Video game films are always tricky to turn into both feature films or television series. Of course with the popularity of the games, it is no surprise that studios want to grow franchises. This is probably even harder with a franchise like Mortal Kombat. Where most of the interaction we get with the characters happens you are beating the hell out of your opponent. Also with fans having different opinions on their top characters, who would you choose to focus your film or series on?

These are some of the challenges that first-time director Simon McQuoid and his creative team had to take on when bringing back Mortal Kombat to the big screen. In this film, they take a smart approach and reintroduce us to the franchise from the eyes of a new character. They have also not attempted to cram the first film with as many of the characters as possible. With the two previous films usually used as joke references, we now have a solid base for what could be a great franchise. But in the end, fans have the final verdict.

Here is the synopsis for Mortal Kombat:

From New Line Cinema comes the explosive new cinematic adventure “Mortal Kombat,” inspired by the blockbuster video game franchise. Which most recently enjoyed the most successful video game launch in its history, Mortal Kombat 11.  The film is helmed by award-winning Australian commercial filmmaker Simon McQuoid. Marking his feature directorial debut. Produced by James Wan (“The Conjuring” universe films, “Aquaman,”), Todd Garner (“Into the Storm,” “Tag”), McQuoid and E. Bennett Walsh (“Men in Black: International,” “The Amazing Spider-Man 2”).  

In “Mortal Kombat,” MMA fighter Cole Young, accustomed to taking a beating for money, is unaware of his heritage—or why Outworld’s Emperor Shang Tsung has sent his best warrior, Sub-Zero, an otherworldly Cryomancer, to hunt Cole down.  Fearing for his family’s safety, Cole goes in search of Sonya Blade at the direction of Jax, a Special Forces Major who bears the same strange dragon marking Cole was born with.  Soon, he finds himself at the temple of Lord Raiden, an Elder God and the protector of Earthrealm, who grants sanctuary to those who bear the mark. 

Here, Cole trains with experienced warriors Liu Kang, Kung Lao and rogue mercenary Kano, as he prepares to stand with Earth’s greatest champions against the enemies of Outworld in a high-stakes battle for the universe.  But will Cole be pushed hard enough to unlock his arcana—the immense power from within his soul—in time to save not only his family but to stop Outworld once and for all?

ALSO SEE: SUB-ZERO VS SCORPION – THE FIRST SEVEN MINUTES OF MORTAL KOMABT

Ahead of its release LRM Online had the opportunity to talk with Simon McQuoid about the film. During our conversation, we talk about the reintroduction of the Mortal Kombat franchise through the eyes of Cole Young. We also talk about the art of storytelling through fight sequences. Then we wrap it up by talking about his thoughts on folks being able to see it in theaters. You can check out the full interview down below!

Mortal Kombat will hit theaters tomorrow April 23rd, as well as on HBO Max for 31 days.