Several Main Fighters Highlight Latest Mortal Kombat Movie Casting Updates

The upcoming adaptation of the popular fighting series has found its Kano, Sonya Blade, Shang Tsung, and Scorpion.

By Jay Gervais

Things are certainly kicking into motion with the upcoming James Wan-produced Mortal Kombat film, with The Hollywood Reporter reporting the addition of Kano, Sonya Blade, and an undisclosed lead character to the cast.

Actress Jessica McNamee (The Meg) is playing Sonya while Josh Lawson (House of Lies) is stepping into the role of Kano. Actor Lewis Tan (Wu Assassins, Deadpool 2) is set to play as a yet-to-be revealed lead character, so it’s anyone’s guess whether this is an existing character from the franchise or a brand-new one altogether.

In addition, Variety is reporting that both Shang Tsung and Scorpion are also joining the film's roster of fighters. Playing the shape-shifting sorcerer Shang Tsung is Chin Han (The Dark Knight, Marco Polo), and snagging the role of Scorpion is Hiroyuki Sanada (The Wolverine, Ringu). While both characters being added shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise, we’ve got to be honest here… doesn’t Sanada look more convincing as Shang Tsung?

In any case, this news comes shortly after some other casting announcements revealed earlier this month. Joining them in the fight is Ludi Lin (Black Mirror, 2017’s Power Rangers) as Liu Kang, Tadanobu Asano (Ichi the Killer, Zatoichi) as Raiden, Mehcad Brooks (Supergirl, True Blood) as Jax, Sisi Stringer as Mileena, and Joe Taslim (Star Trek Beyond, Fast & Furious 6) as Sub-Zero.

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.