James Wan’s Mortal Kombat Film to be Rated R and Will Feature Fatalities

Expect tons of gore and brutal killings in the upcoming film adaptation.

By Jay Gervais
July 12 2019, 9:15 PM EDT

If you’ve been waiting for a Mortal Kombat film that more closely resembles what the series is infamously known for, particularly the violence and gore, then you’re in for a quite a treat. Greg Russo, the writer for the upcoming film adaption, confirmed over his Twitter account that the latest big screen take will be R-rated and will feature fatalities.

Since it's already been stated by other members of the team, I'm gonna put this one to bed. MK WILL be R-Rated and for the first time EVER, FATALITIES will FINALLY be on the big screen (and no I'm not gonna say which ones) You'll just have to wait for the movie & see!!! ;) pic.twitter.com/aVTewH4t28
— Greg Russo (@WriterRusso) July 12, 2019

Pretty exciting! Especially considering Paul W.S. Anderson’s 1995 film, along with its mundane sequel, Mortal Kombat: Annihilation, were rated PG-13 and obviously never showed anything too over the top. Russo isn’t confirming which fatalities will be featured from the games, but what you like to see? Puppeteer Johnny Cage from Mortal Kombat 11 is one of our picks, which might be pushing the envelope just a tad!

As you might recall from earlier this week, actor Joe Taslim (Star Trek Beyond, Fast & Furious 6) was announced to be playing the role of Sub-Zero. The inclusion of the character should not come as too much of a surprise, since the character has been a staple fighter throughout the franchise’s history.

James Wan's Mortal Kombat Adaptation Casts Sub-Zero

Joe Taslim will take on the role of the icy fighter in the upcoming film.

The plot is still under wraps, but it should be quite obvious what the gist of it will be: fighters will gather to defend Earthrealm from formidable opponents from Outworld and possibly other realms. Whether a tournament will be emphasized in this film adaptation remains to be seen.

Simon McQuoid is directing a screenplay written by Greg Russo (Highwaymen) and leading the creative effort alongside James Wan (Saw). Joining them as executive producers are Larry Kasanoff (Mortal Kombat, True Lies), E. Bennett Walsh (Men in Black: International, The Amazing Spider-Man 2), Michael Clear (The Nun, Lights Out), and Sean Robins (Playing with Fire, Tag). Also producing is Todd Garner.

Production on the new Mortal Kombat film is set to kick off in South Australia later this year with pre-production now underway. The film is scheduled to be released on March 5th, 2021. Further details are not yet available at this time, but you can be sure we’ll provide you with all the latest news and updates right here on Dead Entertainment.

About the Author

Jay Gervais

From small town to big city and back again, Jay was born and raised in Canada and has lived his whole life there. He’s always ready to cut down any misconceptions his American friends have of life in the great white north. He’s also no stranger to this kind of community, and has plenty of experience under his bed. He enjoys all kinds of horror entertainment, as long as it’s got the heart and soul to it. When he’s not doing something here, he can be found at his post at the night’s watch, or knee deep into his school studies.