Mortal Kombat 2’s returning character continues one classic trope from the video games and other MK adaptations. 2021’s Mortal Kombat reboot combined elements of the original game with portions of the rebooted MK timeline, resulting in a unique lineup of characters that set it apart from previous films. Considering how popular Scorpion and Sub-Zero have become since the first two live-action Mortal Kombat films were released, it is no surprise that the 2021 movie heavily focused on them and not on Liu Kang. Still, both Liu Kang and Kung Lao played important roles in the story.
The reboot’s versions of Mortal Kombat’s Shaolin Monks were introduced when Sony Blade, Kano, and Cole Young were following the instructions left by Raiden. In addition to Scorpion and Sub-Zero, Mortal Kombat also focused on Cole, a character that does not come from the games and was created for the movie. Although having an original character as Mortal Kombat’s lead may have been disappointing, the film kept some of the core elements associated with the iconic champions. The upcoming Mortal Kombat 2 will feature even more game characters in addition to returning names from the first movie.
10 Biggest Story Reveals From Mortal Kombat 2’s Set Photos
Multiple Mortal Kombat 2 set photos have been shared by actors and producers over the past weeks, and they reveal a lot about the upcoming sequel.
Kung Lao Will Be In Mortal Kombat 2 (Despite Being Killed By Shang Tsung)
Kung Lao will return in Mortal Kombat 2, with actor Max Huang reprising his role for the sequel. Huang recently shared a photo with the Mortal Kombat 2 cast following the announcement that the Mortal Kombat sequel wrapped filming. This may seem surprising at first considering Kung Lao died in the first movie after having his soul absorbed by Shang Tsung. However, when it comes to MK, Kung Lao dying and coming back is nothing new. In fact, Kung Lao being the first important character to die in the movie is quite game-accurate.
Although death does not mean much in the Mortal Kombat universe, especially after the franchise introduced time travel and alternate timelines, Kung Lao has a particular reputation for dying way too often. The character has been killed by Shang Tsung or Shao Kahn multiple times now, from having his soul stolen from his body to having his neck snapped. Kung Lao either died or was written out of the story at some point in almost every incarnation of the franchise, including the animated films and the live-action reboot. That said, Kung Lao coming back is also accurate to the games.
Kung Lao Will Probably Be A Villain In Mortal Kombat 2
Considering Kung Lao is returning in Mortal Kombat 2, it’s safe to say he will be reintroduced as an antagonist, most likely working under Quan Chi and/or Shang Tsung. Quan Chi is one of the Mortal Kombat game characters who will make their live-action debut in the upcoming sequel, and he has a history of bringing people back from the dead as evil spirits who end up serving him. Not only is Quan Chi behind the returns of Hanzo and Bi-Han depending on the story, but he has also brought Kung Lao back as an evil entity fighting for Netherrealm.
Fighting previously deceased characters is part of Mortal Kombat’s charm, and the sequel needs to incorporate more elements of the game after the divisive first installment. Assuming there will be a tournament in Mortal Kombat 2, the film could see Liu Kang fighting Kung Lao in a rather emotional match. Other dead characters that are returning include Kano and Sub-Zero, and it could all be tied to the introduction of Quan Chi and Netherrealm.
Watch Mortal Kombat on Max
Mortal Kombat 2
- Director
- Simon McQuoid
- Cast
- Martyn Ford , Desmond Chiam , Ana Thu Nguyen , Damon Herriman , Lewis Tan , Jessica McNamee , Josh Lawson , Tadanobu Asano , Mehcad Brooks , Ludi Lin , Karl Urban , Tati Gabrielle
- Franchise(s)
- Mortal Kombat
