Last month NetherRealm Studios and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment unleashed Mortal Kombat 11, the latest chapter in the long-running video game series that's been snapping spines and decapitating heads since October of 1992. The newest iteration of the series serves as an endcap for the franchise's latest trilogy – comprised of Mortal Kombat 9, Mortal Kombat X, and Mortal Kombat 11. NetherRealm's latest blood-soaked tournament of champions features a new villian, Kronika, the Keeper of Time, Architect of the Destiny of the Universe and mother of Shinnok. Upon entering the tournament, Kronika uses her powers to manipulate time, changing events of both the future and the past to suit her own means. Her powers are a versatile story mechanic to be sure, as it gives NetherRealm Carte blanche to rewrite their own history. With all of this in mind, one has to wonder if Kronika will play a role in the upcoming James Wan-produced MORTAL KOMBAT film project, which we've recently learned is gearing up to film in Adelaide, South Australia later this year, says the Premier of South Australia Steven Marshall.
Producing alongside Wan is Todd Garner (ISN'T IT ROMANTIC, TAG), Larry Kasanoff (MORTAL KOMBAT, TRUE LIES), E. Bennett Walsh (MEN IN BLACK: INTERNATIONAL), Michael Clear (LIGHTS OUT, THE NUN), with Sean Robins (TAG, PLAYING WITH FIRE) executive producing.
“South Australia has a long and successful tradition of feature film making and Mortal Kombat will showcase our production skills to the world,” said Premier Steven Marshall when referring to the production creating 580 jobs and employing 1,500 extras. Hosting the feature will also net the area AUD $70 million in investments.
Steven Marshall then continued: “Mortal Kombat will be the largest film production in South Australia’s history and highlights the importance of engaging with the world’s major production houses. The State Government’s investment in Mortal Kombat will enhance the scope and reach of our production and post production capabilities, bringing the promise of fantastic new jobs for the local film industry.”
James Wan then lent his enthusiasm to the endeavor by saying: “I’m really happy and excited to be bringing another show back to Australia with Mortal Kombat, especially after having such a great experience filming Aquaman. Now we get to experience South Australia with its scenic locations and a wealth of artistic talent to work with. It will be perfectly suited for this fantasy-action project.”
Coincidently, Simon McQuoid, who is set to make his directorial debut with Wan's MORTAL KOMBAT, was an Adelaide resident for much of his early career. As we've learned from filmmakers like Kevin Smith in the past, there's a certain level of pride that comes with filming in your own backyard.
“Having lived in Adelaide early in my career, I am thrilled to be back in South Australia to make my directorial debut with Mortal Kombat," said McQuoid. "We need many different elements for its success and have found them all right here—the uniquely beautiful landscapes, the outstanding world-class stage facilities and VFX houses, and the brilliant artists and technicians from across the film-making community. I’m grateful to the Premier and people of South Australia for having us, we’re all very excited to be here.”
One can only hope that Wan and McQuoid's MORTAL KOMBAT will receive a hard R-rating for violence, grisly images, language, and everything else that sets the Mortal Kombat franchise apart from its competitors in the Fighting game genre. I would think that with his knack for horror that James Wan will serve as a fine overseer for McQuoid, who I'm certain has his own great ideas as well. Who knows? With their powers combined, we could be getting a legit MORTAL KOMBAT reboot sometime next year.
FATALITY!