After several reports and some heavy hints from the co-creator of Mortal Kombat himself, Ed Boon, it would seem that the developers that create the massive Mortal Kombat franchise and Injustice games are swapping franchises. They're shifting gears from a DC fighting game with Injustice to a rumored Marvel title, which has many fans excited.
Obviously, this has many speculating as to which characters will appear on the roster. There are the obvious players such as Iron Man, Black Widow, and Thor who are essentially guaranteed. Meanwhile, other heroes and villains ranging from iconic to obscure would fit into Netherrealm Studios' style perfectly.
Gambit
The X-Men have had many video game appearances in the past. However, recent years have not been kind to Marvel's mutants with their return in Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 3 being celebrated. Many X-Men fit well into fighting games of the past, so why not Netherrealm's game?
This is where Gambit comes in. There are not enough staff wielders in their titles, even Raiden's staff is only a portion of his gameplay. With Gambit, the staff could fit well within a gear system, allow for unique gameplay, and give a fan-favorite X-Men member a chance to shine.
Mystique
Raven Darkholme AKA Mystique could borrow from Mortal Kombat's Shang Tsung. Shapeshifting abilities allow her to take on the form of other characters and gain their special attacks. One second she could be fighting like Black Widow, and another second be performing Winter Soldier's knife combat.
This would make Mystique visually stunning to play as, but could also affect her gear. Since she can form any clothes she wants, players could potentially have her base form wearing a Punisher outfit or Doctor Doom's hood. Add some weapons, and Mystique could end up being a tournament regular.
She-Hulk
While the Hulk may appear, with the Disney+ She-Hulk series on the way, adding her to the fighting game would make for the perfect promotion. Plus, in recent years, She-Hulk has become a beloved character that rivals her cousin.
Most Injustice and Mortal Kombat titles have a few tank characters, but rarely are they female. She-Hulk could make for an interesting change, mixing Sonya Blade-esque combat with the power of Bane. Plus her dialogue could put Johnny Cage to shame and turn her into a meme queen.
Absorbing Man
Imagine a special move that provides different pros and cons. Absorbing Man turns metal, giving him armor but reducing his movements. Rock gives him enhanced damage, but makes him more susceptible to damage. There could be a lot of combat variety with the Absorbing Man.
Similar to Scarecrow from Injustice 2, Absorbing Man could be the surprise appearance that everyone doubts. However, the final product could turn him into a top-tier character for fans.
Daredevil
Need much be said? For a fighting game, having a martial artist character seems like a no-brainer. With Daredevil's escrima, horned helmet, and entire suit: Netherrealm could go all out with him. As a bonus, Troy Baker, who has voiced many Marvel and DC characters, has wanted to play Daredevil for years.
It's easy to imagine his combat as a mix of Kenshi with a hint of Nightwing. Add some unique special abilities featuring his enhanced senses and brutality, Daredevil could easily be a regular for every game.
Bullseye
Since the chances of Netflix's Daredevil having a fourth season are seemingly zero, exploring the rivalry between Bullseye and Daredevil in video game form might be the best equivalent. Bullseye also fits the typical Netherrealm pattern of having at least one gunslinger/overpowered zoner character; Deadshot, Deathstroke, and Erron Black for example.
Bullseye is also a character Netherrealm could experiment with to create a much-needed update to the character's design. Of course, have the option for creating a classic Bullseye through the gear system too.
Spider-Man
The legal issues with Sony might make Spider-Man into an exclusive for PlayStation 5 users, just like the Spider-Man DLC for Marvel's Avengers. There are still plenty of Marvel heroes, but so many will be asking for the Web-Head, especially with the hype of the Insomniac games and new Spider-Verse movies.
Spider-Man could allow the return of the Premier Skins from Injustice 2. This could allow for Spider-Man to turn into Miles Morales, Spider-Man 2099, Scarlet Spider, Superior Spider-Man, and more. The character could provide unique dialogue and customization, along with expanding the roster without needing to waste roster slots.
Venom
There are many Spider-Man villains to choose from, but the most iconic is Venom. Just the gameplay potential for his combos and special moves are enough to warrant his inclusion. His tendril abilities, brute force, other symbiote abilities, and brain-eating fatalities will make him a fan favorite.
That's not even factoring in the many gear options Venom could have, his many color shaders, and possibly Premier Skins to turn him into his main rival Carnage, Agent Venom, or even Riot.
Captain America (Sam Wilson)
With Anthony Mackie's Captain America getting his own movie, having the Sam Wilson version of Cap in the games makes sense. Plus, those that prefer Steve Rogers could likely get him through Premier Skins: same for U.S. Agent, Bucky Barnes, or Peggy Carter's Captain Britain.
In terms of gameplay, Captain America could provide a solid brawler character with some decent keep-away moves featuring the vibranium shield. Add extra weapons such as pistols and Sam Wilson's wings, and Captain America has the makings of a solid character for all styles of gameplay.
The Winter Soldier
Bucky Barnes has garnered quite the following after Sebastian Stan's portrayal. So, it would make sense to capitalize on the hype surrounding the character. Plus, his combat style could work as its own slot due to his mastery of firearms, knives, and his metal arm.
To go along with this, Winter Soldier could fit as a hero or villain depending on what story Netherrealm goes with. His gear options seem pretty obvious too: the metal arm, his guns, mask, etc.