With the excitement surrounding Mortal Kombat reigniting like a nostalgic flame, the franchise once again finds itself in the spotlight. Following the release of Mortal Kombat 1 in 2024, Warner Bros. is preparing to launch Mortal Kombat 2, a sequel to the successful reboot from 2021. In light of these developments, it’s an opportune moment to explore the long and eclectic history of Mortal Kombat adaptations in film and television.
The Original Mortal Kombat Film (1995)
The 1995 Mortal Kombat movie is often hailed as one of the best video game adaptations, a title that comes with its own set of challenges. Despite its reputation, the film successfully translates the essence of the game into a live-action format. It offers a faithful retelling of the original game’s simplistic storyline while weaving in elements from Mortal Kombat II and the comic book backstory. The narrative centers on Liu Kang (portrayed by Robin Shou), who is fated to confront the evil Shang Tsung (played by Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa).
However, fans of the games may be disappointed by the film’s PG-13 rating, which toned down the violence. Nonetheless, the movie captures the campy spirit and over-the-top nature of the franchise, and it is famously remembered for The Immortals’ iconic “Techno Syndrome” theme, a staple of video game music.
Mortal Kombat: The Journey Begins (1995)
Competing for the title of the worst Mortal Kombat adaptation is the direct-to-video release, Mortal Kombat: The Journey Begins. Intended as a prequel to the live-action film, it attempts to elaborate on the origins of various characters but falls short due to a lack of cohesive storytelling. The CGI is noticeably outdated, reminiscent of pre-PlayStation graphics, making it difficult for contemporary viewers to appreciate. While fans may feel compelled to watch it out of curiosity, it fails to enhance the enjoyment of the franchise.
Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm (1996)
In the mid-90s, television saw a wave of adaptations transforming adult-themed properties into family-friendly content. Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm is one such attempt. Airing on USA Network, this animated series aimed to bridge the gap between the 1995 film and the Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 game, though it oversimplified the complex narratives and alliances of the MK universe.
The show followed a team of heroes, led by Raiden and Nighthawk, as they defended Earthrealm against Shao Kahn’s forces. Interestingly, Defenders of the Realm introduced the character Quan Chi, who would become significant in later games.
Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (1997)
Following the success of the first film, Mortal Kombat: Annihilation aimed to capitalize on its predecessor’s popularity but missed the mark significantly. While it introduced beloved characters like Shao Kahn (Brian Thompson) and Jax (Lynn Williams), the film is criticized for its lack of a coherent storyline. The mix of poorly executed effects and uninspired performances left audiences underwhelmed. Only Robin Shou returned for the sequel, emphasizing the film’s disconnect from the original’s charm.
Mortal Kombat: Conquest (1998)
Despite the failure of Annihilation, TNT launched a live-action series titled Mortal Kombat: Conquest in 1998. Set 500 years prior to the events of the films, it followed Kung Lao (Paolo Montalbán), an ancestor of Liu Kang, as he trained fighters to protect Earthrealm. While the premise had potential and featured familiar characters, the series suffered from subpar special effects and fight choreography. Still, it showcased the franchise’s rich lore and character depth.
Mortal Kombat: Rebirth (2010)
After years of inactivity, the franchise was revitalized by filmmaker Kevin Tancharoen with Mortal Kombat: Rebirth. This short, unauthorized film took a darker, more grounded approach, portraying Scorpion (Ian Anthony Dale) as an assassin embroiled in a criminal underworld. The film was well-received for its production quality and served as a proof-of-concept, leading to the subsequent web series, Mortal Kombat: Legacy.
Mortal Kombat: Legacy (2011)
In 2011, Tancharoen returned with Mortal Kombat: Legacy, which received official backing from Warner Bros. This web series served as a prequel to the original game, exploring the backstories of various characters. While the first season retained the darker tone of Rebirth, the second season adopted a more narrative-driven format, introducing new characters and recasting roles. The series showcased the potential for a more serious take on the Mortal Kombat universe.
Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge (2020)
In 2020, Mortal Kombat made a triumphant return to animation with Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge, which became the first R-rated film in the franchise. This direct-to-video release retold the original game’s story from Scorpion’s perspective, diving deep into his tragic origins and rivalry with Sub-Zero. The film’s success led to three sequels, further expanding the animated universe.
Mortal Kombat Reboot (2021)
After years of anticipation, the Mortal Kombat reboot hit theaters in 2021, presenting a fresh take on the beloved franchise. The film was not a sequel but a complete reboot, emphasizing a grounded realism while still incorporating the iconic Fatalities. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the film performed well enough to warrant a sequel.
Mortal Kombat 2 (2025)
The Mortal Kombat series is set to return in 2025 with Mortal Kombat 2. This sequel will feature returning stars like Hiroyuki Sanada as Scorpion and Ludi Lin as Liu Kang, alongside new characters such as Karl Urban’s Johnny Cage and Damoin Herriman’s Quan Chi. While expectations are high, fans are hopeful that the sequel will build on the original’s momentum and avoid the pitfalls of earlier adaptations.
As we look forward to the future of Mortal Kombat, it’s clear that the franchise has had its fair share of ups and downs in the adaptation department, but the fight is far from over.
*Note: This article was originally published on 04/09/2020 and updated on 03/17/2025 with the latest news about the Mortal Kombat franchise.*
*Jesse is a passionate writer and video game enthusiast. Follow him on social media for more insights into the gaming world.*
