A new line of Mortal Kombat Funko Pops has been revealed for a tie-in release with the upcoming live-action reboot. The film will bring fan-favorite characters like Scorpion (Hiroyuki Sanada), Sub-Zero (Joe Taslim), Liu Kang (Ludi Lin), Raiden (Tadanobu Asano), Sonya Blade (Jessica McNamee) and Jax (Mehcad Brooks) back to the big screen for the first time since 1997’s critically-panned Mortal Kombat: Annihilation. The new Mortal Kombat is slated for release in theaters and on HBO Max on April 16.
The Mortal Kombat franchise is a video game series first and foremost, but those games have spawned a bevy of associated media and merchandise over the past three decades. From films and TV shows to toys and the iconic techno song from the 1995 film, Mortal Kombat has carved a niche for itself in many areas of pop culture. As the series returns to live action with the upcoming reboot from director Simon McQuoid, the Mortal Kombat brand could be about to see a huge resurgence.
As a tie-in with the new movie, Funko is releasing a new line of Mortal Kombat Pop figures, per ComicBook. The list includes Sonya Blade (brandishing her purple arm lasers), Scorpion (masked or unmasked), Sub Zero (ice sword at the ready), and Cole Young (in his newly-revealed battle outfit). Obviously, a lot of characters from the film’s expansive cast have been left out, but perhaps collectors can cross their fingers for more if Mortal Kombat does well upon release.
Mortal Kombat’s live-action ensemble pulls primarily from the first two arcade games, though Mortal Kombat 3’s Kabal will also appear as a fighter representing Outworld. The biggest absence in the cast as it stands is fan-favorite action movie star, Johnny Cage, though producer Todd Garner has given a good explanation for why Cage wasn’t included. Garner has said that he wants to be bring Cage back in, however, if a Mortal Kombat 2 happens.
Cole Young (Lewis Tan) is the one big newcomer for the Mortal Kombat reboot, and his introduction has brought with it a number of mysteries for fans to puzzle over. Cole’s true identity has been a matter of debate, with some believing he has blood ties to either Scorpion or Sub-Zero. As the main protagonist of the new film, he’ll surely have some larger connections to the franchise lore than has yet been revealed. Mortal Kombat releases in theaters and for streaming on HBO Max on April 16.
Source: ComicBook