We finally have confirmation that a new Mortal Kombat film reboot is in development!
It’s something fans speculated for a while without any confirmation. A ray of hope shined when it was rumored James Wan was going to be the one to bring Mortal Kombat back to the big screen. Again, no confirmation came…until now!
Details on the film are scarce. A potential leak surfaced on the internet a few months ago stating the film would follow an original character named Cole Turner, a former boxer who gets recruited to help defend earth in the tournament. The leak also mentioned a handful of familiar MK video game characters would appear.
Other than that, we’ve had no concrete news or confirmations about what the story is about or what characters are set to appear, except one — Joe Taslim is set to play Sub-Zero! It’s safe to assume the film will include most of the popular MK characters from the games.
On that assumption, I went ahead and fancasted the MK reboot. Enjoy!
Daniel Wu as ‘Liu-Kang’
Liu-Kang is one of the main characters in the MK universe, and by far, one of the better fighters the games have to offer. Because of this, it would be wise to cast someone who not only can act, but is also proficient in some form of martial arts already.
Look no further than Into the Badlands star, Daniel Wu. Wu absolutely crushes it in Badlands, which shows his ability to handle martial arts-heavy roles with absolute ease. He performs his own stunts on the show and if you’ve ever seen the AMC production, his skill gives the action a real sense of authenticity. There’s not many choices that would be better than Wu for the role of Liu-Kang.
Trevante Rhodes as ‘Jax’
Trevante Rhodes is another actor still looking for his breakout role. Even though he received much recognition for his role in the Oscar-nominated film Moonlight, Rhodes has only starred in a couple films since. He had a major role in the Predator sequel and was featured in the movie 12 Strong opposite Chris Hemsworth.
From his previous roles, Rhodes has shown he can handle action-heavy roles with ease and undeniable talent. Rhodes is also a former track and field star so he has more than enough natural athletic ability to pull off these action scenes convincingly. Not to mention, I mean, he just looks like Jax.
Katheryn Winnick as ‘Sonya Blade’
This is an absolute no-brainer. You won’t find an actress more capable of playing a badass than Katheryn Winnick. If you’re not a Vikings fan, then I suggest you become one. Winnick plays Lagertha, a Viking Warrior/Queen who is equally as beautiful as she is deadly.
Winnick is absolutely one of the main highlights of that show, able to steal scenes away from Travis Fimmel’s Ragnar consistently (no easy feat). It’s honestly baffling that she hasn’t had more high profile roles, but the role of Sonya Blade is tailor made for her.
Chris Pratt as ‘Johnny Cage’
Another absolute no-brainer. Chris Pratt is easily one of the most bankable and in-demand stars working today. Capable of making audiences laugh until they pee themselves and being extremely convincing as a legitimate superhero, Pratt can do it all.
His sarcastic and witty sense of humor fits the role of Johnny Cage perfectly. Cage is an arrogant, cocky, and self-absorbed martial arts master and movie star. This might be the role Pratt was born to play. It’s almost as if Ed Boon created this character knowing Chris Pratt would exist to play him in a movie.
Hugh Jackman as ‘Kano’
Oh come on now. Tell me audiences and fans wouldn’t go absolutely bananas to learn that Hugh Jackman was going to be in a Mortal Kombat film. Everyone knows that Jackman is a bonafide action star, having donned the adamantium claws for so long. Also, his acting ability should never be questioned.
Hailing from Australia himself, Kano would be a perfect fit for the Aussie legend. The games and films have really made Kano out to be a ruthless; yet, eccentric character. This is a role Jackman could really have some fun playing, and we already know what it’s like to see Jackman whoop some ass.
Sofia Boutella as ‘Kitana’
Sofia Boutella has been in-demand ever since her scene-stealing role in the hit spy film Kingsman: The Secret Service, where she played a deadly, knife-legged assassin.
Since then, she appeared in the title role of The Mummy reboot, an alien warrior princess in Star Trek Beyond, and starring opposite Charlize Theron in the action film Atomic Blonde. Boutella is no stranger to the action genre and role of Kitana is one that she could crush with relative ease.
Luke Evans as ‘Raiden’
Adding some experience to this cast, Evans is one of the most versatile actors working today. Casting him as Raiden not only adds an extremely recognizable name to the film, but also solidifies one of its most important roles with a well-experienced actor.
Evans’ roles in films like Immortals, Dracula:Untold and the Hobbit films, show how comfortable he is in an action-heavy role. His acting ability is second-to-none. Raiden is one of the most popular MK characters and will feature prominently in the storyline. Getting an actor with the credentials that Evans has would be a smart move.
Donnie Yen as ‘Kung Lao’
Donnie Yen’s name always pops up whenever there is a film or show that incorporates elements of martial arts. This is for good reason, Yen is proficient in numerous fighting styles such as Wushu, Wing Chun, Muay Thai, and Tai Chi. He’s also a very accomplished and well-versed actor.
That combination of talents has landed him roles in films like Star Wars: Rogue One, the Ip Man series and he’s even set to feature in Disney’s upcoming adaptation of Mulan. Casting him as Kung Lao seems like one of the easiest decisions ever. Lao, a former Shaolin monk, is one of the best and most deadly fighters in the MK series, who better to bring this character to life than Yen?!
Brian Tee as ‘Scorpion’
In the past cinematic portrayals of Scorpion, the character was given no personality (or really any speaking lines), but then came Kevin Tancharoen’s web series, Mortal Kombat Legacy.
The webseries gave Scorpion a sense of humanity. This version actually spoke and showed some emotion and would make the interactions between Scorpion and Sub-Zero, who have a deep history together, far more interesting.
For that reason, Brian Tee would be a great choice for Scorpion. He has appeared in high profile films like The Wolverine, and even played another martial arts related role as The Shredder in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows. Seeing Tee and Joe Taslim go toe-to-toe would be very entertaining.
AWESOME CHAD!! 🔥🔥🔥 from @prcowboys 🤗❤️