Get ready for an epic announcement, Mortal Kombat fans! The highly anticipated sequel, 'Mortal Kombat III', has been officially greenlit, and we've got all the juicy details straight from the New York Comic Con panel. Jeremy Slater, the talented screenwriter behind 'Mortal Kombat II', dropped some exciting insights and addressed the much-talked-about delay. But here's where it gets controversial...
At the panel, Slater revealed that New Line and Warner Bros. have given the green light for the next installment, with a release date set for next summer. He encouraged fans to show their support and ensure the studios know there's a dedicated audience for this franchise. And this is the part most people miss... the director, Simon McQuoid, had an interesting take on the delay. He described it as 'a victim of our own success', explaining that the movie's momentum has been building with each viewing.
McQuoid continued, "We've created a massive summer blockbuster, and I think we should all be proud. Mortal Kombat II is going to kick off next year, and it's going to feel epic." The panel kicked off with a behind-the-scenes feature, giving fans a glimpse of what's to come. The cast teased 'fatalities', 'flawless victories', and a scale that promises to be bigger than ever. McQuoid emphasized the goal of expanding the world of Mortal Kombat, delving deeper into its rich lore and creating an even grander experience.
When it comes to balancing action, narrative, and emotion, Slater revealed his secret weapon: his inner fan. He acknowledged the challenge of having so many main characters but assured fans that a six-hour movie wasn't an option. Instead, he focused on delivering an emotional journey for the characters, with higher highs and lower lows, all while exploring the diverse realms of Mortal Kombat.
McQuoid also shared his vision for the film's action sequences, aiming to double the number of fights compared to the first movie. He wanted to create a visually stunning tournament structure, offering variety and keeping the audience engaged. Slater added, "Traditional fighting tournament movies often have downtime, but not in 'Mortal Kombat III'. Our characters have their own missions and adventures, so it's non-stop action."
The film will also be released in IMAX, and McQuoid hinted at some exclusive IMAX-only surprises. He wants fans to feel the need to experience it in IMAX, with some story-affecting moments that regular screenings won't capture. During the panel, the cast gave insights into their characters' journeys. Karl Urban, who plays Johnny Cage, described his character as a broken man at the beginning, with his career in a slump. But through the movie, Cage transforms into a true champion and hero of the Earth Realm.
Slater explained, "The Johnny Cage from the game is already at his peak. It was fun to start him at a lower point and watch him become the iconic character we all know."
So, Mortal Kombat fans, are you excited for 'Mortal Kombat III'? What are your thoughts on the delay and the promises of an even bigger and better sequel? We'd love to hear your opinions and predictions in the comments below! Will it live up to the hype? Let's discuss!