Mortal Kombat games are known for having over-the-top fatalities and iconic characters. The new reboot of Mortal Kombat in theaters and HBO Max is no different. Over the many games, the characters have gone through many designs and skins that only enhance the unforgettable personalities of the heroes and villains.
The new movie features many characters and each actor puts their own unique stamp. They also get to wear outlandish costumes that match the character's look to the game while reinventing them for this new take on the Mortal Kombat timeline. Every character looks great but some stand out more than others.
Kano
Very quickly, Kano became one of the best characters for audiences due to his vile nature combined with Josh Lawson's excellent comedic improvisation. In terms of looks, Josh Lawson certainly got a solid starter outfit for Kano.
Sadly, he never dons the famous cybernetic plate or eye, that seems to be saved for the sequel. Still, he has the rugged criminal look about him with the vest. There is also a nice touch with the bandolier on his chest similar to the games. There is even a buckle where the famous chest piece would go.
Shang Tsung
Old and new mix wonderfully in this costume worn by Chin Han. Shang Tsung wears long robes similar to the first game, intricately designed armor pieces somewhat reminiscent of Mortal Kombat 11, and features an all-black color scheme with long hair à la Cary Hiroyuki-Tagawa's Shang Tsung from the 1995 movie.
The only downfall of this costume is it doesn't appear enough. Hopefully, it's seen more in action in the sequel because it has a lot of details that are wasted in only a few minutes of screentime.
Liu Kang (White Tunic)
Throughout Mortal Kombat, Liu Kang is given three different looks - skins if you will - including the classic shirtless design seen in the original. When the Earthrealm fighters first meet him, he is wearing a black and red tunic slightly reminiscent of Mortal Kombat 9.
The final costume Ludi Lin wears in the climax is the best. With a white tunic, black pants, and iconic red headband, he looks like Liu Kang in every way. Even the way he gets the headband actually has importance to the character and gives more meaning to the cosmetic.
Raiden (Robed)
Raiden has two different looks in the reboot. The first is a more streamlined look that looks more for fighting. It's a nice design but lacks in comparison to his alternate look. Tadanobu Asano makes quite the presence when he arrives wearing dark blue robes and armor which clash perfectly with his metallic conical hat.
This design is best shown when Raiden and Shang Tsung confront each other towards the end. It's in this scene that Asano really gets to shine as Raiden, providing an imposing figure as Earthrealm's protector. If given more time on screen and the same looks? Asano could become as iconic of a Raiden as Richard Epcar.
Jax (Bionic Arms)
Mehcad Brooks already looked perfect as Jax when he first arrives as a regular human. One look at him and it was Jax straight out of the many Mortal Kombat games of the past. However, after Sub-Zero shatters his arms clean off thus forcing him to have prosthetics, every fan knows what's coming.
In the third act, Jax unlocks his arcana which gifts him with his signature bionic arms. Throughout the climax, he sports a shirtless look with dark pants similar to his Mortal Kombat 3 design. The arms themselves look like alternate arms to unlock in Mortal Kombat 11. A perfect live-action Jax.
Cole Young (Arcana)
With the others, bringing their iconic looks to the big screen was the easier job. The filmmakers had the real challenge of giving the newcomer Cole Young a design that was unique to him but belonged in Mortal Kombat. Fortunately, they pulled it off when Cole Young discovers his arcana.
It creates golden armor and tonfas that Lewis Tan sports beautifully. The look mixes armor and organic aesthetic, giving Cole Young a look that is not only great but matches his character. The armor takes damage which Cole can use to generate strength to enhance his weapons, tying into his origin as a fighter accustomed to taking a beating.
Kung Lao
Much like Shang Tsung, this is a look that takes from all the Kung Lao looks in the past. There are elements of Mortal Kombat II, Mortal Kombat 3, Shaolin Monks, Mortal Kombat 9, and Mortal Kombat 11. All merged perfectly for a suit that Max Huang wore to become a Kung Lao that stole the show.
Of course, Kung Lao wears one of the most iconic weapons in Mortal Kombat history: the razor-rimmed hat. The hat is taken right out of the games and plays into Kung Lao's combat, which is essential in pulling off Kung Lao. That hat also has a detail that plays into Liu Kang's story; a nice touch.
Scorpion
Scorpion himself doesn't have the largest role in the movie but when he does show up, Hiroyuki Sanda earns the title of the definitive live-action Scorpion. Not only does he give a great performance but his look is unique to this portrayal but still familiar enough to remain iconic.
The armor pieces and hakama mix old Japanese warfare with the famous ninja look that fans are used to. At first, it does look a bit different but the longer it's on-screen, Scorpion's design showcases so much detail and care that it gets better and better. The design is actually at its best when Scorpion performs one of the best fatalities in the film.
Sub-Zero
In this reboot, Sub-Zero was portrayed as more villainous than ever rivaling the likes of the T-1000 from Terminator 2: Judgment Day. Not only is this thanks to Joe Taslim's haunting performance but the scarier costume he had to wear.
Similar to Scorpion, the Sub-Zero costume is familiar but fresh. The mask, the armor pieces, and even his cowl have so much detail that it's impossible to not admire. A great detail comes in the climax is went he removes the armor, revealing a slimmer black uniform thus hinting at him becoming Noob Saibot in the future.
Kabal
Surprisingly, the best costume does not go to a central character. Instead, it goes to one of Outworld's fighters: the evil speedster known as Kabal. Daniel Nelson embodies Kabal perfectly as the physical performance; his body language combined with the suit and Damon Herriman's voice make him another standout.
The mask, hook swords, burnt skin, red eyes, tattered jacket, little details like Stryker's badge on his person, and the look of his speedster powers really surprised fans. While all the costumes in this reboot deserve to be added, most agree that Kabal's skin deserves to be in Mortal Kombat 11 the most.