The legendary rivalry between Scorpion and Sub-Zero is set to continue throughout Mortal Kombat 2, with the original game’s co-creator offering insight into the former’s role in the upcoming sequel. Based on the hit video game franchise of the same name, 2021’s Mortal Kombat reboot first introduced Shōgun’s Hiroyuki Sanada as Hanzo Hasashi, a warrior of the Shirai Ryu clan in feudal Japan who was killed by a rival clan member, Bi-Han (Sub-Zero). Following his death, Hanzo’s soul was condemned to the Netherrealm, where his desire for vengeance saw him transform into the Hellfire-wielding Scorpion.

Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Mortal Kombat co-creator Ed Boon discusses Scorpion’s return, and teases what audiences can expect from the character in the sequel. Suggesting that while Sanada’s Scorpion will not be part of the core team battling Shao Kahn (Martyn Ford), he will be making key appearances that will significantly impact the movie’s ᴀssorted storylines. Check out his comments below:

He’s certainly making appearances that are significant and necessary for the progress of other storylines. He plays a different role. He’s not part of the ‘Super Friends’ trying to defeat Shao Kahn, but his appearance is key and it is very essential for certain parts.

What Boon’s Comments Mean For Mortal Kombat 2

The New Cast Additions Will Be Competing For Screen Time

From what we already know about Mortal Kombat 2’s cast lineup, the franchise’s next installment will introduce a much longer list of game characters than those featured in the 2021 movie. Aside from the highly anticipated introduction of Shao Khan and Karl Urban’s Johnny Cage, the forthcoming sequel will also feature appearances from Kitana, Jade, Queen Sindel and Quan Chi. While these new cast additions will significantly expand upon the first movie’s lore, it is also likely their inclusion may directly impact the amount of screen time that the already established characters will receive.

With Boon confirming that Sanada’s Scorpion will not be among the new movie’s core group of heroes, his character will likely be used sparingly throughout. Nonetheless, his appearance will still likely be connected to the return of Joe Talsim’s Sub-Zero, with many fan theories expecting the sequel to follow the character’s in-game resurrection arc as Noob Saibot. Though, exactly how the Scorpion/Sub-Zero rivalry will continue to play out in Mortal Kombat 2 remains to be seen.

Our Thoughts On Scorpion’s Mortal Kombat 2 Role

It Would Be Folly To Leave The Two Iconic Rivals Out

As the two most recognizable characters from the games, it would be folly to attempt to make a movie adaptation that did not feature Scorpion and Sub-Zero in some capacity. Even with the first movie showing Hanzo Hasashi exacting his vengeance on his nemesis, all signs point to the pair’s conflict continuing into Mortal Kombat 2, and possibly beyond. Thankfully, Boon’s comments suggest that Scorpion’s character will continue to have a significant impact on the new movie, even if his character will not be a major part of the central plot.

Source: EW