Mortal Kombat: Max Huang shares new photo of Kung Lao in action

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

When Simon McQuoid's R-rated reboot of Mortal Kombat enters the arena, it could change the way people think about video game adaptations. Not only is the movie bound to be brutal, but it also stands to do wonders for representation in Hollywood blockbusters. One actor who's likely to do some damage in the film is Max Huang, who plays the former Shaolin Monk and member of the White Lotus, Kung Lao. Huang recently shared a new photo of his iconic character, in which he looks poised and ready to throw his razor-sharp hat.

When I visited the set of Mortal Kombat, I got to hear Huang speak passionately about the character.

"I started my training with Wushu. I went to competitions and then became a professional Wushu athlete while representing the German national team. That’s my main style. Kung Lao fights using Weng Chun. They’re both styles of Kung Fu but they’re different. I actually started in Weng Chun for about a year of intensive training. It helped a lot. We also have a great instructor, Nino [Pilla]. I picked up some stuff from him. It’s worked out really great."

During our chat, Huang also talked about his journey toward becoming Kung Lao, including how he could bring the character to the next level.

"Right after I got the part, I went into training and research. I looked at all the footage of the game and all the fatalities, brutalities that were out there. I was just like, okay, there's so much content that I can include and work with, but then also adding my own kind of flavor to it. I actually made a hat out of cardboard and stood in front of the mirror. Wow. The character's already so cool, but can you do more with that? How can you do to the next level of portraying Kung Lao?"

Early in the casting process, Huang auditioned for the part of Liu Kang. However, after the part was given to Ludi Lin, Huang was offered the role of Kung Lao. Both characters are legends in their own right, and fans had best prepare themselves for some intense on-screen chemistry between both actors.

In talking more about becoming Kung Lao, Huang elaborated on what it was like to wield the character's iconic hat.

"It was great because they actually flew me out to New Zealand just for the hat fitting. Once I was holding the hat, the real hat in my hand — I mean it was pretty heavy. A cardboard hat is quite light, you know? I got to do a lot of moves with it. But okay, then you get the heavy hat and it's quite different."

While working with the hat might be difficult, I do not doubt that Huang mastered the weapon before stepping in front of the camera. In fact, while walking the set that day, it was obvious that everyone was giving all they have to their respective roles.

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?

The film is helmed by award-winning Australian commercial filmmaker Simon McQuoid, marking his feature directorial debut, and 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).

Like many Mortal Kombat fans, I can't wait to see the movie on April 16th. Trust me when I tell you that it's going to be a bloodbath and the most legit representation of the famed franchise that has ever come along.