It’s Official…New MORTAL KOMBAT Movie Is Definitely R18+!
When news broke late last month that the James Wan produced MORTAL KOMBAT feature had received an <R>18+ rating by the Aussie classification board, we assumed that the film would likely be resubmitted with a slightly toned version to get an [MA]15+ but nope, we’ve confirmed today with the Australian distributor Universal Pictures that the film will remain in tact and will be <R>18+.
Originally due for release locally on April 15th (and in the US on April 16th), MORTAL KOMBAT was moved back a week to April 22nd at the eleventh hour and we had feared it was due to some quick cuts to secure a softer rating but now we can rest easy that next week we’ll be seeing as it were meant to be seen.
Helmed by award-winning Australian commercial filmmaker and first-time feature filmmaker Simon McQuoid, this incarnation of the video game to feature is the third theatrical release following 1995’s MORTAL KOMBAT and 97’s MORTAL KOMBAT: ANNIHILATION.
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 diverse international cast reflects the global nature of the brand, with talent spanning the worlds of film, television and martial arts. The ensemble includes Lewis Tan (DEADPOOL 2) as Cole Young; Jessica McNamee (THE MEG) as Sonya Blade; Josh Lawson (BOMBSHELL) as Kano; Tadanobu Asano (MIDWAY) as Lord Raiden; Mehcad Brooks (TV’s SUPERGIRL) as Jackson “Jax” Bridges; Ludi Lin (AQUAMAN) as Liu Kang; with Chin Han (SKYSCRAPER) as Shang Tsung; Joe Taslim (STAR TREK: BEYOND) as Bi-Han and Sub-Zero; and Hiroyuki Sanada (SKYSCRAPER) as Hanzo Hasashi and Scorpion. Also featured are Max Huang as Kung Lao; Sisi Stringer as Mileena; Matilda Kimber as Emily Young; and Laura Brent as Allison Young.
McQuoid directed from a screenplay by Greg Russo and Dave Callaham (WONDER WOMAN 1984), from a story by Oren Uziel (MORTAL KOMBAT: REBIRTH).
Here’s a breakdown of the classification specifics…note the strange ‘moderate impact’ sex.
