The 2021 Mortal Kombat reboot featured many iconic characters from the franchise, but several important players were notably absent from the action. While the film showcased popular fighters such as Sub-Zero, Scorpion, and Liu Kang, it left out some key figures who have played significant roles throughout the series’ history. These omissions included Johnny Cage, a central character known for his humor and martial arts prowess, Kitana, the fan-wielding Edenian princess, and Shao Kahn, the ultimate antagonist and Emperor of Outworld.
The absence of these characters, among others, raised questions about the movie’s faithfulness to the source material and its ability to fully capture the essence of the Mortal Kombat universe. While this classic video game adaptation aimed to introduce a new generation of fans to the franchise, the exclusion of these beloved fighters missed opportunities to explore the rich lore and complex relationships that have defined Mortal Kombat for decades. As the franchise moves forward with potential sequels, it remains to be seen how these absent characters will be integrated into the cinematic universe and how their inclusion will shape the future of the series on the big screen.
Baraka is arguably one of the most visually striking and intimidating characters in the Mortal Kombat universe. His absence from the 2021 reboot was a missed opportunity to showcase the diversity and brutality of the franchise. His unique blend of demonic features, including razor-sharp teeth and retractable claws, would have added a layer of horror to the film, setting him apart from the other combatants.
Baraka’s inclusion could have also served to underscore the ruthlessness of the main antagonist, Shao Khan, another character missing from the film. Baraka’s savage fighting style and gruesome fatalities would have provided memorable moments of visceral action that are synonymous with the Mortal Kombat franchise. Luckily, it has been confirmed that Baraka has been added to the cast for the upcoming Mortal Kombat sequel, providing an opportunity to enrich the future installment’s appeal.
The cunning sorcerer and manipulator, Quan Chi, plays a pivotal role in the Mortal Kombat universe, orchestrating events from behind the scenes. His machinations, such as instigating the long-standing feud between Scorpion and Sub-Zero, have shaped the destinies of numerous characters throughout the franchise. Incorporating Quan Chi into the 2021 reboot would have added a layer of intrigue and depth to the narrative, as his schemes and ulterior motives could have served as a catalyst for the film’s events.
His presence was the perfect opportunity to lay the groundwork for the introduction of Shinnok as a potential future antagonist. This would have paved the way for the inclusion of other beloved characters in subsequent installments. It’s these inclusions that can expand the Mortal Kombat cinematic stories.
The 2021 Mortal Kombat reboot missed an opportunity to introduce the enigmatic and comical Bo’ Rai Cho, a master of the drunken fist martial arts fighting style. Drawing inspiration from Jackie Chan’s iconic performance in Drunken Master, Bo’ Rai Cho’s inclusion would have showcased the diverse martial arts techniques within the Mortal Kombat universe. His unassuming appearance belies his reputation as a skilled warrior and mentor to Liu Kang and Kung Lao.
Bo’ Rai Cho’s unconventional fighting methods, such as using his own vomit to gain an advantage over opponents, would have injected a dose of dark humor and shock value into the movie’s action sequences. As a potential guide and teacher to the surviving characters, Bo’ Rai Cho could have provided continuity and growth for the franchise’s future installments, ensuring that his presence would have been a valuable addition to the reboot. Incorporating his distinct techniques and guiding role would have added layers to the narrative.
Another major absence from the Mortal Kombat 2021 reboot was Ermac. This was a missed opportunity to explore the depths of the franchise’s lore. As a fusion of countless souls within a single vessel, Ermac’s enigmatic nature and ambiguous allegiances leave room to weave an intriguing thread throughout the film’s narrative tapestry.
Their potent telekinetic abilities, derived from the myriad of souls they possess, had the potential to create visually arresting action sequences. Ermac’s power to traverse realms, echoing that of the divine Raiden, could have expanded the movie’s universe, opening doors to future narratives. Their unique composition allows for the incorporation of moves and techniques from various characters without necessarily featuring them in the film.
Skarlet’s blood magic and her role as Shao Khan’s adoptive daughter and personal assassin was the kind of lore that would have greatly elevated Mortal Kombat. Her unique abilities, such as manipulating an opponent’s blood to burst forth from their body, would have provided a fresh take on the franchise’s signature gore. Imagine a scene where Skarlet stealthily approaches her target, only to unleash a torrent of blood from every orifice. This visual spectacle would have been both unsettling and captivating, adding to other Mortal Kombat fatalities.
Her potential fatality, causing an enemy’s heart to explode out of their chest, could have been one of the film’s most memorable moments. Skarlet’s inclusion would have not only showcased the diversity of the Mortal Kombat roster, but also provided an opportunity to explore the darker aspects of the universe and its characters. Hopefully, she is a character that will be revisited in future films.
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In the wake of Bi-Han’s death and his potential resurrection as the wraith Noob Saibot, the 2021 Mortal Kombat reboot missed a prime opportunity to introduce his younger brother, Kuai Liang. As a member of the Lin Kuei clan, Kuai Liang’s journey from an assassin to the second incarnation of Sub-Zero would have added a new dimension to the film’s narrative. This lore provides a unique exploration of the complex dynamics between the brothers and their roles in the larger conflict between Earthrealm and Outworld.
His inclusion would have not only provided a natural progression for the franchise, but also laid the groundwork for Mortal Kombat sequels. This would allow the character to evolve and grow alongside the expanding mythology. Liang’s absence in the reboot left a noticeable void that could have been filled with his interesting story arc, offering fresh perspectives on the ongoing struggle between the realms and the personal battles faced by the characters within the series.
Kenshi is another addition that could have significantly enriched the 2021 Mortal Kombat film. As the story delved into the origins and motivations of various characters, Kenshi’s presence would have provided an opportunity to explore themes of resilience and adaptation. His backstory, involving the loss of his sight and his subsequent journey to master his telekinetic abilities, could have served as a compelling subplot that resonated with the film’s central themes of personal growth and overcoming adversity.
Additionally, Kenshi’s interactions with other key characters, such as Sonya Blade or Jax Briggs, allows for opportunities to add depth to their own arcs. These relationships could have fostered a sense of camaraderie and unity among the Earthrealm warriors, strengthening their resolve in the face of Outworld’s threats. A Kenshi storyline had the potential to add a layer of mystique and intrigue to the Mortal Kombat narrative, leaving room to explore more of his story in potential sequels.
As the stepdaughter of Shao Kahn and the twin sister of Mileena, Kitana’s inclusion would have provided a deeper exploration of the power struggles and family conflicts within Outworld’s ruling hierarchy. Her eventual defection to the side of Earthrealm could have served as a pivotal moment in the film, showcasing the moral complexities and personal sacrifices that characters face in the midst of the larger inter-realm conflict. Her inclusion could have added another layer of tension to the film’s narrative, particularly in relation to her interactions with Mileena.
The two sisters’ relationship, marked by rivalry and betrayal, would have provided a compelling subplot that explored themes of loyalty, identity, and the consequences of one’s choices. This dynamic could have been woven throughout the film, culminating in a dramatic confrontation that tested the bonds of family and the strength of individual convictions. Additionally, Kitana’s graceful yet deadly moves could have provided a striking contrast to the brutal combat techniques of other characters, showcasing the diversity of martial arts styles within Mortal Kombat.
While Mortal Kombat’s 2021 reboot establishes Shang Tsung as the primary antagonist, the revelation of Shao Kahn as his superior would have added a new layer of complexity to the conflict. The movie could have explored the dynamic between the two villains, showcasing how Shang Tsung’s actions and schemes are ultimately in service to Shao Kahn’s bigger plans for conquest. This would have raised the stakes for the Earthrealm champions, as they would come to realize that their battle extends beyond a single sorcerer and his minions.