Scorpion Has Never Looked Cooler Than In Mortal Kombat 2, But There Is A Big Problem With Hanzo’s Return From The Dead

Scorpion has never looked better than he does in Mortal Kombat 2, but the character’s return may run into a similar problem as the first movie. Mortal Kombat 2‘s story is expected to follow from where the first left off, with Earthrealm’s champions seeking out more fighters to compete in the тιтular tournament. The first looks at Mortal Kombat 2 showcase some of the characters that are set to face off with one another, be it Karl Urban’s Johnny Cage or Adeline Rudolph’s Kitana.

Another character highlighted is Hiroyuki Sanada’s Scorpion, aka Hanzo Hasashi. Despite Hanzo seemingly pᴀssing on in 2021’s movie, ᴅᴇᴀᴅ characters are expected to return in Mortal Kombat 2, including the likes of Kano. Where Scorpion is concerned, some details about his role in the upcoming sequel have been provided alongside the first image of his character. Despite Scorpion looking better than ever before, I worry that a characterization issue from the first movie will resurface in Mortal Kombat 2.

Scorpion Might Not Have Too Big Of A Role In Mortal Kombat 2

According To The Film’s Creative Team

Scorpion holding his chains in the Netherrealm in Mortal Kombat 2 (2025)

In the coverage from Entertainment Weekly that offered the first look at Mortal Kombat 2, director Simon McQuoid and franchise creator Ed Boon spoke about what to expect from the upcoming sequel. One element that was confirmed regarding Scorpion is that his role may not be as central to the narrative as it was in 2021’s Mortal Kombat, but that his brief appearances still have consequences. Concerning the latter part, Boon stated: “He’s [Scorpion] certainly making appearances that are significant and necessary for the progress of other storylines…”

However, in terms of Scorpion’s wider role, Boon went on to clarify that he is not part of the central team of the film. His role seems to be more of a wildcard, akin to how he was utilized in the first movie. This is all but confirmed by Boon, who insists “He plays a different role. He’s not part of the ‘Super Friends’ trying to defeat Shao Kahn…” Regardless, Boon at least confirms that Scorpion’s appearance in Mortal Kombat 2 is key and essential to the movie at different points.

Sidelining Scorpion Again In Mortal Kombat 2 Would Be A Huge Mistake

The First Movie Used Scorpion To Bookend The Story

Hiroyuki Sanada as Hanzo Hasashi/Scorpion alongside Sub-Zero from Mortal Kombat 2021

While this sounds cool and the visual design of Scorpion in Mortal Kombat 2 is as strong as ever, I am worried that the film will sideline him again as its predecessor did. Scorpion is one of the best Mortal Kombat fighters and could easily be folded into the story as a main character, but the first movie was content to utilize him as a bookend. Although his appearances at the beginning and end of 2021’s Mortal Kombat were consequential, important, and exciting, it was still a shame to see him used so sparingly.

After Boon’s comments about Mortal Kombat 2, it seems as though Scorpion will suffer a similar fate in the 2025 movie. If this is the case, I am certain it would be a mistake. I admit that the Mortal Kombat franchise needs to keep a тιԍнт focus narratively rather than lose itself in the endless roster of characters the games have, but many would agree that Scorpion should be one of the characters who has a central role. Instead, Mortal Kombat 2 is seemingly using the character as its predecessor did, which may prove to be a mistake.