Yes, I’m a little triggered. But in a good way.
Thanks in large part to the tenacious Mortal Kombat fans on Twitter, screenwriter Greg Russo breathed new life in the long-awaited reboot of the classic gory tournamemt fighting game, confirming that fighting character Kabal would be in it. (You can read Russo’s reply to the fan account by opening the tweet).
Who’s getting excited? I know I am. #MK #MortalKombat pic.twitter.com/aGTAtuW1Ar
— Greg Russo (@WriterRusso) February 4, 2019
As game lore has it, Kabal, a former member of Kano’s Black Dragon outfit, was introduced in part three of the then-Midway-owned franchise, and was once partner to NYPD Special Riot Control officer Kurtis Stryker. Prior to surviving on a respirator with a mask to hide his horrific disformed face, Kabal was ambushed during Earth’s invasion, rendering him disfigured and near death. He’s since been imbued with powers of his own due to exposure to Netherealm’s magic and sorcery-induced environment, granting him superhuman speed and strength in addition to summoning sharp weapons to bookend his fighting and killing prowess.
The news is especially welcome for gamers waiting for the release of Mortal Kombat 11 in April, and not for nothing either for the fans who’ve waited with baited breath every year since 2011 for a cinematic revival with an empassioned Kevin Tancharoen at the helm. Warner Digital’s 2-season Mortal Kombat: Legacy webseries left quite the bitter after taste as well after 2013 and with Simon McQuoid set to direct, I’d say the pressure is pretty high despite some skepticism from fans.
Aquaman helmer James Wan is producing the film through his Atomic Monster banner, and as such, is debunking any and all rumors to the matter until he himself or the trades announce the official pre-production details going forward. That being said, Russo’s post offers plenty of reason to exhale, and at least for now, for fans of the aforementioned character central to this report.
You can read more about this at MK Online.