Let's be real for a second. When Simon McQuoid’s reboot dropped in 2021, the collective intake of breath from the FGC (Fighting Game Community) was audible. We weren't just looking for another martial arts flick; we were looking for the digital DNA of Midway and NetherRealm Studios translated onto the big screen. The Mortal Kombat 2021 characters had a massive weight on their shoulders. They had to balance decades of lore with a "grounded" cinematic approach that didn't just feel like a high-budget cosplay convention.
It worked. Sorta.
The film didn't go for a 1:1 recreation of the 1992 tournament. Instead, it introduced Cole Young. If you’re a purist, you probably have thoughts about that. Lewis Tan plays Cole, an MMA fighter with a mysterious birthmark who discovers he’s part of a much larger, bloodier legacy. Honestly, the inclusion of a totally new protagonist was a gamble. Some felt he took the spotlight away from heavy hitters like Liu Kang or Kung Lao, while others appreciated having a "fish out of water" to explain the complex Arcana system to the audience.
The rivalry that actually drove the plot
Forget the tournament for a minute. The heartbeat of this movie is the ancient, bitter feud between Hanzo Hasashi and Bi-Han.
Hiroyuki Sanada brings a gravitas to Scorpion that we haven’t seen in previous adaptations. He isn't just a yellow-clad ninja; he’s a grieving father and a vengeful spirit. The opening sequence in feudal Japan is arguably the strongest part of the entire film. It sets a tone that is visceral and surprisingly emotional. Then you have Joe Taslim as Sub-Zero. If you've seen The Raid, you know Taslim is a kinetic force of nature. His portrayal of Bi-Han is terrifying because he doesn't treat the ice powers like a gimmick. He treats them like a weapon of mass destruction. He’s relentless. He's cold. He is the ultimate slasher-movie villain in a martial arts setting.
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The way these Mortal Kombat 2021 characters interact isn't just about flashy moves. It’s about the "Arcana." In this universe, characters don't just have magic; they have to unlock an internal power tied to their soul. This was a controversial pivot from the games, where some characters are just tech-heavy (like Jax) or naturally gifted. Here, Jax’s cybernetic arms are the physical manifestation of his Arcana. It’s a bit of a leap, but it gives the physical transformations a narrative weight they didn't have in the 95 movie.
Breaking down the Earthrealm defenders
- Liu Kang and Kung Lao: Ludi Lin and Max Huang represent the Shaolin monk lineage. Max Huang’s Kung Lao stole every scene he was in. Seriously. The "Fatality" he performs on Nitara was a pure fan-service moment that actually landed well because it was earned through his arrogant, yet highly skilled, personality.
- Sonya Blade and Kano: Jessica McNamee and Josh Lawson. Let's talk about Kano. Lawson’s performance was the unexpected MVP of the film. He provided the dark humor and the constant friction needed to keep the middle act from dragging. His "eye laser" origin story being tied to a dinner-table argument? Inspired.
- Jax: Mehcad Brooks gives us a Jax who actually feels like a soldier. The loss of his arms at the hands of Sub-Zero early in the film provides the stakes. It makes the threat feel real. When he finally gets those heavy-duty upgrades, the theater-shaking punches feel earned.
Outworld and the villains we met
Chin Han plays Shang Tsung. He isn't the hammy, scenery-chewing version we got from Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa in the 90s. He’s more of a calculating politician, a soul-stealing warlord who is playing the long game. Beside him, we see a roster of Outworld's finest, though some got more screen time than others.
Mileena, played by Sisi Stringer, was a point of contention for some. In the games, her relationship with Kitana is foundational. Since Kitana wasn't in this movie, Mileena functioned more as a high-tier enforcer. Her iconic Tarkatan mouth was handled with a mix of practical makeup and VFX, leaning into the "monstrous" side of her character rather than just the "evil twin" trope.
Then there's Goro.
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The prince of the Shokan was entirely CGI. It’s tough to beat the practical animatronic from 1995 in terms of sheer "presence," but the 2021 version showcased a level of brutality that the PG-13 era couldn't touch. His fight with Cole Young served as the catalyst for Cole's awakening. It was a brutal, one-sided beatdown until the Arcana kicked in.
Why the roster choice mattered for the sequel
You might have noticed someone missing. Johnny Cage.
The decision to leave Cage out of the initial Mortal Kombat 2021 characters list was a tactical move by the writers. They felt Johnny’s "main character energy" would clash too much with Cole Young. By saving him for the sequel, they created a massive "post-credits" style hype. We know he's coming. We saw the poster. We know the search is on for the Hollywood star.
This highlights a broader strategy: the filmmakers were building a foundation. They used the "lesser-known" characters like Reiko and Nitara as fodder to show off the R-rated fatalities, saving the heavy hitters for the inevitable expansion of the universe. Kabal, voiced by Daniel Nelson and performed by Damon Herriman, was a standout here. His gear looked incredible, and his speed-based combat was filmed with a clarity that many action movies lack.
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The technical reality of bringing these fighters to life
Making these characters work required a blend of high-level martial arts and complex rig work. Lewis Tan did many of his own stunts, bringing a level of authenticity to the MMA sequences. But when you get to characters like Reptile—who was reimagined as a literal lizard-like beast rather than a green ninja—the VFX teams had to do the heavy lifting. This "de-humanizing" of some characters made Earthrealm feel more vulnerable. It’s one thing to fight a guy in a mask; it’s another to fight a six-foot invisible lizard that can melt your face off.
Lord Raiden, played by Tadanobu Asano, also took a different path. He’s less of a "mentor who gets his hands dirty" and more of a distant, god-like figure who is bound by the rules of Elder Gods. This version of Raiden feels more ancient and perhaps a bit more cynical about humanity’s chances.
Actionable Insights for Mortal Kombat Fans and Lore Buffs:
If you are looking to dive deeper into how these characters evolved from pixels to the 2021 screen, start with the "Kombat Monarchy" lore videos on YouTube or the official "Making of" featurettes that detail the costume design. The attention to detail in the armor of Sub-Zero and Scorpion alone reveals hundreds of hidden motifs from the games.
To prepare for the upcoming sequel, re-watch the 2021 film specifically focusing on the background of Shang Tsung’s throne room. There are several "Easter eggs" and statues that hint at which characters will appear next. Specifically, look for references to the Great Kung Lao; his history is the key to understanding the lineage of the Earthrealm champions. Also, pay attention to the specific ways the "birthmark" was passed down—it implies that the Mortal Kombat 2021 characters are part of a biological destiny that the sequels are guaranteed to explore in much more "blood-soaked" detail.
Finally, check out the official soundtrack by Benjamin Wallfisch. He reimagined the iconic theme song in a way that mirrors the character arcs—starting with traditional, grounded instruments and evolving into an aggressive, electronic anthem as the fighters find their power. It’s the perfect primer for understanding the tonal shift this reboot successfully executed.