Mortal Kombat is known for its brutal fighting and iconic characters, but what many fans don’t realize is that real martial artists helped bring these characters to life, both on screen and in the video games.
From acting to choreography, these martial artists were essential to the series' success.
1. Robin Shou – Liu Kang
Robin Shou, trained in Wushu, is best known for playing Liu Kang in the 1995 Mortal Kombat movie. His martial arts background gave him the skill to perform iconic moves like the flying kick and bicycle kick with precision. Shou’s performance helped make Liu Kang a beloved hero for fans around the world.
2. Katalin Zamiar – Kitana (and More)
Katalin Zamiar did the motion capture for Kitana, Mileena, and Jade in Mortal Kombat II (the arcade game). A skilled martial artist with black belts in Taekwondo, Goju Karate, and Shorin Karate, Zamiar’s strength and athleticism helped make these characters iconic. Her background in martial arts was especially evident in her fight choreography, including the leg grab that became Sonya’s signature move.
3. Keith Cooke – Reptile
Keith Cooke portrayed Reptile in Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (1997). Trained in Wushu, Taekwondo, and Karate, Cooke’s smooth, agile movements perfectly matched Reptile’s stealthy, quick nature, making him a standout in the film.
4. Chris Casamassa – Scorpion
Chris Casamassa brought Scorpion to life in the 1995 film. A Red Dragon Karate practitioner and national champion on the NASKA circuit, Casamassa’s skills in martial arts made Scorpion’s fighting style stand out. His portrayal, especially the iconic spear move, cemented Scorpion as one of the franchise’s most memorable characters.
5. Linden Ashby – Johnny Cage
Linden Ashby played Johnny Cage in the 1995 movie. Though Ashby wasn’t a martial artist before joining the cast, he trained in Taekwondo and Karate to bring the character to life. His performance captured Johnny Cage’s cocky attitude and impressive fighting skills, particularly the infamous "nut punch."
6. Noah Fleder – Kenshi Takahashi (and More)
Noah Fleder provided the face model for Kenshi Takahashi in Mortal Kombat 1 and did motion capture for several characters, including Kenshi, Smoke, Liu Kang, Reptile, Scorpion, and Sub-Zero. A black belt under Taekwondo master Simon Rhee, Fleder’s martial arts training also includes Boxing, Wing Chun, Jeet Kune Do, and Muay Thai. His diverse skills brought authenticity and fluidity to his roles in the Mortal Kombat franchise.
7. Brian Thompson – Shao Kahn
Brian Thompson played the villainous Shao Kahn in Mortal Kombat: Annihilation. With a background in Hapkido, Thompson’s martial arts expertise gave Shao Kahn a powerful, imposing presence that matched the character’s menacing demeanor.
8. Anthony Marquez – Kung Lao
Anthony Marquez was the digitized actor for Kung Lao in multiple Mortal Kombat video game entries. With his experience in Kung Fu, Marquez helped bring Kung Lao’s acrobatic and dynamic fighting style to life, adding depth to one of the franchise’s most agile and skilled fighters.
These martial artists, along with many others, played key roles in defining the Mortal Kombat franchise. They didn't just play the characters—they became them, delivering the kind of action that made Mortal Kombat the fighting legend it is today.
Their real-world combat skills, passion, and dedication helped turn this iconic series into a pop culture phenomenon that has everyone eager to "get over here" and dive into another round!