Mortal Kombat, a franchise birthed in the arcades of 1992, has left an incredible–and definitely bloody–mark on the gaming world and popular culture. With its iconic fatalities and over-the-top violence, Mortal Kombat has had a major impact on the martial arts world, inspiring awe in many future practitioners and influencing the way martial arts are perceived and practiced.
One of the significant ways Mortal Kombat has influenced pop culture is through its portrayal of various fighting styles. The franchise has featured characters from a wide range of martial arts disciplines, including chuo jiao, pencak silat, Shotokan karate, hapkido, muay Thai, ninjutsu, and even sumo wrestling.
By showcasing these different styles, Mortal Kombat has helped to increase awareness and appreciation for the diversity of martial arts traditions.
Of course, none of this diversity would be possible without the incredible performers who helped the Mortal Kombat characters kick ass. Several real-life martial artists have contributed to the Mortal Kombat franchise, lending their expertise and authenticity to the characters as they appear in various media.
To name just a few:
Noah Fleder - A martial artist who provided motion capture for characters like Kenshi Takahashi and others in the latest game, Mortal Kombat 1.
Daniel Pesina - Known for his roles as Johnny Cage and other characters in the original Mortal Kombat games, he is a skilled martial artist with training in various disciplines.
Linden Ashby - While primarily an actor, Ashby, who portrayed Johnny Cage in the 1995 film adaptation, has martial arts training that informed his performance.
Robin Shou - He played Liu Kang in the 1995 film and its sequel, bringing his extensive martial arts background to the role.
J.J. Perry - Now a well known American action director, martial artist J.J. Perry did stunt work for the Mortal Kombat film adaptations.
Mortal Kombat's legacy extends far beyond its video games and films. The franchise has inspired countless other media, including comic books, novels, and even a live-action web series. Its impact on popular culture can still be felt today, as new generations of fans continue to discover and appreciate the franchise's unique blend of violence, macabre humor, and martial arts skills.
I mean, who doesn’t still smile big when they hear Scorpion call out his iconic “get over here!” line.
It can’t be stated enough: Mortal Kombat has had a profound impact on the martial arts and the world as a whole.
The Franchise's Many Incarnations
Here are just a few of the key incarnations of the franchise:
Video Games
Arcade Games: The series began in arcades, with the original Mortal Kombat and its first few sequels.
Console Games: Mortal Kombat has been ported to numerous home consoles, including the Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, and PlayStation. The series has even crossed over with other IPs, such as in Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe.
Films/Television
Mortal Kombat (1995): The live-action film adaptation, starring Robin Shou as Liu Kang and Christopher Lambert as Raiden.
Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (1997): A sequel to the original film.
Mortal Kombat (2021): A reboot of the franchise, directed by Simon McQuoid.
Mortal Kombat: The Journey Begins (1995): An animated film that serves as a prequel to the 1995 film.
Mortal Kombat: Conquest (1998-1999): A live-action television series.
Comics
Mortal Kombat comics: The franchise has been adapted into comic book form by various publishers, including Malibu Comics and DC Comics.
Other Media
Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm (1998-1999): An animated series that aired on USA Network.
Mortal Kombat: Legacy (2011): A web series that explores the origins of various Mortal Kombat characters.