MORTAL KOMBAT was the poster child for cheesy brilliance when it released back in 1995. “Mortal Kombat: Legacy” was a real-world take on the Mortal Kombat mythos that managed to refrain from any cheese by taking the tone as far in the opposite direction as it could manage. And while some of the fun may have been lost in the process, the series’ hard-hitting action and dour atmosphere were enough to forgive a shift from the trademark dark humor of the video games sprung from the inherent absurdity of their premise.
And it was enough to score some solid numbers as well:”Legacy” has racked up more than 60 million views to date on Machinima, and was one of the most-watched web series in 2011. Which is more than enough reason for Warner Brothers to greenlight a sequel series from original co-writer/director Kevin Tancharoen– currently in production in LA, “Legacy 2” will see “Liu Kang and Ermac join the ranks of fighters introduced in the first season of the web series including Kenshi, Kung Lao, Kuai Lang, Stryker, Kitana, Mileena, Johnny Cage, Scorpion and Sub Zero. This new season will uncover the rivalries and histories of these fierce warriors as Raiden and his recruits clash against the dark forces of Outworld. The epic battle for Earthrealm has finally begun!”
“Fans are in for a real treat with the second season of Mortal Kombat: Legacy,” said Tancharoen about the sequel series. “With added visual effects and storylines that dive deeper into our warriors as they make their way to the tournament, we’re taking this series to a whole new level. I’m really looking forward to showing fans the first clip during the Streamy Awards on February 17.” One question currently going unanswered is just what this all means for the “Mortal Kombat” feature film Tancharoen was hired to spearhead (which saw the release of a lead character description back in the spring) – is he just wrapping up the web series first, or are there other issues holding it up and so he has turned to the “Legacy” series as a way of continuing his involvement with the property?
The cast for “Mortal Kombat: Legacy 2” includes “Harry Shum, Jr. (“Glee”) as the warlord adviser Kuai Liang, Casper Van Dien (SLEEPY HOLLOW) as martial arts film actor Johnny Cage, Brian Tee (THE WOLVERINE) as Shaolin Monk Liu Kang, Mark Dacascos (CRADLE 2 THE GRAVE) as Kung Lao – a close friend of Liu Kang, Ian Anthony Dale (HAWAII FIVE-O) returns as the resurrected ninja Scorpion, and reprising his role he made famous in the MORTAL KOMBAT theatrical release – Cary Tagawa as the powerful, arrogant sorcerer Shang Tsung.”
The series will air exclusively on Machinima sometime in the second quarter of 2013.