Over the years, theMortal Kombatfranchise has seen a variety of adaptations that are separate from the video games. Whether it’s the campy 90s live-action movies or the various animated films,Mortal Kombathas expanded beyond its original video game origins.Mortal Kombathasn’t exactly been the easiest game franchise to adapt to live-action, but the recent attempt from Warner Bros. has been one of the most promising yet.
Mortal Kombat(2021) was a decent start for a live-action movie series based around the games. It wasn’t a perfect film by any means, but there was definitely the potential for the first entry to be a diamond in the rough. Despite mixed reviews,Mortal Kombat(2021) officially got a sequel ordered by Warner Bros., and it’s set to premiere in the fall. There have already been test screenings forMortal Kombat 2, and early reception has been quite positive, so far. Even more intriguing, leaks suggest one character who many fans were not particularly fond of seems to be getting the axe early on in the story:newcomer Cole Young.
If Leaks Are to Be Believed, Cole Young May Not Be Long for This World in Mortal Kombat 2
Cole Young Has Been a Controversial Figure
Introduced inMortal Kombat(2021) as a fresh-faced Earth-bound protagonist, Cole ultimately failed to resonate with a lot of viewers. Warner Bros. has released a handful of promotional materials forMortal Kombat 2, and many have been quick to notice thatCole Young has been missingfrom these sneak peeks. Considering he’s the main protagonist of the first movie, it’s strange for him to be left out of early marketing, even if he is divisive. However, according to a Reddit user who claims to have been present at a past screening, Cole meets his end surprisingly quick.
Mortal Kombat 2hits theaters on October 24.
Mortal Kombat 2 Might Be Saying Bye to Cole Young
Anunnamed Reddit userwas noted saying, “Let’s just say, the character everyone hated doesn’t survive the first 20 minutes.” Their post was screenshotted by No-Exam-6948 and posted to an official subreddit dedicated toMortal Kombatleaks. Of course, considering this is simply someone on the internet making a bold claim, these words should be taken with a grain of salt. However, between this leak and Cole’s absence fromMortal Kombat 2’s early images, his ending is definitely not off the table.
Such a risky move could pay off forMortal Kombat 2. Not only would this kind of shocking decision make those who disliked Cole happy, it would also be incredibly on-brand for the franchise. If there’s anythingMortal Kombatis known for, it’s unexpected and hilariously over-the-top deaths, and putting Cole in that situation could prove to be a wild way to respond to fan feedback.
Johnny Cage will finally be featured inMortal Kombat 2. The fan-favorite character will be played byThe Boys' Karl Urban.
Even if Cole Dies, He May Not Be Gone Forever
It has already been confirmed thatMortal Kombat 2will bring back two dead characters, so it’s possible for Cole to meet a similar fate. Cole may have failed to stick the landing in the first movie, but being killed off to be brought back from the dead down the road could be the best way to rework the character, so he can be more well-rounded.
Only time will tell, of course, but as of now, Cole’s fate is still mysterious.TheMortal Kombatfranchisecontinues to be one of the most well-known fighting games in pop culture, and if the second movie is able to right the wrongs of the first, it could prove to be a solid adaptation.
Mortal Kombat 1
WHERE TO PLAY
Welcome to a new era of Kombat. NetherRealm Studios ushers in a new era of the iconic fighting franchise with a total reset that changes the entire world as we know it. Following the thrilling climax of Mortal Kombat 11, the all-powerful Fire God Liu Kang has created a New Era in the hope of bringing peace to Earthrealm and beyond. Through the series' most cinematic story mode yet, you’ll be reintroduced to a cast of legendary warriors as you’ve never seen them before. Expect twists on classic friendships and rivalries, as well as new backstories that will change everything you think you know about your favorite Kombatants. Discover a host of new offline and online game modes as you master a revitalized fighting system that boasts bone-crunching Fatal Blows, defensive Breakers and the most creatively vicious Fatalities yet.
