Could Mortal Kombat become the next franchise to get the cinematic universe treatment? Maybe! The success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is still something other studios want to emulate. Warner Bros. is already trying hard with the new DC Universe. Beyond that, they could, if all goes well, be laying the seeds for another one when Mortal Kombat II hits theaters later this year.
Franchise producer Todd Garner recently spoke with FutureBoyWho. The interview dropped around the time that the first trailer for Mortal Kombat II arrived online. The new movie centers on Karl Urban as Johnny Cage, with plenty of other characters from the games joining the universe this time around. As Garner explained, they have high hopes that this won’t be the end of the franchise. Rather, it could be the beginning in many ways. Here’s what he had to say about it.
“We’re hoping this is not the end of the [Mortal Kombat] franchise…There are plans going forward; other characters that aren’t in this movie, characters that may come back.”
“If we’re allowed to do further movies—hopefully this one does well enough—there are chances to do other things, spin-offs, another sequel to propel the story,” Garner added.
Mortal Kombat has been an enduring franchise in the pop culture landscape for more than 30 years. Aside from the movies, the games are still going strong as well. Mortal Kombat I arrived in 2023, providing a fresh jumping-on point for new players. It’s easy to see how Warner Bros. could expand the franchise beyond a couple of movies. That is, if the audience is there for it.
2021’s Mortal Kombat wasn’t a big box office hit thanks to the pandemic at the time. It was, however, a huge hit on HBO Max, which led to Mortal Kombat II getting the green light. If this one performs in theaters, Mortal Kombat III feels like a no brainer. But it also could mean certain characters could take the spotlight in spin-offs. Not unlike the recent animated movies, such as Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge. If that time comes, it sounds like the filmmakers are prepared.
Here is the synopsis for Mortal Kombat II.
“This time, the fan favorite champions—now joined by Johnny Cage himself—are pitted against one another in the ultimate, no-holds barred, gory battle to defeat the dark rule of Shao Kahn that threatens the very existence of the Earthrealm and its defenders.”
Simon McQuoid returned to direct the sequel. Garner is on board as a producer alongside Garner, James Wan, Toby Emmerich, E. Bennett Walsh and McQuoid. Michael Clear, Judson Scott, Slater and Lawrence Kasanoff are on board as executive producers. Jeremy Slater (Moon Knight) penned the screenplay.
Mortal Kombat II hits theaters on October 22.
What do you think? Would you like to see more Mortal Kombat movies? Which characters would you like to see in the sequels? Join in on the conversation over on Facebook or Twitter!
