Mortal Kombat (2021)

Last updated:
March 15, 2026

Blood, ice, and fire define the opening moments of 2021’s Mortal Kombat. This film wastes no time establishing its brutal R-rated credentials. For instance, it ditches the tournament structure of its predecessors for a more personal, character-driven hunt. Consequently, the result is a visceral experience that prioritizes spectacular fatalities over complex bracketology.

Table of Contents

Detailed Summary

Hanzo Hasashi’s Tragedy

The film opens in 17th century Japan. Hanzo Hasashi, a ninja of the Shirai Ryu clan, lives peacefully with his family. Suddenly, Bi-Han and his Lin Kuei assassins attack, seeking to exterminate their rival clan. Hanzo fights valiantly, but ultimately, Bi-Han freezes and shatters his wife and son. Enraged, Hasashi slaughters the assassins but is cornered and fatally stabbed by Bi-Han. As Hanzo dies, however, he is consumed by hellfire, and the thunder god Raiden arrives to save his infant daughter.

Cole Young, The Marked Fighter

In the present day, we meet Cole Young, a washed-up MMA fighter. He fights for meager paychecks to support his wife, Allison, and daughter, Emily. Interestingly, Cole bears a mysterious dragon marking on his chest, a birthmark he has had his whole life. After a particularly brutal loss, he is approached by Jax, a Special Forces major who also has the dragon mark. Before Jax can explain, however, a supernaturally empowered Bi-Han, now known as Sub-Zero, attacks.

The Hunt for Earth’s Champions

Jax heroically holds Sub-Zero off to allow Cole and his family to escape. Consequently, Jax loses both of his arms in the icy confrontation. Cole follows Jax’s instructions and finds his partner, Sonya Blade. She has been researching the dragon mark and the legend of Mortal Kombat. She explains that the mark signifies a chosen champion of Earthrealm, destined to fight against the forces of Outworld. Her hideout is soon compromised by Shang Tsung’s assassin, Reptile, but they are saved by the loudmouthed Australian mercenary, Kano, whom they have tied up.

Training at Raiden’s Temple

Sonya, Cole, and a reluctant Kano travel to a hidden location where they meet Liu Kang. He leads them to the temple of Lord Raiden. There, they join fellow Earthrealm champion Kung Lao. Raiden explains that Outworld, led by the soul-stealing sorcerer Shang Tsung, has won nine consecutive tournaments; a tenth victory will allow them to conquer Earth. The champions must unlock their Arcana, a unique inner power, through rigorous training. During a heated argument, for instance, Kano discovers his Arcana first: a laser beam that shoots from his right eye.

Shang Tsung’s Treachery

Frustrated by Cole’s inability to unlock his Arcana, Raiden almost banishes him. Shang Tsung, however, decides to cheat and attacks the temple before the tournament can begin. He brings his deadliest warriors, including Mileena, Reiko, and Kabal. Goro, the four-armed Shokan prince, also arrives. Furthermore, Jax returns, now equipped with powerful cybernetic arms, and joins the fight to defend the temple. Raiden erects a protective shield, but not before Kabal convinces Kano to betray the Earthrealm heroes.

A Plan to Divide and Conquer

Kano deactivates the temple’s shield, allowing Shang Tsung’s forces inside. In the chaos, Shang Tsung fatally wounds Kung Lao, stealing his soul. Enraged and desperate to protect his family who were just attacked by Goro, Cole finally unlocks his Arcana. His power manifests as a golden suit of armor that absorbs and redirects kinetic energy. Seeing this, Raiden teleports the champions to safety. Subsequently, Cole devises a plan: they will use Raiden’s teleportation ability to choose their opponents and fight them one-on-one across the globe.

The Final Fatalities

The heroes split up for their final confrontations. Sonya Blade fights Kano, and upon killing him, his dragon mark transfers to her, finally unlocking her Arcana of purple energy blasts. She then helps Cole fight and defeat Mileena. Meanwhile, Jax crushes Reiko’s head with his metal arms, and Liu Kang uses a fire dragon to incinerate Kabal. The celebration is short-lived, however, as Shang Tsung appears with Sub-Zero, taking Cole’s family hostage and forcing a final battle.

Movie Ending

The ending of Mortal Kombat is a spectacular tag-team showdown. Cole Young fights Sub-Zero alone at first, using his Arcana to absorb the icy fighter’s attacks. However, he is ultimately outmatched. Using the blade Sub-Zero used to kill his ancestor, Cole unknowingly performs a blood ritual. As a result, this act summons Scorpion—the vengeful, fiery spirit of Hanzo Hasashi—from the Netherrealm. Scorpion, recognizing Cole as his descendant, aids him in the fight.

Together, they overwhelm Sub-Zero. Scorpion removes his mask, reveals his fiery skull, and utters his iconic line, “Get over here!” before incinerating Sub-Zero with hellfire. With the immediate threat gone, Shang Tsung vows revenge and returns to Outworld. Scorpion acknowledges his descendant and then vanishes in a burst of flame. In the final moments, Lord Raiden tasks his surviving champions—Cole, Sonya, Liu Kang, and Jax—with finding the other chosen warriors. The film concludes with Cole Young heading to Hollywood, where a movie poster for a film starring action hero Johnny Cage is prominently displayed.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, there are no post-credits or mid-credits scenes in Mortal Kombat (2021). The final scene of the film, however, serves the same purpose as a teaser. It explicitly sets up a sequel by sending Cole Young on a mission to recruit Johnny Cage, one of the most popular characters from the video game series.

Type of Movie

Mortal Kombat is a martial arts fantasy action film. Its tone is significantly grittier and more serious than the 1995 adaptation. Notably, the film fully embraces the video game’s violent roots, earning its R rating with graphic fight sequences and bloody “Fatalities.” While predominantly serious, the character of Kano provides consistent, foul-mouthed comic relief that punctuates the otherwise grim atmosphere.

Cast

Lewis Tan – Cole Young
Jessica McNamee – Sonya Blade
Josh Lawson – Kano
Joe Taslim – Bi-Han / Sub-Zero
Hiroyuki Sanada – Hanzo Hasashi / Scorpion
Tadanobu Asano – Lord Raiden
Ludi Lin – Liu Kang
Max Huang – Kung Lao
Mehcad Brooks – Jackson “Jax” Briggs
Chin Han – Shang Tsung
Sisi Stringer – Mileena

Film Music and Composer

The score for Mortal Kombat was composed by Benjamin Wallfisch. Wallfisch is known for his work on action and horror films like It and Blade Runner 2049. The score effectively blends orchestral themes with electronic and industrial elements, creating a dark, driving soundscape. Most importantly for fans, Wallfisch remixed the iconic 1994 theme “Techno Syndrome” by The Immortals for the film, now titled “Techno Syndrome 2021.” This updated track features prominently in the final act and end credits, providing a powerful dose of nostalgia.

Filming Locations

Mortal Kombat was filmed almost entirely in South Australia. This location was chosen for its incredibly diverse landscapes, which could convincingly double for both Earthrealm and the desolate, alien world of Outworld. For instance, the desert landscapes of Coober Pedy were used for Outworld scenes. In contrast, the lush forests and scenic areas within Mount Lofty Ranges and the Adelaide region provided the backdrop for Raiden’s temple and other Earthrealm locations. The production was headquartered at Adelaide Studios.

Awards and Nominations

While not a major awards contender, Mortal Kombat received recognition for its technical achievements. The film was nominated for several AACTA Awards (Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts), including Best Production Design and Best Visual Effects or Animation. In addition, it was nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Director Simon McQuoid made his feature film directorial debut with Mortal Kombat, having previously directed high-profile video game and tech commercials.
The cast included many highly skilled martial artists. For example, Joe Taslim (Sub-Zero) and Hiroyuki Sanada (Scorpion) are renowned for their action roles and performed much of the film’s complex choreography themselves.
Cole Young is an original character created for the film. The filmmakers wanted a new protagonist to serve as an audience surrogate, discovering the world of Mortal Kombat alongside viewers.
The brutal fatalities were a key focus. The creative team studied the games extensively to translate the signature finishing moves to the screen in a way that felt both spectacular and earned within the story.

Inspirations and References

The film is directly based on the long-running Mortal Kombat video game franchise created by Ed Boon and John Tobias. While it is not a direct adaptation of any single game, it pulls characters, lore, and plot elements primarily from the first three games as well as the modern reboot trilogy (Mortal Kombat (2011), Mortal Kombat X, and Mortal Kombat 11). The central conflict between Scorpion and Sub-Zero, for instance, is a foundational element of the entire game series.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

Several scenes were reportedly cut from the final film for pacing and budget reasons. One notable cut scene involved a more extended fight where Sonya Blade encounters and battles the creature Reptile in the film’s first act. Similarly, there were additional character moments and dialogue exchanges that were trimmed down, including more interactions between the Earthrealm champions at Raiden’s temple. There is no known alternate ending; the tease for Johnny Cage was always the intended conclusion.

Book Adaptations and Differences

This film is not based on a book. It is an adaptation of the Mortal Kombat video game series. It serves as a reboot of the film franchise, separate from the 1995 film Mortal Kombat and its sequel, Mortal Kombat: Annihilation.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Opening Massacre: The beautifully choreographed and brutal fight between Hanzo Hasashi and Bi-Han’s Lin Kuei clan sets an unforgettably violent tone.
Jax Loses His Arms: The shocking and visceral sequence where Sub-Zero freezes and shatters Jax’s arms is a standout moment of body horror.
Kung Lao’s Fatality: Kung Lao’s defeat of Nitara with his razor-brimmed hat, culminating in him declaring a “Flawless Victory,” is a perfect tribute to the games.
Scorpion’s Arrival: Hanzo Hasashi’s return from the Netherrealm as the fiery spectre Scorpion during the final battle is the film’s most crowd-pleasing moment.

Iconic Quotes

Kano: “Kano wins!”
Scorpion: “Get over here!”
Shang Tsung: “Finish him!”
Liu Kang: “Fatality.”
Kung Lao: “Flawless victory.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

In Raiden’s temple, Shinnok’s amulet, a key artifact from the games, can be seen in the background.
A pair of steel fans, the signature weapon of the character Kitana, are on display in the temple.
During the scene where Cole researches Mortal Kombat, a list of past champions includes the name Nightwolf.
In Outworld, a large statue of the game character Kotal Kahn is visible as Shang Tsung’s followers gather.
The password to Sonya’s hidden file system is “REPTILE,” a sly nod to the character who attacks her shortly after.

Trivia

Despite its title, the film does not actually feature a formal Mortal Kombat tournament. Instead, it depicts the conflict leading up to one.
Lewis Tan, who plays Cole Young, originally auditioned for the role of Kung Lao.
Joe Taslim signed a multi-film contract, leaving the door open for his character to return as the shadow wraith Noob Saibot, his identity in the games after being killed.
The opening sequence features dialogue in both Japanese and Mandarin, representing the native languages of the Shirai Ryu and Lin Kuei clans, respectively.

Why Watch?

For fans of visceral action and faithful adaptations, this film delivers. The fight choreography is top-tier, and the R-rated fatalities honor the game’s brutal legacy. Consequently, it is a bloody, thrilling spectacle that finally gets the tone right.