal Kombat 2 can expand its universe and appeal to a wider audience.

What Mortal Kombat 2 Can Learn From Mortal Kombat: Annihilation

Mortal Kombat Annihilation - What Mortal Kombat 2 Can Learn From Mortal Kombat: Annihilation

The upcoming Mortal Kombat reboot sequel can learn several lessons from its predecessor, Mortal Kombat Annihilation. Firstly, Mortal Kombat 2 needs to handle its characters better. In Annihilation, many characters were added but didn't have much to do, leading to an overstuffed cast that hurt the film.

Another issue was the recasting of key characters in Mortal Kombat Annihilation. While technically the same characters, the film had to rebuild the connection with the audience due to the new faces, creating double the work. With most of the cast returning for Mortal Kombat 2, recasting anyone could be risky and should be carefully considered.

Despite the negative reception of Mortal Kombat Annihilation, one of the main reasons for its poor quality was the rush to release the film before it was fully completed. Visual effects were left unfinished, resulting in a lackluster final product. With Mortal Kombat 2 expected to be another VFX-heavy film, it is crucial for the studio to prioritize giving the necessary time for proper completion, even if it means delaying the release.

Mortal Kombat Can Handle A Large Cast Without Compromising Quality

Mortal Kombat 2 Lewis Tan and Hiroyuki Sanada as Cole and Scorpion - Too Many Characters Should Never Be A Problem For Mortal Kombat

In Mortal Kombat Annihilation, the large cast posed a challenge, but having numerous characters should never be an issue for a Mortal Kombat movie. One of the main attractions of Mortal Kombat is the intense battles and deaths, and characters are constantly being introduced and eliminated. By using some of the lesser-known side characters as sacrificial pawns, the film can showcase a broader range of champions without slowing down the plot.

Mortal Kombat 2 needs to strike a perfect balance between new and old characters, no matter how many champions are added to the film. It should learn from the mistakes of Mortal Kombat Annihilation. In order to succeed, Mortal Kombat 2 must prioritize developing main characters and distinguishing them from side characters. This balance should not be too difficult to achieve. Despite the potential for mistakes, the success of 2021's Mortal Kombat suggests that the sequel is heading in the right direction to avoid the pitfalls of Mortal Kombat Annihilation.

Editor's P/S:

The article delves into the upcoming Mortal Kombat 2 movie, highlighting its potential pitfalls. The writer draws parallels to the disastrous Mortal Kombat Annihilation, emphasizing the perils of introducing too many characters and neglecting character development. The article raises valid concerns about balancing old and new characters, avoiding recasting, and ensuring adequate VFX completion.

However, I believe the article overlooks the inherent strength of the Mortal Kombat franchise. The series thrives on its diverse cast and over-the-top action. By embracing the franchise's roots, Mortal Kombat 2 can navigate the challenges and deliver a satisfying experience for fans. With careful execution, the sequel can avoid the pitfalls of its predecessor and forge a successful path for the franchise.