MK Characters Who Should Have Their Own Spinoffs

Few fighting game series have a roster as rich with charismatic characters as Mortal Kombat. The series features a robust lore with a diverse cast of fighters, each with their own unique goals. It seems inevitable that Mortal Kombat will require spinoffs to further explore the many bold personalities within its universe.

Since Mortal Kombat movies must juggle such a large roster, some characters are bound to feel underdeveloped. Whether through a film or a series, several characters from the Mortal Kombat series deserve their own stories to truly do them justice.

10

Erron Black

Considering Erron Black is a human cowboy who has been roaming Outworld for decades as a gunslinging mercenary, he may need an entire movie to receive the proper exposition he deserves. He is one of the most popular characters who didn’t originate from the 16-bit era of Mortal Kombat, making him the best fit among the newer generation for an adaptation.

As one of the better anti-heroes in the Mortal Kombat series, Erron Black’s allegiance to himself provides the perfect backdrop for exploring Outworld’s underworld. His action scenes would be unique since he relies on firearms rather than martial arts, requiring more creativity in how his fights would be portrayed.

9

Raiden

Liu Kang’s ascension to deity status raises the question of how Raiden achieved a similar transformation. What was Raiden like during his time as a mortal? And if he was never mortal, what political turmoil did he face while overseeing the war between the six realms?

Like many stories based on Greek, Norse, and Egyptian gods, a Raiden spinoff could explore powerful personalities and subtle human-like flaws. Lesser-known characters such as Shinnok, Fujin, and Argus could play a larger role, adding depth to the story.

8

Shang Tsung

The glue holding the Mortal Kombat movie together is Shang Tsung. He holds an interesting position in the universe as an influential sorcerer in Outworld, though he is clearly not at the very top, as that role belongs to Shao Kahn.

Shang Tsung has been a relatively loyal soldier so far, but given his ambitions in games like Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance, it is clear that his only true loyalty is to himself. His backstage dealings and rise to power would make for a compelling story.

7

Kano

Turning Kano into an anti-hero might be challenging, but the foundation is there if the creators choose to take that direction. Kano was a standout in the Mortal Kombat movie and is expected to return.

A Kano spinoff could explore either his past or his future. He has a history with Kabal while frequently clashing with Sonya Blade and Jax. Alternatively, a series could focus on the misadventures of Kano and Erron Black, two humans navigating the dangers of Outworld.

6

Shao Khan

The main villain of the Mortal Kombat series has a long and storied history. There was a time when Shao Kahn was not yet the emperor of Outworld and instead served another ruler, Onaga. Onaga was so powerful that even Shao Kahn feared facing him directly in battle.

A spinoff centered on Shao Kahn could explore his rise to power as he overthrows Onaga and claims the throne of Outworld. His relationships with characters like Jade, Kitana, and Raiden could also serve as a lens to examine the political dynamics within the Mortal Kombat universe.

5

Johnny Cage

Mortal Kombat is usually grim and gory, but Johnny Cage has always been a character who brings a lighter tone. Karl Urban has established himself as a successful actor, proving he can lead great movies and shows such as Dredd and The Boys. A film featuring Johnny Cage caught up in movie industry hijinks while also taking down bad guys could deliver a mix of campy, over-the-top action and brutal violence.

Johnny Cage has strong chemistry with characters like Sonya Blade, Jax, and his daughter, Cassie Cage. A movie or series about a martial arts actor trying to establish his street credibility practically writes itself.

4

The Great Kung Lao

Kung Lao is often seen as a companion or sidekick to Liu Kang. While he is a popular character, he is actually a descendant of another warrior named Kung Lao from many generations ago.

The last champion of Earthrealm before Liu Kang was the Great Kung Lao. He defeated Shang Tsung in a duel but ultimately fell to Goro, the next champion. A prequel set ten generations earlier could explore Earthrealm and the six realms while introducing new characters and younger versions of familiar ones.

3

Sub Zero

Otherwise known as Bi-Han, Sub-Zero has long been considered a strong candidate for a spinoff. His deep lore and connections to various characters provide flexibility in the direction a story could take, with his clan’s long-standing rivalry with Scorpion being the most natural focus.

Alternatively, after Bi-Han’s death, his younger brother takes up the mantle of Sub-Zero. A spinoff could explore the new Sub-Zero’s journey while still acknowledging the original by introducing Noob Saibot, the Netherrealm resurrection of Bi-Han.

2

Scorpion

Although Scorpion is not the protagonist of the Mortal Kombat games or movies, he remains the series’ most popular character. As a vengeful spirit, he is often seeking revenge against Sub-Zero for murdering him when he was still human, known as Hanzo Hasashi.

A Scorpion spinoff could further develop his rivalry with Sub-Zero without diverting focus from the mainline films. Since he exists as a spectral warrior, his story could also explore the depths of the Netherrealm, featuring battles against other supernatural beings such as Noob Saibot and Ermac.

1

Shaolin Monks

One of the most underrated spinoff games was Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks, an action-adventure title featuring Liu Kang and Kung Lao battling Outworld’s invaders. Mortal Kombat (2021) differs from previous adaptations in that the protagonist is Cole Young, leaving Liu Kang without the level of development longtime fans were accustomed to.

With Liu Kang and Kung Lao’s roles evolving significantly after the events of Mortal Kombat, a prequel exploring their training, growth as warriors, and the deep bond they share would be well justified.