Earlier this year, Warner Bros. finally announced that the name of Lewis Tan’s mystery Mortal Kombat character is Cole Young, a new addition to the universe created specifically for the upcoming big-screen reboot. The reveal prompted a mixed reaction from longtime MK fans, many of whom feel that introducing a new protagonist is unnecessary given the franchise’s already expansive cast of fighters. Regardless, Tan remains undeterred by the controversy. In fact, he even has a few good reasons for the character’s inclusion.
Unlike many other Mortal Kombat fixtures, Cole doesn’t have any cybernetic enhancements or mystical superpowers. He’s just an average, ordinary human who happens to know his way around a cage match. The film’s story also pays special attention to Cole’s personal struggles. According to Tan, this makes him more relatable as a character.
“He’s a cool character because he’s a grounded entry point into the story,” Tan recently told Nerdist. “He’s down on his luck, he’s a father, he’s a husband. But he’s a man who’s kind of missed his opportunity and his time. And I think that’s a really interesting character to play. So that’s where he’s coming from. He’s a martial artist and he’s very capable, but he just never got his shot. And that’s where he starts out. And so he became intertwined with the Mortal Kombat world.”
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Tan went on to explain how Cole’s presence works to the benefit of moviegoers who might not be familiar with the original Mortal Kombat video games.
“I think it’s a really interesting way to show audiences that don’t know the game a new perspective,” added Tan. “It’s also good to create a cinematic experience that’s going to honor the game and what people are used to but also give them something fresh and new when they go to the theaters and watch it. So that’s what I like about the character. But it’s a tricky character to play because there’s a lot of pressure because there’s not an established fan base.”
Tan isn’t the only one talking up Mortal Kombat ahead of its premiere. Director Simon McQuoid is also currently hyping the amount of blood and gore that fans can expect when the movie drops next month. During a set visit conducted in 2019, Collider caught up with McQuoid to discuss the reboot’s action sequences. If he’s to be believed, viewers will see “the best fights that have ever been on film.”
Mortal Kombat hits theaters and HBO Max on April 16.
Are you looking forward to seeing Tan’s character in action? Let us know in the comment section below!
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