After the divisive first "Mortal Kombat" film and its subsequently messy sequel "Mortal Kombat: Annihilation," it felt like a foregone conclusion that the video game franchise had received it's final film fatality. A new rumor floating around on the Interwebs is suggesting that a third movie could happen sooner than you can shout "Get over here!"
In an interview with the SGV Tribune, martial artist Chris Casamassa, who played Scorpion in the first two movies, said that he'll be on hand when the third installment in the franchise starts shooting this September. The remark is offered rather off-handedly, and could be completely off-base for all I know. Still, the possibilities of another "Mortal Kombat" film certainly get the wheels turning.
For one, Warner Bros. recently acquired Midway Games, the very company that created the "Mortal Kombat" franchise. That presumably puts the film rights in the WB's hands. Given their recent penchant for darker, more serious comic book fare such as "The Dark Knight" and "Watchmen," could the studio offer the same reboot treatment to the "Mortal Kombat" movies?
The idea of a "Batman Begins"-ish do-over to the violent video game series has me bicycle kicking my way to the moon. Then I think about the latest "Street Fighter" flick and I'm instantly skeptical. Video games are hard to get right on the big screen, and some would even argue that a proper translation has yet to occur. With the recent failure of "Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li," how much better could a new "Mortal Kombat" fare?
Even more worrisome is that most of this speculation centers on the return of Chris Casamassa as Scorpion. Nothing against the man, but his prior involvement in the franchise insinuates that a new movie, if one is truly in the works, would be a sequel rather than a total overhaul. I've certainly got love for Robin Shou, Bridgette Wilson and Christopher Lambert, but they had their shot against Shang Tsung and they blew it.
If "Mortal Kombat" is going to happen, it has to be done right. That means an old school, blood-splattered kung fu epic set against the backdrop of an ancient, otherworldly martial arts tournament. Get a visionary director on board and a mostly unknown cast with acting chops and martial arts credibility in spades. Top that off with a genuinely terrifying version of Goro, and you've got yourself a solid "Mortal Kombat" film -- heck, maybe even an awesome one.
If we're talking about a continuation of the Paul W.S. Anderson-era, I'll take a pass. I don't need to pay the price of admission to know that such a film would be an epic babality.
Thoughts on a third "Mortal Kombat"? Post 'em up in the comments section!
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