FANCAST: Mortal Kombat

FANCAST: Mortal Kombat

FIGHT! Have you ever pondered who, if it were made today, would play the iconic characters from the first "Mortal Kombat" video game? So have I, her it is. FINISH HIM!

Fan Fic
By YakeTheSnake - Dec 12, 2010 01:12 AM EST
Filed Under: Fan Fic

      I hold Mortal Kombat very close to my heart. A lot of people might view that as strange, but it was a relatively large part of my childhood, much like Power Rangers. My father and I could always be found playing it on my Super NES, Nintendo 64, and, later, Xbox. My father always chose Liu Kang. And, when I say “always,” I mean ALWAYS. My personal favorite has always been Subzero, I just think he’s such a badass. Also, in my early years, me and one of my best friends went to see the movie, and could always be found acting out the fights from the movie.
      I look back on these times as some of the best that I’ve ever known. And, sure, the movie wasn’t the greatest. In-fact, far from it. But that never stopped my love of this legendary franchise. I’ve often found myself wondering if they would ever remake the movie. Possibly give it a better shot, and make it the movie that we know it can be. And, that’s what led me to this. So, sit back, and enjoy. Queue the music:



Matt Mullins as Johnny Cage:

If Matt Mullins looks familiar, he portrayed Johnny Cage in Kevin Tancharoen’s short film “Mortal Kombat: Rebirth.” My way of thinking: Why fix what isn’t broken. Although the role was just a fight scene, it was an exceptional fight scene. He is a 5-Time Martial Arts World Champion, is the Co-Creator of Extreme Martial Arts, and holds a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Shorei Ryu. Matt Mullins also appears in “Blood and Bone” where he has a pretty impressive fight with my choice for Jax.




Michael Jai White as Jax:

Again, another familiar face from “Mortal Kombat: Rebirth.” But, Mr. White has been in plenty more than that. Michael Jai White famously portrayed Al Simmons in the film adaptation of “Spawn,” as well as Gambol in 2008’s “The Dark Knight.” And, of course, don’t let us forget “Black Dynamite.” At the age of seven, Michael began studying Martial Arts, and holds seven black belts in Shotokan, Tae Kwon Do, Kobudo, Goju Ryu, Tang Soo Do, Wushu, and Kyokushin(which is his specific focus).



Scarlett Johansson as Sonya Blade:

I know that I will catch a lot of flak for this choice, but hear me out. Scarlett Johansson worked hard with rigorous exercise and stunt training for her role in “Iron Man 2,” and continues with that same exercise routine today. She may not have the Martial Arts expertise of the rest of this cast, but I think she proved that she is willing to do whatever it takes to make her roles believable. And, I know we all want to see her in one of Sonya Blade’s outfits… GIGGITY!




Jason Statham as Kano:

Now, I can’t think of anyone better to play Kano. Jason Statham has spent most of his life studying all of the styles of Win Chun, as well as becoming an expert kick boxer. Jason Statham also, usually performs his own stunts. Statham is probably best known for his roles in the “Transporter” films as Frank Martin and Chev Chelios in the “Crank” movies. He’s a decent actor, and makes any movie worth a watch. Yes, even that pile of sh*t on John Carpenter’s resume, “Ghosts of Mars,” even then, that was painful to watch. It was like watching writer’s block.




Johnny Yong Bosch as Reptile:

Johnny Yong Bosch, known mainly for his portrayal of Adam Park in the “Power Rangers” series, has been trained in Shaolin Kung Fu, earning a Purple Sash. I had no clue what this was, but thought that it was a relatively low rank in the Martial Arts World, so I researched it on Wikipedia:




“The Purple sash shows a great fighting style. They can use almost any weapon very well. Purple sashes have advanced teamwork ability and tactics. Purple sashes help come up with plans. These fighters are a force on the field because they give their team an advantage by creating opportunity. Purple sashes can lead others who are under them.”




Cool, huh? Anyways, Johnny Yong Bosch is known for doing the majority of his own stunts in “Power Rangers” and the two films that accompany the show. One particular fight scene I’ve seen was in a movie called “Broken Path.” He’s an impressive fighter who would own this role.





Mark Dacascos as Subzero:

Mark portrays The Chairman in “Iron Chef: America,” a role that Takeshi Kaga played in the original “Iron Chef.” Apparently, the character is meant to be the nephew of Kaga. Dacascos starred as Eric Draven, the role that Brandon Lee was playing when he met his untimely death, in the Canadian TV show, “The Crow: Stairway to Heaven.” Dacascos began training at the age of 4 in the style of Wun Hop Quen Do. Since, he has trained in Capoeira, Wu-Shu, Muay Thai, and Northern Shaolin Kung Fu, and holds 20 Martial Arts Championships. He’s impressive, and I have no doubt that he can give us the Subzero we all hope for.




Tony Jaa as Scorpion:

Tony Jaa is an amazing Martial Artist. He has studied heavily in the styles of Taekwondo and Muay Thai, although there is no evidence of formal training. But I feel that he has proven, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that he is well trained. Watching his movies make you feel a bit funny inside, like you’re watching a fight taking place, when you should be calling police to report it. Particular proof of this can be found in the “Ong Bak” series of films. There is no doubt of his talent, and his brutal style would best represent Scorpion.




Johnny Nguyen as Liu Kang:

Johnny Nguyen is a Vietnamese born actor, with exceptional Martial Arts training in Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Japanese Aikido, and Wushu. He can be seen in such films as “The Protector” and “The Rebel.” He also has been tapped as a stunt double in the upcoming “X-Men: First Class,” as well as fight coordinator in both “Iron Man 3” and 2012’s “Avengers.” His way of fighting seems to have a more laid-back feel that would be best to apply to Liu Kang.




      I came at a bit of a crossroads when deciding on what version of Shang Tsung would be included if the “Mortal Kombat” film were to be rebooted. I know that a studio would probably, again, place the younger version of Shang Tsung that appears in, and beyond, “Mortal Kombat II.” I’m sure the reasoning would be something a bit silly like, “It’s not believable for an old man to destroy younger, more fit, fighters.” My hope would be that they would use the older version from “Mortal Kombat I,” because I think it would make Shang Tsung’s superior fighting skills all the more epic:



Jason Scott Lee as Shang Tsung(circa “Mortal Kombat II“):

Jason Scott Lee is probably best known for his impressive portrayal of Bruce Lee in the 1993 Biopic “Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story.” Scott, who was originally cast as Liu Kang in the 1995 film adaptation of “Mortal Kombat,” also acted in the hideous live-action version of “Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book.” Since “Dragon,” Jason has trained in the style of Jeet Kune Do, which was created by Bruce Lee, and certified as an instructor in this style. He might not have the experience of most of this cast, but his skills are not doubted.




Jackie Chan as Shang Tsung(circa “Mortal Kombat I“):

Jackie Chan is an actor best known for his “devil-may-care” attitude with his health and safety, performing all of his own stunts, unassisted by wires and CGI. Not too much is known about his training, other than the rumors stating that he has studied Wing Chun, Hapkido, and various Northern Styles of Kung Fu. I think this would be a pleasant change for Mr. Chan, being that he usually portrays the hero in his movies. No matter how many sh*tty movies he is in, I’m always ready for a “Jackie Chan Beat Down.”





Dolph Lundgren as Shao Kahn:

This Swedish goliath recently starred in the Sylvester Stallone action star mash-up, “The Expendables.” But we mustn’t forget his career launching role of Ivan Drago in “Rocky IV,” the intimidating antagonist. Dolph Lundgren holds a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Kyokushin, also studying Judo and Goju-Ryu. Dolph is an imposing man, with both the size and skill needed to bring honor to the role of Shao Kahn that Brian Thompson single-handedly destroyed.





Donnie Yen as Raiden:

Donnie Yen has starred in numerous Martial Arts oriented films like “Iron Monkey,” “Hero,” as well as the “Once Upon a Time in China” films. But there is only one fight scene that made me realize that he would make the perfect Raiden. This brutal fight scene takes place in the semi-biographical movie, “Ip Man,” and shows Donnie Yen(as Ip Man) ruthlessly laying waste to 10 Black-Belted Martial Artists. The reason that this particular fight inspired my choice was because, in my “Mortal Kombat,” we would see Raiden playing the peacekeeper throughout the film, only to lay the smack down in the climax of the film, showcasing his abilities. Donnie Yen has mastered vast amounts of Martial Arts, including Wushu and Tai Chi.




      So, there you have it. What do you think? Let me know in the usual spot.
About The Author:
YakeTheSnake
Member Since 6/9/2010
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yankeemanf
yankeemanf - 12/12/2010, 4:20 AM
i love this and u can neva go wrong with have a former power ranger in the cast lol
Vafrous
Vafrous - 12/12/2010, 6:51 AM
Lose Chan...the rest are awesome
:-\
YakeTheSnake
YakeTheSnake - 12/12/2010, 7:02 AM
@yankeemanf: No doubt, sir!

@DEADSHOT: My original pick was Chow Yun Fat. But, upon learning that his only Martial Arts experience was limited to what he has done in his movies, I chose Chan(who has more experience). I do have trouble seeing him in this role, but am willing to bet he can pull it off. Have you seen "Karate Kid" yet? He can still throw-down with the best of them.
YakeTheSnake
YakeTheSnake - 12/12/2010, 7:06 AM
Here is the video of Donnie Yen I spoke of:
Vafrous
Vafrous - 12/12/2010, 9:21 AM
I refuse to watch The Karate Kid...what about Collin Chou? I don't think he's a martial artist though...
I've seen Mullins in Blood and Bone and the MK SHORT FILM...the guy is a bad ass. Whats his acting like?
LEEE777
LEEE777 - 12/12/2010, 12:52 PM
GR8 stuff and GR8 work dude, quality fan-fic! ; )

Thumbs up!
LEEE777
LEEE777 - 12/12/2010, 12:52 PM
sweetre15
sweetre15 - 12/12/2010, 3:29 PM
Good cast but a few changes

Katheryn Winnick as Sonya Blade

Shin Koyamada as Liu Kang

Nathan Jones as Shao Kahn
YakeTheSnake
YakeTheSnake - 12/12/2010, 4:01 PM
@DEADSHOT: His acting isn't terrible, he can definately pull off that cocky attitude with ease. Collin Chou sounds incredibly familiar, what was he in? As for "Karate Kid," I did to, but ended up watching it. Jaden Smith only got the role because of his father, but that kid definately is a skilled martial artist. And Jackie Chan throws down awesomely.

@LEEE777: Well, thank you kind sir. I seriously spent like 3 days putting the pictures together. I am actually quite proud of how they turned out. Some of my better Photoshop work :D

@Sweetre15: I'm not entirely positive I've seen those first 2 actors, but I'm definately going to look them up. My first pick was Nathan Jones for Shao Kahn. The problem is that he is, from what I understand, a pain in the @$$ to work with. I'm also not sure if his skills go beyond Professional Wrestling.

Vafrous
Vafrous - 12/12/2010, 8:41 PM
^The Forbidden Kingdom...
thegamedrex
thegamedrex - 12/15/2010, 2:51 AM
hey Jackie Chan did the drunken master movie back in the day he is the man, he can finally go dark on someones ass and be shang sung that would be [frick]ing sweet. he can do it. all those damn year with every other chinese actor at one school training paid of jackie it really really did.
YakeTheSnake
YakeTheSnake - 12/18/2010, 3:11 PM
Jackie Chan has spent his career being the funny, goofy, good guy. I bet if he were to portray a villain, everyone would be thrown for a loop. His role in "Karate Kid" was definately on the darker side, and he pulled it off beautifully.
Tankpjh
Tankpjh - 12/23/2010, 8:41 AM
Nice
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