‘Mortal Kombat II’ Writer Discusses Fatalities, Character Returns & Sequel Plans
The writer of ‘Mortal Kombat II’, Jeremy Slater, is already envisioning the future of the franchise beyond the sequel’s intense battles and shocking fatalities. Following a strong opening weekend at the box office, Slater has begun to share insights about major character comebacks and the extensive roster of fighters he hopes to include in upcoming films and spinoffs.
In an interview with Variety, Slater revealed that ‘Mortal Kombat II’ was crafted to finally satisfy fans who felt the 2021 film missed the mark by not showcasing the actual tournament. This time, the film fully embraces the iconic characters, thrilling battles, and outrageous fatalities that fans have come to love from the games.
One of the standout additions in the sequel is Johnny Cage, portrayed by Karl Urban. Slater expressed his desire for the character to have more depth, presenting him as emotional and flawed rather than merely a source of comic relief.
“If you start him in a low place, he has plenty of room to grow and succeed,” Slater explained while discussing Johnny’s character arc.
The sequel also brings in Kitana, Baraka, and Shao Kahn, while resurrecting several characters from the first film. Slater noted that determining who lived and who died was one of the most challenging aspects of writing the script.
“It is a tournament to the death, so you have to make those tough calls,” he stated.
A major twist in the film is the death of Cole Young, the protagonist from the 2021 installment. Slater revealed that he had pitched this idea even before officially taking on the writing role, noting that many fans struggled to accept Cole since he wasn’t one of the classic game characters.
Despite this, Slater commended actor Lewis Tan and hinted that fans might not have seen the last of him.
“Death is never permanent in the Mortal Kombat universe,” Slater teased.
Another significant moment in the film is the apparent demise of Liu Kang. Slater confirmed that the beloved fighter, played by Ludi Lin, is expected to make a return in ‘Mortal Kombat III’ in some capacity.
“We always knew that we would be bringing Liu Kang back in some regard in the third movie,” Slater remarked.
He also confirmed that Kano’s return was essential for him, as actor Josh Lawson was one of his favorite aspects of the first film.
Looking to the future, Slater shared that he is already working on ‘Mortal Kombat III’ and has grand plans for the franchise if subsequent films continue to thrive. He likened his vision for ‘Mortal Kombat’ to that of the Fast & Furious series, where the main films progress alongside side stories and spinoffs that expand the universe.
Slater mentioned several characters he aims to delve deeper into in future films and potential spinoffs, including Johnny Cage, Kano, Kung Lao, Liu Kang, Kitana, Jade, Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Baraka, Jax, and Sonya Blade. He also hinted at possible narratives inspired by Special Forces, Deadly Alliance, and Shaolin Monks from the games.
He even acknowledged that there are “dozens of characters” he hopes to bring to life in live-action over time.
“The sky is the limit,” Slater said while discussing the franchise’s future.
With ‘Mortal Kombat II’ already showcasing brutal fatalities, unexpected twists, and beloved characters, it seems that Warner Bros. and New Line may just be getting started with this universe.
Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!