Back in January it was announced that Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema were pressing play on a sequel to last year’s live-action Mortal Kombat movie reboot, and now comes word from Deadline that director Simon McQuoid has closed a deal to return behind the camera.
Based on the iconic video game fighting series, Mortal Kombat marked the feature debut of Australian filmmaker McQuoid, whose background is in commercials, including ones for Call of Duty and Halo. It was one of the earliest theatrical releases following lockdown back in April 2021, and grossed just under $85 million at the box office despite a day-and-date release on HBO Max, where it also set records for the streamer.
Jeremy Slater (The Umbrella Academy, Moon Knight) is currently writing the script for the as-yet-untitled Mortal Kombat 2, and while specific details are being kept under wraps, Slater has confirmed that the current plan is for fan-favourite character Johnny Cage to feature in the sequel.
SEE ALSO: Every Mortal Kombat Movie Ranked From Worst To Best
“In “Mortal Kombat,” MMA fighter Cole Young, accustomed to taking a beating for money, is unaware of his heritage—or why Outworld’s Emperor Shang Tsung has sent his best warrior, Sub-Zero, an otherworldly Cryomancer, to hunt Cole down. Fearing for his family’s safety, Cole goes in search of Sonya Blade at the direction of Jax, a Special Forces Major who bears the same strange dragon marking Cole was born with. Soon, he finds himself at the temple of Lord Raiden, an Elder God and the protector of Earthrealm, who grants sanctuary to those who bear the mark. Here, Cole trains with experienced warriors Liu Kang, Kung Lao and rogue mercenary Kano, as he prepares to stand with Earth’s greatest champions against the enemies of Outworld in a high stakes battle for the universe. But will Cole be pushed hard enough to unlock his arcana—the immense power from within his soul—in time to save not only his family, but to stop Outworld once and for all?”
Mortal Kombat stars Lewis Tan as Cole Young; Jessica McNamee as Sonya Blade; Josh Lawson as Kano; Tadanobu Asano as Lord Raiden; Mehcad Brooks as Jackson “Jax” Bridges; Ludi Lin as Liu Kang; Chin Han as Shang Tsung; Joe Taslim as Bi-Han and Sub-Zero; and Hiroyuki Sanada as Hanzo Hasashi and Scorpion; Max Huang as Kung Lao; Sisi Stringer as Mileena; Matilda Kimber as Emily Young; Laura Brent as Allison Young; and Daniel Nelson as Kabal.
