CALLING ALL MORTAL KOMBAT FANS!!!

The day we have all waited for is finally among us. The trailer for the upcoming live action film, “Mortal Kombat” is in the works and is due sometime this year.

If you weren’t aware, “Mortal Kombat (2021)“ has entered the end of its production phase and has been given the official release date of Jan 15th, 2021.

The anticipation is high and every fan knows how great the story of Mortal Kombat can actually be, but what about the things you don’t know? Well no fear, here’s 10 interesting facts about the upcoming 2021 R rated reboot of the classic 1995 film.

Above: detailed image of NetherRealm specter Hanzo Hasashi (Scorpion) .

1. Decades since its appearance 

Most die hard fans of the MK community have noticed that despite all the success from video game adaptations, tv series and even animated shorts, even more recent to quote the 8 min short film, “Mortal Kombat: Rebirth”, that the franchise has yet to pick up a script and cast since its debut in 1995 and the sequel in 97’.

Making it over 2 decades since we’ve seen these amazing characters brought to life on the big screen. With all the popularity the first installment gained , bringing in an estimated 120 million in box office sales, it’s a no brainer people will be lined up, popcorn in hand come January 15th.

Above: Special forces officer Sonya blade shown performing a fatality on fugitive and international “Black Dragon”crime cartel member Kano.

2. Classic Reboot!

If you’re a fan of Mortal Kombat then you’ve more than likely watched or heard of the original installment from 1995. This story is based off of the video games created by Ed Boon and John Tobias, originating from MK I in 92’ with some inspiration from the 93’ follow up, “Mortal Kombat II”.

In a nutshell fighters from Earthrealm are forced to fight for their universe and everything they love in a tournament to the death against the Outerworld.. With that being said, the reboot should be just that much more entertaining, taking a classic story fans know and love and giving it a “21st century revamp”.

3. Big Appearances

Without knowing the complete character list, some fans have become worrisome. Like if Johnny Cage will make an appearance  or if Shao Khan will have a major role. A thing to notice however is that characters such as Mileena (Sisi Stringer) and lesser known Nitara, (Elissa Cadwell) will have bigger roles than previous installments and characters.

This being Nitara’s first big screen appearance and Mileena was in the prequel, “Mortal Kombat Annihilation (1997)” with a small role, but not in the installment Mortal Kombat (2021) is remodeling. Thus, making her appearance now even more significant to the new storyline.

Above: Vampire Nitara performing a signature fatality on an opponent.

4. Rated R

Unlike the two previous films, “Mortal Kombat (2021)” will be the first R rated Mortal Kombat movie. Crazy right? This reason being when the movie started production (late 90’s), most blockbusters and game based action movies tended to be PG-13 such as, “Street fighter (1994)”  and “Golden Eye (1995)” .

This lead to why some critics say the film was lackluster and a poor representation of the fantasy characters the fans love with cheesy visuals, a poorly constructed plot and laughable dialogue. Nevertheless, this shows that this Mortal Kombat film will be like no other and completely stand on its own as a live action film.

5. Fatality 

Finish Him!! The iconic phrase from the games we fans love and enjoy so dear, is no longer a figment of our imagination  and is now for all to witness on the big screen. Unlike the previous watered down fatalities in the original due to the PG-13 rating, the new R- rating shows lots of promise this time around. As revealed by screenplay writer Greg Russo, the film will indeed have fatalities (when necessary).

Producer Todd Garner also  promises that the fight scenes will be satisfactory for viewers and stay away from the things viewers hate. Such as countless camera switches, chaotic or poor editing, shaky camera quick cuts and more. Garner then goes  further to mention that the combat itself will be like no other martial arts film.

6. Expedient Production 

Despite originally postponing the film's production back in 2013 due to a switch in directors,  director (now producer) James Wan was hired to the set. It was later revealed that a new director Simon McQuiod was in place as of 2016, making this his first feature length film. By 2019 writer Greg Russo announced the completion of the script and this led to a rather quick casting and pre- production which took place May 2019 in South Australia. Resulting in the previously scheduled release date of the film March 5th 2021, to be bumped up to, January 15th 2021. Hell yea!

Below: Animation depicting a vivid hand to hand combat altercation between rivals  Sub Zero and Scorpion

7. Experienced Cast 

When it comes to effects, no one knows what the viewers want besides.. well.. the viewers. When producer Todd Warner was approached with questioning about effects he gave us all a reassuring answer. Whether it’s practical or CGI we can all rest easy knowing that the action scenes will be right on the money. 

Warner stated that the actors are quote, “badass martial artist” and won’t require much CGI. With trained actors and MMA artists like Lewis Tan you can guarantee the choreography will be well planned. Excited yet? 

8. Trailer Due. Soon?

As briefly stated earlier, production for the film has been underway and the original scheduled release date was moved up. So what does that mean? It must mean a trailer is upon us! As of now the official release date of this trailer and its contents are extremely vague or speculation but let’s look at the facts. It is for certain we will receive the trailer this year as stated by Warner in a tweet.

As for when, well that’s a little up in the air. Besides a couple speculated tweets from Warner saying, “I think this summer” and when being asked again, “When will we have a MK teaser/trailer? Will it be this summer?”  he replied, “ Yes I would imagine so”. So although there is no definitive date, we know the trailer is coming and will reveal ALL, like movie plot and character list, Warner explains in another tweet. 

9. By a fan, for the fans 

Before becoming the writer of this heavily anticipated blockbuster coming to us January 15th 2021, Greg Russo was merely a fan of the Mortal Kombat franchise as he explains in tweets from 2019. Saying how he’d play MK II all day at a bowling alley in the city  he lived in and when asked why try and engage with all the MK fans because who cares what they think?

He simply replied, “ F that, I AM a fan, why wouldn’t  I reach out? “. And who’s more qualified than an accomplished screenwriter and life-long fan to bring this story to life? That’s right, no one. 

Below: left to right: Lui Kang (Robin Shou), Princess Kitana (Talisa Soto), God of Thunder Raiden (Christopher Lambert), Sonya Blade ( Bridgette Wilson) and Johnny Cage (Linden Ashby) Mortal Kombat (1995)    

10. Atomic Monster Productions (AMP) first non horror film

If you look at the production companies of this reboot you might have noticed that one of these companies is none other than Atomic Monster Productions (AMP).

AMP which was founded by James Wan in 2014, most  notably known for their work on blockbuster titles like, “The Conjuring Universe” and “Lights out” is no stranger to blood and gore. But what does that mean for Mortal Kombat (2021)?

Everything! If this doesn’t scream, “gut wrenching action” and “unbearable” violent scenes keeping you on the edge of your seat, I don’t know what does! This also goes to show the eagerness of James Wan to make this the “must see”of 2021 straying away from his comfort zone with horror films.

If all goes well, hopefully his involvement in the film will make it that much more enjoyable and truly give fans what they’ve been waiting for. 

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