SPOILER ALERT: This article contains major spoilers for “Mortal Kombat II,” now playing in theaters.
Writer Jeremy Slater has long been a fan of “Mortal Kombat,” spending countless hours playing the game at arcades and on consoles like the Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis. He enjoyed the original film from 1995 and, over three decades later, has crafted the screenplay for the new big-budget film “Mortal Kombat II.”
The sequel, which grossed $40 million in its opening weekend, picks up from the story of the 2021 film, released during the pandemic simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max. While the first film garnered a following for its gory fight scenes and fidelity to the games, it notably excluded the actual Mortal Kombat tournament. In contrast, the sequel jumps straight into thrilling battles and beloved characters, embracing the essence of the games.
Johnny Cage, a fan favorite, debuts in “Mortal Kombat II,” portrayed by Karl Urban. The sequel also features characters like the fierce Kitana (Adeline Rudolph), the menacing Baraka (CJ Bloomfield), and the ultimate antagonist Shao Kahn (Martyn Ford). It doesn’t shy away from bloody action or trademark “fatality” scenes, and death isn’t final in this universe; several fighters from the previous film return from the afterlife for the sequel. Slater hints at one significant character’s resurrection in the forthcoming third film.
Before “Mortal Kombat II,” Slater worked on Marvel’s “Moon Knight,” produced Netflix’s “Umbrella Academy,” and co-wrote “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.” At the recent New York Comic Con, it was revealed that he is attached to write “Mortal Kombat III,” hinting at future developments in the expansive video game narrative. In a conversation with Variety, he shares insights about the third installment, including which character might return and potential spinoff ideas.
Discussing the sequel’s setup, Slater explains that while he wanted to deliver on earlier promises, the focus was on introducing new characters rather than being restricted to Cole Young’s storyline. He believed that the joy of “Mortal Kombat” lies in its wide cast of characters and varied narratives. Characters like Johnny and Kitana became central emotional figures, with Kitana’s tragic backstory providing personal stakes, while Johnny’s struggle for relevance mirrored the evolution of the action film landscape.
Deaths and resurrections punctuate the film, leading to intricate planning regarding character fates. Slater detailed how he mapped out a tournament bracket before scripting, focusing on who could perish while maintaining narrative integrity. Decisions about character arcs often led to tough choices, including the early demise of Cole Young, which Slater justified by noting that fans desired a focus on classic characters beloved for years. However, he assures that the “Mortal Kombat” universe allows for creative returns, even for characters who appear to be gone for good.
