Exclusive: In one of the first big spec sales following the resolution of the WGA strike, Ben Ketai’s script Undying has sold to Netflix for development under its first-look feature deal with Shawn Levy’s 21 Laps.
Deadline hears that the deal was for mid-six against seven figures. 21 Laps brought the project in to Netflix, and Levy, Dan Cohen, and Dan Levine are set to produce for the company, with Moera Ainai overseeing. Ketai will serve as executive producer.
Netflix declined comment.
Described as an erotic thriller with a supernatural twist, Undying follows a woman, suffocated by motherhood, who has an affair with a man she hasn’t seen since high school… only to discover a terrifying secret.
Prior to the sale, Ketai had most recently wrote and directed River Wild, a reimagining of Uni’s same-name 1994 thriller. Starring Leighton Meester, Taran Killam and Adam Brody, the film spent a...
Deadline hears that the deal was for mid-six against seven figures. 21 Laps brought the project in to Netflix, and Levy, Dan Cohen, and Dan Levine are set to produce for the company, with Moera Ainai overseeing. Ketai will serve as executive producer.
Netflix declined comment.
Described as an erotic thriller with a supernatural twist, Undying follows a woman, suffocated by motherhood, who has an affair with a man she hasn’t seen since high school… only to discover a terrifying secret.
Prior to the sale, Ketai had most recently wrote and directed River Wild, a reimagining of Uni’s same-name 1994 thriller. Starring Leighton Meester, Taran Killam and Adam Brody, the film spent a...
- 10/30/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix's track record with producing live-action anime is mixed, at best. The streamer's "One Piece" series has already been renewed, but the live-action "Cowboy Bebop" was a swiftly-canceled mess.
Their most infamous project, however, is probably "Death Note." This story, first told by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata in a mega-popular manga, focuses on the Japanese teenager Light Yagami. One day, a notebook falls from the sky into Light's lap. Dropped by a Shinigami (a Japanese death god) named Ryuk, the "death note" will kill anyone whose name is written on its pages. Light decides to purge the world of evil by using the Death Note to kill high-profile criminals, becoming a serial killer himself in the process. Dubbed "Kira" (a Japanese pronunciation of "Killer"), he gains allies (deludedly loyal pop idol Misa Amane) and adversaries (eccentric master detective L).
This 2017 film, directed by Adam Wingard, transposed this story to Seattle.
Their most infamous project, however, is probably "Death Note." This story, first told by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata in a mega-popular manga, focuses on the Japanese teenager Light Yagami. One day, a notebook falls from the sky into Light's lap. Dropped by a Shinigami (a Japanese death god) named Ryuk, the "death note" will kill anyone whose name is written on its pages. Light decides to purge the world of evil by using the Death Note to kill high-profile criminals, becoming a serial killer himself in the process. Dubbed "Kira" (a Japanese pronunciation of "Killer"), he gains allies (deludedly loyal pop idol Misa Amane) and adversaries (eccentric master detective L).
This 2017 film, directed by Adam Wingard, transposed this story to Seattle.
- 9/17/2023
- by Devin Meenan
- Slash Film
Exclusive: We hear that Netflix has preemptively picked up scribe Greg Russo’s spec script Seismic for six figures.
The thriller from the Mortal Kombat co-writer follows a single mother who fights to reunite with her missing son amid chaos after the Earth’s surface is decimated by a mysterious attack.
Shawn Levy, Dan Cohen & Dan Levine are producing for 21 Laps alongside Adam Kolbrenner for Lit Entertainment Group. Max Gains is overseeing for 21 Laps. and Patrick White is overseeing for Lit.
New Line’s Mortal Kombat opened to a robust 23.3 million stateside in April 2021 as theaters were finding their footing as part of a day-and-date HBO Max theatrical strategy during the pandemic. The pic went on to make about 84M worldwide.
Russo wrote Robotech for Sony with James Wan directing and Heatseekers for Paramount with Timur Bekmambetov attached to direct and Michael Bay and Chris Morgan producing. Other recent work...
The thriller from the Mortal Kombat co-writer follows a single mother who fights to reunite with her missing son amid chaos after the Earth’s surface is decimated by a mysterious attack.
Shawn Levy, Dan Cohen & Dan Levine are producing for 21 Laps alongside Adam Kolbrenner for Lit Entertainment Group. Max Gains is overseeing for 21 Laps. and Patrick White is overseeing for Lit.
New Line’s Mortal Kombat opened to a robust 23.3 million stateside in April 2021 as theaters were finding their footing as part of a day-and-date HBO Max theatrical strategy during the pandemic. The pic went on to make about 84M worldwide.
Russo wrote Robotech for Sony with James Wan directing and Heatseekers for Paramount with Timur Bekmambetov attached to direct and Michael Bay and Chris Morgan producing. Other recent work...
- 2/13/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
The Quad, alongside Andrew “King Bach” Bachelor and his production shingle Bach Enterprises, has set July 10 as their official start date for their next project “Miles Ryder Part One,” the companies announced on Thursday.
The feature film “Miles Ryder Part One” is described as a “John Wick” meets “Nobody”-style action thriller and centers on Miles Ryder, an everyday man who is forced to confront his mysterious and violent past, which he has long kept secret. After a brutal attack threatens to expose him and his secrets, Ryder’s hidden combat talent and almost supernatural fighting abilities are put to the test as he attempts to save his family – and potentially the world – from a dark force with a nefarious motive.
“Mortal Kombat’s” Greg Russo wrote the screenplay and is continuing to work on the project with the team.
Also Read:
TikTok Star Hannah Stocking Joins 50 Cent in Horror...
The feature film “Miles Ryder Part One” is described as a “John Wick” meets “Nobody”-style action thriller and centers on Miles Ryder, an everyday man who is forced to confront his mysterious and violent past, which he has long kept secret. After a brutal attack threatens to expose him and his secrets, Ryder’s hidden combat talent and almost supernatural fighting abilities are put to the test as he attempts to save his family – and potentially the world – from a dark force with a nefarious motive.
“Mortal Kombat’s” Greg Russo wrote the screenplay and is continuing to work on the project with the team.
Also Read:
TikTok Star Hannah Stocking Joins 50 Cent in Horror...
- 11/3/2022
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Nightdive has been creeping ever closer to finally getting their System Shock remake out the door, and at Gamescom, they’re getting the hype going once again with a new trailer. This time, we get the extra special treat of having the new trailer for System Shock narrated by Shodan herself!
Yep, that’s Terri Brosius, the voice of Shodan from the original System Shock, returning again to voice the iconic AI in the remake. As is the norm for Shodan, she voices her disdain for humans before introducing us to Citadel Station and its cyborg inhabitants, which has never looked better. There are also a few shots of the hacking minigames, which predictably have also been given a facelift from the original.
As for when we can finally set foot on Citadel Station, that’s the big question. The remake has been in the works since the Kickstarter launched way back in 2016. Nonetheless,...
Yep, that’s Terri Brosius, the voice of Shodan from the original System Shock, returning again to voice the iconic AI in the remake. As is the norm for Shodan, she voices her disdain for humans before introducing us to Citadel Station and its cyborg inhabitants, which has never looked better. There are also a few shots of the hacking minigames, which predictably have also been given a facelift from the original.
As for when we can finally set foot on Citadel Station, that’s the big question. The remake has been in the works since the Kickstarter launched way back in 2016. Nonetheless,...
- 8/28/2022
- by Mike Wilson
- bloody-disgusting.com
New Line Cinema will adapt the popular video game "Space Invaders", into a live-action feature film, written by Greg Russo ("Mortal Kombat"):
"Space Invaders" (1978) was created by Tomohiro Nishikado, manufactured, sold by Taito, Japan...
...then licensed in the US by the Midway division of Bally as an arcade game. The title is noted as the first 'fixed shooter' game, earning points by defeating waves of descending aliens with a horizontally moving laser.
Home versions and variations of the game are estimated to have grossed over 13 billion in total revenue as of 2016, making it the highest-grossing video game of all time.
Producers of the new film are Weed Roads Pictures' Akiva Goldsman and Safehouse Pictures' Joby Harold, Tory Tunnell, with Warner Bros./New Line Cinema distributing.
Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Space Invaders"...
"Space Invaders" (1978) was created by Tomohiro Nishikado, manufactured, sold by Taito, Japan...
...then licensed in the US by the Midway division of Bally as an arcade game. The title is noted as the first 'fixed shooter' game, earning points by defeating waves of descending aliens with a horizontally moving laser.
Home versions and variations of the game are estimated to have grossed over 13 billion in total revenue as of 2016, making it the highest-grossing video game of all time.
Producers of the new film are Weed Roads Pictures' Akiva Goldsman and Safehouse Pictures' Joby Harold, Tory Tunnell, with Warner Bros./New Line Cinema distributing.
Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Space Invaders"...
- 7/28/2022
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
New Line Cinema is moving forward with a “Mortal Kombat” sequel, with the 2021 film’s director Simon McQuoid set to return, sources tell TheWrap.
The previous film was a new adaptation of the popular video game franchise that offered a grittier, more violent take on the material than the 1990s films. It was released in April of 2021 both in theaters and on HBO Max, and was an early pandemic hit for distributor Warner Bros., ranking as one of the top feature titles on HBO Max since the streaming service debuted.
Jeremy Slater is writing the screenplay for the sequel, and news of his involvement was first revealed in January.
“Mortal Kombat” marked McQuoid’s feature directorial debut, and the film ended with a clear path forward for the franchise as the titular challenge does not occur within the events of the first movie. A post-credits scene also teased the inclusion...
The previous film was a new adaptation of the popular video game franchise that offered a grittier, more violent take on the material than the 1990s films. It was released in April of 2021 both in theaters and on HBO Max, and was an early pandemic hit for distributor Warner Bros., ranking as one of the top feature titles on HBO Max since the streaming service debuted.
Jeremy Slater is writing the screenplay for the sequel, and news of his involvement was first revealed in January.
“Mortal Kombat” marked McQuoid’s feature directorial debut, and the film ended with a clear path forward for the franchise as the titular challenge does not occur within the events of the first movie. A post-credits scene also teased the inclusion...
- 7/20/2022
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
New Line Cinema is gearing up for some more fatalities. The studio has tapped Simon McQuoid to return to direct the sequel to “Mortal Kombat,” sources confirmed to Variety.
McQuoid, who made his feature directorial debut with the 2021 film adaptation of the beloved fighting video game series, will direct the sequel from a script penned by Jeremy Slater. The sequel will be the fourth overall film in the “Mortal Kombat” film franchise, after the original film in 1995 and its sequel “Annihilation” in 1997.
The 2021 film was a reboot to the film franchise, focusing on Cole Young (Lewis Tan), an original character to the franchise. A washed-up mixed martial arts fighter, Young who is suddenly hunted by the assassin Sub-Zero (Joe Taslim) and ends up dragged into the world of “Mortal Kombat,” a series of tournaments between champions of the Earthrealm and the chaotic Outworld. The film did not feature an official Mortal Kombat tournament,...
McQuoid, who made his feature directorial debut with the 2021 film adaptation of the beloved fighting video game series, will direct the sequel from a script penned by Jeremy Slater. The sequel will be the fourth overall film in the “Mortal Kombat” film franchise, after the original film in 1995 and its sequel “Annihilation” in 1997.
The 2021 film was a reboot to the film franchise, focusing on Cole Young (Lewis Tan), an original character to the franchise. A washed-up mixed martial arts fighter, Young who is suddenly hunted by the assassin Sub-Zero (Joe Taslim) and ends up dragged into the world of “Mortal Kombat,” a series of tournaments between champions of the Earthrealm and the chaotic Outworld. The film did not feature an official Mortal Kombat tournament,...
- 7/20/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: After the most recent Mortal Kombat pic overachieved at box office, New Line is ready to get back in to the arena on a sequel. Sources tell Deadline that Simon McQuoid is set to return as director for the follow-up to the 2021 action-adventure hit.
Mortal Kombat was McQuoid’s feature directorial debut and was released simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max during the pandemic in April 2021.
The feature opened No. 1 at the box office and ranks among the top feature titles ever on HBO Max since the platform launched. While some point to F9 or A Quiet Place Part II as the pics that led crowds back to theaters post-pandemic, Mortal Kombat was one of the early features to take a crack to gauging audiences’ interest in returning to theaters — and the results surprised many, especially since the film premiered day-and-date on HBO Max. Execs were quick to get a sequel in development,...
Mortal Kombat was McQuoid’s feature directorial debut and was released simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max during the pandemic in April 2021.
The feature opened No. 1 at the box office and ranks among the top feature titles ever on HBO Max since the platform launched. While some point to F9 or A Quiet Place Part II as the pics that led crowds back to theaters post-pandemic, Mortal Kombat was one of the early features to take a crack to gauging audiences’ interest in returning to theaters — and the results surprised many, especially since the film premiered day-and-date on HBO Max. Execs were quick to get a sequel in development,...
- 7/20/2022
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Development continues on New Line Cinema's adaptation of Activision's 'old school' video game "Space Invaders", into a live-action feature film, written by Greg Russo ("Mortal Kombat"):
"Space Invaders" (1978) was created by Tomohiro Nishikado, manufactured, sold by Taito, Japan...
...then licensed in the US by the Midway division of Bally as an arcade game.
The title is noted as the first 'fixed shooter' game, earning points by defeating waves of descending aliens with a horizontally moving laser.
Home versions and variations of the game are estimated to have grossed over 13 billion in total revenue as of 2016, making it the highest-grossing video game of all time.
Producers of the new film are Weed Roads Pictures' Akiva Goldsman and Safehouse Pictures' Joby Harold, Tory Tunnell, with Warner Bros./New Line Cinema distributing.
Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Space Invaders"...
"Space Invaders" (1978) was created by Tomohiro Nishikado, manufactured, sold by Taito, Japan...
...then licensed in the US by the Midway division of Bally as an arcade game.
The title is noted as the first 'fixed shooter' game, earning points by defeating waves of descending aliens with a horizontally moving laser.
Home versions and variations of the game are estimated to have grossed over 13 billion in total revenue as of 2016, making it the highest-grossing video game of all time.
Producers of the new film are Weed Roads Pictures' Akiva Goldsman and Safehouse Pictures' Joby Harold, Tory Tunnell, with Warner Bros./New Line Cinema distributing.
Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Space Invaders"...
- 6/20/2022
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Development continues on New Line Cinema's adaptation of Activision's 'old school' video game "Space Invaders", into a live-action feature film, written by Greg Russo ("Mortal Kombat"):
"Space Invaders" (1978) was created by Tomohiro Nishikado, manufactured, sold by Taito, Japan...
...then licensed in the US by the Midway division of Bally as an arcade game.
The title is noted as the first 'fixed shooter' game, earning points by defeating waves of descending aliens with a horizontally moving laser.
Home versions and variations of the game are estimated to have grossed over 13 billion in total revenue as of 2016, making it the highest-grossing video game of all time.
Producers of the new film are Weed Roads Pictures' Akiva Goldsman and Safehouse Pictures' Joby Harold, Tory Tunnell, with Warner Bros./New Line Cinema distributing.
Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Space Invaders"...
"Space Invaders" (1978) was created by Tomohiro Nishikado, manufactured, sold by Taito, Japan...
...then licensed in the US by the Midway division of Bally as an arcade game.
The title is noted as the first 'fixed shooter' game, earning points by defeating waves of descending aliens with a horizontally moving laser.
Home versions and variations of the game are estimated to have grossed over 13 billion in total revenue as of 2016, making it the highest-grossing video game of all time.
Producers of the new film are Weed Roads Pictures' Akiva Goldsman and Safehouse Pictures' Joby Harold, Tory Tunnell, with Warner Bros./New Line Cinema distributing.
Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Space Invaders"...
- 4/11/2022
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
The trend of adapting popular video games into live-action adaptations continues, key examples being 2021's "Mortal Kombat" and the recently released Netflix series, "Arcane," which is set in the "League of Legends" universe. According to a report by Deadline, Greg Russo, one of the writers involved in the "Mortal Kombat" movie reboot, will be writing and directing the upcoming "System Shock" series, which will be released on Binge.
"System Shock" is set to stream exclusively on Binge, a gaming streaming platform, with Russo serving as executive producer alongside Binge producer Allan Ungar, who also helmed the upcoming movie...
The post Mortal Kombat Writer Brings System Shock Adaptation to Binge Streaming Service appeared first on /Film.
"System Shock" is set to stream exclusively on Binge, a gaming streaming platform, with Russo serving as executive producer alongside Binge producer Allan Ungar, who also helmed the upcoming movie...
The post Mortal Kombat Writer Brings System Shock Adaptation to Binge Streaming Service appeared first on /Film.
- 1/27/2022
- by Debopriyaa Dutta
- Slash Film
As we recently learned, a live action System Shock series is in the works, of course based on the same-titled video game. And today brings an update on that particular project. A co-production between Binge and Nightdive Studios, the live-action System Shock series will stream exclusively on Binge.com, with Greg Russo (Mortal Kombat) writing & directing. Deadline […]
The post Live Action ‘System Shock’ Series in the Works from ‘Mortal Kombat’ Writer Greg Russo appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.
The post Live Action ‘System Shock’ Series in the Works from ‘Mortal Kombat’ Writer Greg Russo appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.
- 1/27/2022
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Greg Russo will bring his knowledge of adapting video games for screen to Binge, which has tapped the Mortal Kombat scribe to write and direct its upcoming live-action System Shock series.
Set to stream exclusively on Binge.com, an an upcoming gaming entertainment streaming platform, System Shock is based on Nightdive Studios’ action video game franchise. The original System Shock plunges players into Citadel Station in the year 2072, where an unnamed hacker wakes from a coma only to be confronted by murderous robots, killer cyborgs, malicious mutants, and a malevolent AI named Shodan that seeks to control Earth.
“I’m honored to have the opportunity to work alongside the fantastic team at Binge and Nightdive Studios to bring the iconic System Shock franchise to life,” said Russo. “I’ve been waiting for the right opportunity to make my directorial debut, and I finally found it.”
Added Binge Chief Content Officer...
Set to stream exclusively on Binge.com, an an upcoming gaming entertainment streaming platform, System Shock is based on Nightdive Studios’ action video game franchise. The original System Shock plunges players into Citadel Station in the year 2072, where an unnamed hacker wakes from a coma only to be confronted by murderous robots, killer cyborgs, malicious mutants, and a malevolent AI named Shodan that seeks to control Earth.
“I’m honored to have the opportunity to work alongside the fantastic team at Binge and Nightdive Studios to bring the iconic System Shock franchise to life,” said Russo. “I’ve been waiting for the right opportunity to make my directorial debut, and I finally found it.”
Added Binge Chief Content Officer...
- 1/27/2022
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Fans of the Mortal Kombat video games may have noticed various Easter eggs that were crammed into the new film so it's probably hard to imagine that some were actually left on the cutting room floor. Writer Greg Russo revealed that one popular Easter egg, in particular, was shot but ultimately removed from the final cut of the film. In a new interview with "Polygon",…...
- 5/1/2021
- by Gaius Bolling
- JoBlo.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review, a review of the rebooted film franchise “Mortal Kombat,” a new action series based on the popular video game. In theaters and on HBO Max beginning April 23rd, 2021.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
Lewis Tan is Cole Young, a mixed marital arts fighter with a golly-gee-whiz family, who encounters a man named Jax (Mehcad Brooks) who is a recruiter for a heroic group of ninja fighters named Shirai Ryu, born with a dragon tattoo … which Cole possesses. They are challenged by the Lin Kuel assassins of The Outworld – introduced by a Mr. Freeze type called Sub Zero – looking for another “mortal kombat” tournament, to defeat Shirai Ryu and the Earthstream (the version of our world). Cole has to go through training with a motley crew, including the volatile Kano (Josh Lawson), to find his super power to defeat their enemies.
“Mortal Kombat” is in theaters...
Rating: 3.5/5.0
Lewis Tan is Cole Young, a mixed marital arts fighter with a golly-gee-whiz family, who encounters a man named Jax (Mehcad Brooks) who is a recruiter for a heroic group of ninja fighters named Shirai Ryu, born with a dragon tattoo … which Cole possesses. They are challenged by the Lin Kuel assassins of The Outworld – introduced by a Mr. Freeze type called Sub Zero – looking for another “mortal kombat” tournament, to defeat Shirai Ryu and the Earthstream (the version of our world). Cole has to go through training with a motley crew, including the volatile Kano (Josh Lawson), to find his super power to defeat their enemies.
“Mortal Kombat” is in theaters...
- 4/24/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
As someone who has been a longtime apologist for Paul W.S. Anderson’s 1995 Mortal Kombat adaptation, I’ll be the first to admit that considering it has been nearly 26 years since that first film hit the big screen, we were definitely due for a new live-action take on the Mortal Kombat universe. And holy hell, does this new Mk deliver up a flawless victory—there’s more world-building in this new Mortal Kombat in the first five minutes than we get in the entirety of Mk (1995), and between the jaw-droppingly great action set pieces and a fantastic ensemble that does a brilliant job of bringing these iconic characters to life, I absolutely loved everything that director Simon McQuoid, as well as the film’s screenwriters Greg Russo and Dave Callaham, were able to bring to the table for Mortal Kombat (2021).
Simply put, this new Mortal Kombat kicks copious amounts of ass.
Simply put, this new Mortal Kombat kicks copious amounts of ass.
- 4/22/2021
- by Heather Wixson
- DailyDead
It was the gore as much as the gameplay that made the original “Mortal Kombat” such a success at the arcade, and while the 1995 New Line movie broke the curse on video game adaptations — following such bombs as “Street Fighter” and “Super Mario Bros.” earlier that decade — the film version did so by turning the koncept into a slick but kitschy action spectacular. While heavily indebted to Hong Kong cinema, the fluke hit (which made a whopping $122 million) hasn’t aged well, considering how much “The Matrix” and “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” transformed Hollywood fight scenes.
Now, “Mortal Kombat” gets the R-rated reboot its fans feel the property deserves, which entails being as graphic as the game was when it comes time for the pugilists to eliminate their opponents, whether that means ripping out their hearts or buzz-sawing them in twain with a razor-sharp hat. Such ruthless finishing moves may be the selling point here,...
Now, “Mortal Kombat” gets the R-rated reboot its fans feel the property deserves, which entails being as graphic as the game was when it comes time for the pugilists to eliminate their opponents, whether that means ripping out their hearts or buzz-sawing them in twain with a razor-sharp hat. Such ruthless finishing moves may be the selling point here,...
- 4/22/2021
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
CG strips martial-arts choreography of its impact, but it does allow for hilarious geysers of fake blood
Much has been made of the fact that 2021’s “Mortal Kombat,” the second feature-film adaptation of the popular video game, has an R rating — but strip away the exaggerated gore and the rough language, and you’re left with a Mighty Morphin Power Rangers movie with epic delusions. That’s not to say that this broad and silly spectacle doesn’t provide its share of goofy entertainment, but it may well not be the movie that fans of the game want it to be.
(To clarify: I’ve never played the game or seen the 1995 version that starred Christophe Lambert; for a fan’s perspective, check out this take by TheWrap’s Phil Owen..)
Viewers interested in martial-arts action are bound to find the combat-with-a-c to be lackluster in that way that hand-to-hand...
Much has been made of the fact that 2021’s “Mortal Kombat,” the second feature-film adaptation of the popular video game, has an R rating — but strip away the exaggerated gore and the rough language, and you’re left with a Mighty Morphin Power Rangers movie with epic delusions. That’s not to say that this broad and silly spectacle doesn’t provide its share of goofy entertainment, but it may well not be the movie that fans of the game want it to be.
(To clarify: I’ve never played the game or seen the 1995 version that starred Christophe Lambert; for a fan’s perspective, check out this take by TheWrap’s Phil Owen..)
Viewers interested in martial-arts action are bound to find the combat-with-a-c to be lackluster in that way that hand-to-hand...
- 4/22/2021
- by Alonso Duralde
- The Wrap
The return of Mortal Kombat to the big screen is clearly a tentpole franchise release and this has been virtually confirmed by the film's co-writer, Greg Russo. Speaking to "Cbr" in a new interview, the writer reveals that the first film was written as the first chapter of a trilogy and that he already has two sequels planned out. "When I wrote Mortal…...
- 4/21/2021
- by Gaius Bolling
- JoBlo.com
With less than a week until the release of Mortal Kombat to theaters and HBO Max, we have a look at the first seven minutes of the film you can watch right now!
"From New Line Cinema comes the explosive new cinematic adventure “Mortal Kombat,” inspired by the blockbuster video game franchise, which most recently enjoyed the most successful video game launch in its history, Mortal Kombat 11. The film is helmed by award-winning Australian commercial filmmaker Simon McQuoid, marking his feature directorial debut, and produced by James Wan, Todd Garner, McQuoid and E. Bennett Walsh.
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,...
"From New Line Cinema comes the explosive new cinematic adventure “Mortal Kombat,” inspired by the blockbuster video game franchise, which most recently enjoyed the most successful video game launch in its history, Mortal Kombat 11. The film is helmed by award-winning Australian commercial filmmaker Simon McQuoid, marking his feature directorial debut, and produced by James Wan, Todd Garner, McQuoid and E. Bennett Walsh.
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,...
- 4/20/2021
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
Warner Bros. and New Line have put the first seven minutes of the upcoming martial arts fantasy film Mortal Kombat online.
Below is the film’s opening sequence, which features Hanzo Hasashi/Scorpion (Hiroyuki Sanada), whose family comes under attack from Bi-Han/Sub-Zero (Joe Taslim). (Warning: Graphic violence).
The R-rated film from director Simon McQuoid and writers Greg Russo and Dave Callaham is based on the iconic videogame franchise.
The film’s box office performance will doubtless be watched closely as it’s one of the first major post-pandemic studio releases and theaters are still in the process of reopening around the country....
Below is the film’s opening sequence, which features Hanzo Hasashi/Scorpion (Hiroyuki Sanada), whose family comes under attack from Bi-Han/Sub-Zero (Joe Taslim). (Warning: Graphic violence).
The R-rated film from director Simon McQuoid and writers Greg Russo and Dave Callaham is based on the iconic videogame franchise.
The film’s box office performance will doubtless be watched closely as it’s one of the first major post-pandemic studio releases and theaters are still in the process of reopening around the country....
- 4/20/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Warner Bros. and New Line have put the first seven minutes of the upcoming martial arts fantasy film Mortal Kombat online.
Below is the film’s opening sequence, which features Hanzo Hasashi/Scorpion (Hiroyuki Sanada), whose family comes under attack from Bi-Han/Sub-Zero (Joe Taslim). (Warning: graphic violence).
The R-rated film from director Simon McQuoid and writers Greg Russo and Dave Callaham is based on the iconic video game franchise.
The film’s box office performance will doubtless be watched closely as it’s one of the first major post-pandemic studio releases and theaters are still in the process of reopening around the ...
Below is the film’s opening sequence, which features Hanzo Hasashi/Scorpion (Hiroyuki Sanada), whose family comes under attack from Bi-Han/Sub-Zero (Joe Taslim). (Warning: graphic violence).
The R-rated film from director Simon McQuoid and writers Greg Russo and Dave Callaham is based on the iconic video game franchise.
The film’s box office performance will doubtless be watched closely as it’s one of the first major post-pandemic studio releases and theaters are still in the process of reopening around the ...
- 4/20/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
From New Line Cinema comes the explosive new cinematic adventure “Mortal Kombat,” inspired by the blockbuster video game franchise, which most recently enjoyed the most successful video game launch in its history, Mortal Kombat 11. The film is helmed by award-winning Australian commercial filmmaker Simon McQuoid, marking his feature directorial debut, and produced by James Wan, Todd Garner, McQuoid and E. Bennett Walsh.
Take a look at the new trailer.
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,...
Take a look at the new trailer.
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,...
- 2/19/2021
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
From New Line Cinema comes a brand new Mortal Kombat movie, once again inspired by the blockbuster video game franchise. Helmed by award-winning Australian commercial filmmaker Simon McQuoid, marking his feature directorial debut, and produced by James Wan, Todd Garner, McQuoid and E. Bennett Walsh.
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,...
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,...
- 2/19/2021
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
The Mortal Kombat reboot movie from Warner Bros. has been a longtime coming. In fact, a fresh start for the film franchise has been in the works since at least 2010 when director Kevin Tancharoen pitched a movie called Mortal Kombat: Rebirth to Warner Bros. That project ended up in development hell, and it was Aquaman director James Wan who next picked up the torch in 2015 as producer, with newcomer Simon McQuoid directing from a script penned by Greg Russo. This is the reboot that you’ll finally get to see on HBO Max on April 16.
Ahead of the movie’s release, WB has dropped the first trailer for this decidedly more grown-up big-screen take on the beloved video game series. Delivering all of the blood and guts you’d expect from a modern, grittier Mortal Kombat adaptation, the trailer explains the gruesome reason why Jax ended up with his bionic metal arms,...
Ahead of the movie’s release, WB has dropped the first trailer for this decidedly more grown-up big-screen take on the beloved video game series. Delivering all of the blood and guts you’d expect from a modern, grittier Mortal Kombat adaptation, the trailer explains the gruesome reason why Jax ended up with his bionic metal arms,...
- 2/18/2021
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
For the first time in more than 20 years, the Mortal Kombat franchise is coming to the big screen with a new film adaptation of the video game series that kicked off in 1992. Produced by James Wan and directed by Simon McQuoid, the official trailer for the new Mortal Kombat has been unleashed ahead of its April 16th release in theaters and on HBO Max via Warner Bros. And evidenced by the trailer, viewers have a lot of creative fight sequences to look forward to, including Subzero freezing Scorpion's blood and using it as a dagger.
"From New Line Cinema comes the explosive new cinematic adventure “Mortal Kombat,” inspired by the blockbuster video game franchise, which most recently enjoyed the most successful video game launch in its history, Mortal Kombat 11. The film is helmed by award-winning Australian commercial filmmaker Simon McQuoid, marking his feature directorial debut, and produced by James Wan,...
"From New Line Cinema comes the explosive new cinematic adventure “Mortal Kombat,” inspired by the blockbuster video game franchise, which most recently enjoyed the most successful video game launch in its history, Mortal Kombat 11. The film is helmed by award-winning Australian commercial filmmaker Simon McQuoid, marking his feature directorial debut, and produced by James Wan,...
- 2/18/2021
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Warner Bros has debuted the new trailer for the upcoming video game adaptation ‘Mortal Kombat’ from producer James Wan.
The story follows Mma fighter Cole (Tan), accustomed to taking a beating for money, is unaware of his heritage – or why Outworld’s Emperor Shang Tsung (Han) has sent his best warrior, Sub-Zero (Taslim). Ultimately he prepares to stand with Earth’s greatest champions against the enemies of Outworld in a high stakes battle for the universe.
The film is directed by Simon McQuoid (in his feature directorial debut) from a screenplay by Greg Russo and Dave Callaham and a story by Oren Uziel and Russo.
It stars Hiroyuki Sanada as Scorpion, Ludi Lin as Liu Kang, Tadanobu Asano as Lord Raiden, Max Huang as Kung Lao, Chin Han as Emperor Shang Tsung, Jessica McNamee as Sonya Blade, Mehcad Brooks as Jackson ‘Jax’ Bridges, Sisi Stringer as Mileena and Lewis Tan as Cole Young.
The story follows Mma fighter Cole (Tan), accustomed to taking a beating for money, is unaware of his heritage – or why Outworld’s Emperor Shang Tsung (Han) has sent his best warrior, Sub-Zero (Taslim). Ultimately he prepares to stand with Earth’s greatest champions against the enemies of Outworld in a high stakes battle for the universe.
The film is directed by Simon McQuoid (in his feature directorial debut) from a screenplay by Greg Russo and Dave Callaham and a story by Oren Uziel and Russo.
It stars Hiroyuki Sanada as Scorpion, Ludi Lin as Liu Kang, Tadanobu Asano as Lord Raiden, Max Huang as Kung Lao, Chin Han as Emperor Shang Tsung, Jessica McNamee as Sonya Blade, Mehcad Brooks as Jackson ‘Jax’ Bridges, Sisi Stringer as Mileena and Lewis Tan as Cole Young.
- 2/18/2021
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
As expected, New Line’s upcoming “Mortal Kombat” film has taken the video game’s trademark violent deaths (aka fatalities) to the next level. Watch the gratuitously gruesome red-band trailer below.
“Mortal Kombat” will be released simultaneously in theatres and on HBO Max on April 16.
“Mortal Kombat” is based on the popular video game franchise and is directed by Simon McQuoid. The film stars Lewis Tan, Jessica McNamee, Josh Lawson, Tadanobu Asano, Mehcad Brooks and Ludi Lin, with Chin Han, Joe Taslim and Hiroyuki Sanada. The film is about Earth’s greatest champions who are called upon to fight the enemies of the Outworld in a tournament for the fate of the planet. The original film adaptation of “Mortal Kombat” hit screens in 1995 and was followed with a sequel, “Mortal Kombat: Annihilation,” in 1997. The screenplay was written by Greg Russo and Dave Callaham, from a story by Oren Uziel and Greg Russo.
“Mortal Kombat” will be released simultaneously in theatres and on HBO Max on April 16.
“Mortal Kombat” is based on the popular video game franchise and is directed by Simon McQuoid. The film stars Lewis Tan, Jessica McNamee, Josh Lawson, Tadanobu Asano, Mehcad Brooks and Ludi Lin, with Chin Han, Joe Taslim and Hiroyuki Sanada. The film is about Earth’s greatest champions who are called upon to fight the enemies of the Outworld in a tournament for the fate of the planet. The original film adaptation of “Mortal Kombat” hit screens in 1995 and was followed with a sequel, “Mortal Kombat: Annihilation,” in 1997. The screenplay was written by Greg Russo and Dave Callaham, from a story by Oren Uziel and Greg Russo.
- 2/18/2021
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
© 2021 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Photo Credit: Courtesy New Line Cinema & Warner Bros. Pictures
Prepare for Mortal Kombat. Take a look at the first look images for Mortal Kombat – in theaters and streaming exclusively on HBO Max on April 16.
From New Line Cinema comes the explosive new cinematic adventure “Mortal Kombat,” inspired by the blockbuster video game franchise, which most recently enjoyed the most successful video game launch in its history, Mortal Kombat 11.
The film is helmed by award-winning Australian commercial filmmaker Simon McQuoid, marking his feature directorial debut, and produced by James Wan, Todd Garner, McQuoid and E. Bennett Walsh.
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...
Photo Credit: Courtesy New Line Cinema & Warner Bros. Pictures
Prepare for Mortal Kombat. Take a look at the first look images for Mortal Kombat – in theaters and streaming exclusively on HBO Max on April 16.
From New Line Cinema comes the explosive new cinematic adventure “Mortal Kombat,” inspired by the blockbuster video game franchise, which most recently enjoyed the most successful video game launch in its history, Mortal Kombat 11.
The film is helmed by award-winning Australian commercial filmmaker Simon McQuoid, marking his feature directorial debut, and produced by James Wan, Todd Garner, McQuoid and E. Bennett Walsh.
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...
- 1/15/2021
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Mortal Kombat pushed back to April; Tom & Jerry moves up.
Warner Bros has moved Reminiscence off its April 16,2021, release date after pushing back Mortal Kombat to fill the April slot.
The studio will announce a new 2021 date in due course for the tentpole from Lisa Joy which FilmNation and Endeavor Content introduced to the market at the 2019 Efm in Berlin.
Reminiscence also stars Rebecca Ferguson and Thandie Newton, one of the stars of [co-creator] Joy’s Westworld reboot on HBO. The story centres on a scientist who tries to deploy cutting-edge technology to find his lost love.
Video game adaptation...
Warner Bros has moved Reminiscence off its April 16,2021, release date after pushing back Mortal Kombat to fill the April slot.
The studio will announce a new 2021 date in due course for the tentpole from Lisa Joy which FilmNation and Endeavor Content introduced to the market at the 2019 Efm in Berlin.
Reminiscence also stars Rebecca Ferguson and Thandie Newton, one of the stars of [co-creator] Joy’s Westworld reboot on HBO. The story centres on a scientist who tries to deploy cutting-edge technology to find his lost love.
Video game adaptation...
- 12/14/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Warner Bros. has shuffled around release dates for three of the studio’s upcoming movies: “Mortal Kombat, “Tom and Jerry” and Hugh Jackman’s sci-fi drama “Reminiscence.”
“Mortal Kombat,” a live-action adaptation of the popular video game, was originally set for Jan. 15, 2021, and will now open on April 16, 2021. “Reminiscence,” which was initially slated for mid-April, was removed from the studio’s calendar. The animated “Tom and Jerry” remake was moved up a week and will debut on Feb. 26, 2021, instead of March 5.
All three films, along with the rest of Warner Bros. 2021 slate, will premiere on HBO Max on the same day as their theatrical premieres. In total, 18 of the studio’s films — including “Wonder Woman 1984,” “The Matrix 4,” “Dune” and “In the Heights” — will launch day-and-date over the next 12 months. When Warner Bros. announced the plans earlier in December, a promotional trailer offered a disclaimer that individual release dates are “subject to change,...
“Mortal Kombat,” a live-action adaptation of the popular video game, was originally set for Jan. 15, 2021, and will now open on April 16, 2021. “Reminiscence,” which was initially slated for mid-April, was removed from the studio’s calendar. The animated “Tom and Jerry” remake was moved up a week and will debut on Feb. 26, 2021, instead of March 5.
All three films, along with the rest of Warner Bros. 2021 slate, will premiere on HBO Max on the same day as their theatrical premieres. In total, 18 of the studio’s films — including “Wonder Woman 1984,” “The Matrix 4,” “Dune” and “In the Heights” — will launch day-and-date over the next 12 months. When Warner Bros. announced the plans earlier in December, a promotional trailer offered a disclaimer that individual release dates are “subject to change,...
- 12/14/2020
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix’s 2017 movie Death Note has a bad reputation. Fans of the manga and anime resented the story being Americanized, character motivations and arcs being altered, and the subtle changes to the cosmology of the universe. Despite this, the film did very well, with producer Ted Sarandos revealing that it had been a “sizeable” success for the streaming platform.
Now, with a sequel currently in development, screenwriters Charley and Vlas Parlapanides have discussed their intentions and how they reacted to the hate the movie received from fans. Apparently, one reason the criticism stung so fiercely was that they too loved the original material. As Charley says:
“[T]he one thing I would say is that we were in on Death Note back in 2006, reading bootleg copies of the PDFs online that had the American translation and our original drafts were more true to what the story is.”
The pair also went...
Now, with a sequel currently in development, screenwriters Charley and Vlas Parlapanides have discussed their intentions and how they reacted to the hate the movie received from fans. Apparently, one reason the criticism stung so fiercely was that they too loved the original material. As Charley says:
“[T]he one thing I would say is that we were in on Death Note back in 2006, reading bootleg copies of the PDFs online that had the American translation and our original drafts were more true to what the story is.”
The pair also went...
- 11/10/2020
- by David James
- We Got This Covered
We might be getting a Mortal Kombat reboot in a matter of months, but for a lot of fans, the James Wan-produced movie is going to have to be pretty special to dislodge Paul W.S. Anderson’s 1995 cult classic as the best big screen adaptation of the long-running video game series.
Admittedly, Mortal Kombat was never going to win any Academy Awards, but for those who love their martial arts flicks backed by a thumping electronic soundtrack and a hefty slice of cheese, it definitely hits the spot. There’s just something unabashedly entertaining about the pic, and nobody involved is under the impression that they’re making anything other than a fun B-level actioner.
Director Anderson would go on to build his entire career on video game blockbusters after Mortal Kombat raked in over $120 million at the box office on an $18 million budget, which made it the highest-grossing...
Admittedly, Mortal Kombat was never going to win any Academy Awards, but for those who love their martial arts flicks backed by a thumping electronic soundtrack and a hefty slice of cheese, it definitely hits the spot. There’s just something unabashedly entertaining about the pic, and nobody involved is under the impression that they’re making anything other than a fun B-level actioner.
Director Anderson would go on to build his entire career on video game blockbusters after Mortal Kombat raked in over $120 million at the box office on an $18 million budget, which made it the highest-grossing...
- 8/18/2020
- by Scott Campbell
- We Got This Covered
If you had any concerns that the upcoming Warner Bros. reboot of Mortal Kombat would censor the series’ trademark indulgent violence, there’s absolutely no need to be worried.
Actor Lewis Tan, who stars in the film, has revealed to the folks over at ComicBook.com in a recent interview that the movie intends to be every bit as gruesome as the games on which it’s based. In reference to the live-action adaptation’s use of Fatalities – a feature previously confirmed by writer and producer duo Greg Russo and Todd Garner – Tan recounts how there were numerous days on set where he’d feel physically sick from the level of violence on display.
Let me just say this, there were some days on set that I felt sick. I’m not kidding. They did not… They did not hold back.
New Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath Screenshots Showcase New Fighters And...
Actor Lewis Tan, who stars in the film, has revealed to the folks over at ComicBook.com in a recent interview that the movie intends to be every bit as gruesome as the games on which it’s based. In reference to the live-action adaptation’s use of Fatalities – a feature previously confirmed by writer and producer duo Greg Russo and Todd Garner – Tan recounts how there were numerous days on set where he’d feel physically sick from the level of violence on display.
Let me just say this, there were some days on set that I felt sick. I’m not kidding. They did not… They did not hold back.
New Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath Screenshots Showcase New Fighters And...
- 7/23/2020
- by Joe Pring
- We Got This Covered
For the longest time, video game movies had to battle to overcome the stigma that had frequently seen the genre labeled as ‘cursed,’ and despite a long list of critical and commercial failures over the last two decades, things have finally started looking up. Four of the five highest-grossing adaptations in history have been released since 2017 and the two most recent, Detective Pikachu and Sonic the Hedgehog, are the only video game movies to come out of Hollywood that secured a ‘Fresh’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
With Monster Hunter set for September and the long-gestating Uncharted set for next year alongside a sequel to Alicia Vikander’s Tomb Raider, we could find out soon enough whether a full-blown resurgence is on the cards or not. Perhaps the most highly-anticipated video game movie on the horizon though is the James Wan-produced Mortal Kombat reboot, with the production making all the...
With Monster Hunter set for September and the long-gestating Uncharted set for next year alongside a sequel to Alicia Vikander’s Tomb Raider, we could find out soon enough whether a full-blown resurgence is on the cards or not. Perhaps the most highly-anticipated video game movie on the horizon though is the James Wan-produced Mortal Kombat reboot, with the production making all the...
- 4/9/2020
- by Scott Campbell
- We Got This Covered
Is the stigmatism around cinematic video game adaptations finally beginning to fade away? It certainly seems as if that’s the case, given the recent spate of films coming out of Hollywood.
The Pokémon Company started something when it delivered the most critically well-received movie of its kind last year with Detective Pikachu, and now it appears the entire industry wants a crack at repeating its success. Following a controversial setback, Paramount’s Sonic The Hedgehog will race into theaters at blistering speed in just a few short days, but Sega’s mascot is just the first of many more iconic video game franchises due to make the big screen jump in the near future.
We already know a great deal about next year’s Mortal Kombat reboot, of course, but one such game-to-film flick that remains a mystery is Saints Row. Often likened to Rockstar’s money printing Grand Theft Auto series,...
The Pokémon Company started something when it delivered the most critically well-received movie of its kind last year with Detective Pikachu, and now it appears the entire industry wants a crack at repeating its success. Following a controversial setback, Paramount’s Sonic The Hedgehog will race into theaters at blistering speed in just a few short days, but Sega’s mascot is just the first of many more iconic video game franchises due to make the big screen jump in the near future.
We already know a great deal about next year’s Mortal Kombat reboot, of course, but one such game-to-film flick that remains a mystery is Saints Row. Often likened to Rockstar’s money printing Grand Theft Auto series,...
- 2/11/2020
- by Joe Pring
- We Got This Covered
Mortal Kombat!!! Sorry, I can’t think of that title without saying or typing it at the proper decibel level. The soundtrack to the original Mortal Kombat film kicked ass and I owned it on cassette. Shows how old I am, right?
Anyways, the Og Mortal Kombat is arguably still the greatest video game adaptation we’ve ever seen. But that’s not saying much considering some of the trash that’s been released since. Whether it’s Max Payne, Doom or Assassin’s Creed, Hollywood has greenlit a lot of embarrassing video game movies. And all of these examples had major stars in them.
There have been signs of life that the genre is beginning to turn things around, though. The recent Tomb Raider reboot was pretty good, Warcraft was surprisingly decent and even Rampage has its moments. But again, the bar is still really low. Still, the genre certainly appears to be trending upwards,...
Anyways, the Og Mortal Kombat is arguably still the greatest video game adaptation we’ve ever seen. But that’s not saying much considering some of the trash that’s been released since. Whether it’s Max Payne, Doom or Assassin’s Creed, Hollywood has greenlit a lot of embarrassing video game movies. And all of these examples had major stars in them.
There have been signs of life that the genre is beginning to turn things around, though. The recent Tomb Raider reboot was pretty good, Warcraft was surprisingly decent and even Rampage has its moments. But again, the bar is still really low. Still, the genre certainly appears to be trending upwards,...
- 12/14/2019
- by Ryan Beltram
- We Got This Covered
Not only has the writer for the Mortal Kombat reboot hinted at the possibility of MK3 characters being featured in the movie, but he’s also teased “big plans” for Jax. In a post on Twitter, Greg Russo sung praise for Mehcad Brooks (True Blood) – who’ll be playing Major Jackson “Jax” Briggs – for his dedication to the role. The tweet was accompanied by a picture of Brooks looking, shall we say, buff as all hell, too.
His commitment to the Jax aesthetic is, quite frankly, insane, as Russo puts it. It appears he really is getting into the part as well, with his shirt off, a knowing smile on his face and a finger pointing to a sign bearing his character’s name.
Insane dedication to the role. @MehcadBrooks We're just getting started. Got big plans for the Major! Gotcha! #MortalKombat https://t.co/zG9hLCAL4z
— Greg Russo...
His commitment to the Jax aesthetic is, quite frankly, insane, as Russo puts it. It appears he really is getting into the part as well, with his shirt off, a knowing smile on his face and a finger pointing to a sign bearing his character’s name.
Insane dedication to the role. @MehcadBrooks We're just getting started. Got big plans for the Major! Gotcha! #MortalKombat https://t.co/zG9hLCAL4z
— Greg Russo...
- 11/18/2019
- by Andrew Heaton
- We Got This Covered
Since the announcement of the Mortal Kombat movie reboot earlier this year (with horror director James Wan attached as a producer), we’ve already learned that the franchise’s most popular characters will be making a return, such as Scorpio, Sub-Zero and Raiden. All your favorites, right? Well, now we’re getting word that the film will also feature champions from Mortal Kombat 3.
This info comes from the writer himself, Greg Russo, who apparently admitted it to a fan on Twitter. While he hasn’t given any details about which characters in particular will appear, folks will no doubt have their own ideas. Nightwolf, maybe? Or perhaps Stryker? How about Sindel? There are lots to choose from, so we’ll be waiting with bated breath to learn more.
What about other Mortal Kombat games, though? If MK3 is being talked about, this may leave the door open for characters from other sequels,...
This info comes from the writer himself, Greg Russo, who apparently admitted it to a fan on Twitter. While he hasn’t given any details about which characters in particular will appear, folks will no doubt have their own ideas. Nightwolf, maybe? Or perhaps Stryker? How about Sindel? There are lots to choose from, so we’ll be waiting with bated breath to learn more.
What about other Mortal Kombat games, though? If MK3 is being talked about, this may leave the door open for characters from other sequels,...
- 11/17/2019
- by Andrew Heaton
- We Got This Covered
Mortal Kombat‘s return to the big screen is shaping up to be a thoroughly good time.
The reboot, which aims to scrub 1995’s quite awful Mortal Kombat: Annihilation from memory, is due out in 2021 and once again sees Earth’s mightiest warriors heed the call to defend their realm from Shao Khan and his malevolent sorcerer, Shang Tsung. Beyond that, however, plot details still remain frustratingly slim, and it’s currently unclear whether Greg Russo’s screenplay will be a retelling of the first Mortal Kombat tournament depicted in the original game or something else entirely.
Whatever the case, iconic characters such as Scorpion, Jax, Raiden and Sub-Zero are already confirmed to make an appearance, a line-up that’s just been extended, thanks to today’s confirmation. Having spotted the first reference to the character via a video posted by Liu Kang actor Ludi Lin on Instagram earlier this year,...
The reboot, which aims to scrub 1995’s quite awful Mortal Kombat: Annihilation from memory, is due out in 2021 and once again sees Earth’s mightiest warriors heed the call to defend their realm from Shao Khan and his malevolent sorcerer, Shang Tsung. Beyond that, however, plot details still remain frustratingly slim, and it’s currently unclear whether Greg Russo’s screenplay will be a retelling of the first Mortal Kombat tournament depicted in the original game or something else entirely.
Whatever the case, iconic characters such as Scorpion, Jax, Raiden and Sub-Zero are already confirmed to make an appearance, a line-up that’s just been extended, thanks to today’s confirmation. Having spotted the first reference to the character via a video posted by Liu Kang actor Ludi Lin on Instagram earlier this year,...
- 11/12/2019
- by Joe Pring
- We Got This Covered
Exclusive: The Black List latest and F. Gary Gray’s Fenix Studio will partner to create a new screenwriting opportunity focused on identifying writers interested in writing a smart, elevated action script for the company.
Starting today and continuing through February 1, 2020, screenwriters who are interested in this initiative can submit feature script samples for consideration in the Fenix Studios Screenwriting Opportunity via the Black List website. Fenix Studios is looking to select a writer for a two-step blind screenwriting deal via this opportunity. In addition, script evaluations purchased on blcklst.com by January 1, 2020 will be considered for this partnership.
“The Black List has been at the forefront of supporting and empowering screenwriters around the world and we are excited to partner with them to identify a new and talented voice and bring in an innovative and commercial feature project into the company,” said Fenix Studios Evp Gary Glushon.
“Set it Off,...
Starting today and continuing through February 1, 2020, screenwriters who are interested in this initiative can submit feature script samples for consideration in the Fenix Studios Screenwriting Opportunity via the Black List website. Fenix Studios is looking to select a writer for a two-step blind screenwriting deal via this opportunity. In addition, script evaluations purchased on blcklst.com by January 1, 2020 will be considered for this partnership.
“The Black List has been at the forefront of supporting and empowering screenwriters around the world and we are excited to partner with them to identify a new and talented voice and bring in an innovative and commercial feature project into the company,” said Fenix Studios Evp Gary Glushon.
“Set it Off,...
- 11/4/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
News from the set of the Mortal Kombat reboot continues to excite and intrigue fans. The film is currently being shot in Australia and Todd Garner of Broken Road Productions recently took to Twitter to share a behind-the-scenes photo of what appears to be one of the classic combat arenas from the games that the movie will feature.
Seen down below, this might just be a regular old forest, but chances are pretty high that it’s actually our first glimpse at the Living Forest, one of the most famous arenas from the Mortal Kombat series. For those unfamiliar, the Living Forest is a place which contains, you guessed it, actual living, carnivorous trees that lie in wait to trap unsuspecting travelers in their branches and roots. Naturally, losing a fight in this particular arena means that the combatant may very well find themselves turning into a tree snack.
Mortal Kombat...
Seen down below, this might just be a regular old forest, but chances are pretty high that it’s actually our first glimpse at the Living Forest, one of the most famous arenas from the Mortal Kombat series. For those unfamiliar, the Living Forest is a place which contains, you guessed it, actual living, carnivorous trees that lie in wait to trap unsuspecting travelers in their branches and roots. Naturally, losing a fight in this particular arena means that the combatant may very well find themselves turning into a tree snack.
Mortal Kombat...
- 10/26/2019
- by Neeraj Chand
- We Got This Covered
A lot of fans are excited for Warner Bros. upcoming reboot of Mortal Kombat. The movie is being produced by James Wan and directed by Simon McQuoid. They are aiming for an R-rating and plan to feature some of the famous fatalities on the big screen for the first time. It was also previously explained that fans will see “a lot of familiar faces” in the film.
The film is currently shooting, and when a fan of the franchise reached out to writer Greg Russo asking about the costumes in the movie, Russo explained that everything he’s seen so far is unreal:
"Forget the fact that I work on this. "If I just stumbled in as a lifelong fan, my jaw would perm be on the floor. What I’ve seen so far is unreal. That goes for weapon design/makeup too."
Forget the fact that I work on this.
The film is currently shooting, and when a fan of the franchise reached out to writer Greg Russo asking about the costumes in the movie, Russo explained that everything he’s seen so far is unreal:
"Forget the fact that I work on this. "If I just stumbled in as a lifelong fan, my jaw would perm be on the floor. What I’ve seen so far is unreal. That goes for weapon design/makeup too."
Forget the fact that I work on this.
- 10/1/2019
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
The news about the James Wan-produced Mortal Kombat reboot has been coming in thick and fast in recent weeks, with virtually the entire main cast being announced in rapid order. Mehcad Brooks, who will play Jax in the upcoming video game adaptation, also recently posted a brief behind-the-scenes video of his fight training in preparation for the start of shooting. Well, it turns out that today is that day, as writer Greg Russo shared a photo from the set to celebrate the first day of filming.
While Mortal Kombat is one of the longest-running and most popular video game franchises out there, the latest big screen adaptation doesn’t come burdened with much pressure. Producer James Wan, as the director of Furious 7 and Aquaman, is arguably the biggest name involved in the production, both writer Russo and director Simon McQuoid are making their feature debuts on the R-rated flick,...
While Mortal Kombat is one of the longest-running and most popular video game franchises out there, the latest big screen adaptation doesn’t come burdened with much pressure. Producer James Wan, as the director of Furious 7 and Aquaman, is arguably the biggest name involved in the production, both writer Russo and director Simon McQuoid are making their feature debuts on the R-rated flick,...
- 9/16/2019
- by Scott Campbell
- We Got This Covered
New Line Cinema has officially started production on their highly anticipated Mortal Kombat movie. The announcement came from screenwriter Greg Russo, who shared a behind-the-scenes photo on Twitter with the caption, “May the Elder Gods watch over us! #Ithasbegun”.
May the Elder Gods watch over us! #Ithasbegun pic.twitter.com/Lkovg7Glwo
— Greg Russo (@WriterRusso) September 15, 2019
The movie is being directed by Simon McQuoid, who is aiming for an R-rating with the film which will feature some of the famous fatalities. It was also previously explained that fans will see “a lot of familiar faces” in the film, but there are some other popular characters that will be saved for the sequel.
As far as the casting for the film goes, Joe Taslim (The Raid) will play Sub Zero, Ludi Lin (Power Rangers) plays Liu Kang, Jessica McNamee (The Meg) plays Sonya Blade, Josh Lawson (Superstore) takes on the role of Kano,...
May the Elder Gods watch over us! #Ithasbegun pic.twitter.com/Lkovg7Glwo
— Greg Russo (@WriterRusso) September 15, 2019
The movie is being directed by Simon McQuoid, who is aiming for an R-rating with the film which will feature some of the famous fatalities. It was also previously explained that fans will see “a lot of familiar faces” in the film, but there are some other popular characters that will be saved for the sequel.
As far as the casting for the film goes, Joe Taslim (The Raid) will play Sub Zero, Ludi Lin (Power Rangers) plays Liu Kang, Jessica McNamee (The Meg) plays Sonya Blade, Josh Lawson (Superstore) takes on the role of Kano,...
- 9/16/2019
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
Considering how twenty-two years have gone by since we last received a Mortal Kombat movie, I’m sure lots of us were starting to think there would never be another one. But after more than two decades of rumors and false promises, it feels strange to see a reboot coming together so smoothly.
To briefly bring you up to speed on how quickly casting has heated up in recent memory, it all kicked off this past July when Joe Taslim was enlisted as the iconic Sub-Zero. Then, in this month alone, the other puzzle pieces began falling into place when Sisi Stringer (Mileena), Mehcad Brooks (Jax), Ludi Lin (Liu Kang) and Tadanobu Asano (Raiden) were hired for their respective roles, with Jessica McNamee (Sonya Blade) and Josh Lawson (Kano) joining the cause earlier this week.
Now, we can add two more fan favorite Kombatants to the tally, as Chin Han...
To briefly bring you up to speed on how quickly casting has heated up in recent memory, it all kicked off this past July when Joe Taslim was enlisted as the iconic Sub-Zero. Then, in this month alone, the other puzzle pieces began falling into place when Sisi Stringer (Mileena), Mehcad Brooks (Jax), Ludi Lin (Liu Kang) and Tadanobu Asano (Raiden) were hired for their respective roles, with Jessica McNamee (Sonya Blade) and Josh Lawson (Kano) joining the cause earlier this week.
Now, we can add two more fan favorite Kombatants to the tally, as Chin Han...
- 8/28/2019
- by Eric Joseph
- We Got This Covered
Richard Jordan Aug 28, 2019
The Mortal Kombat movie reboot has found its Scorpion and Shang Tsung!
The fatality-laden fighting game franchise Mortal Kombat is heading back to the big screen for a bruising, beat-em-up extravaganza. The games have been adapted twice before – Paul Ws Anderson's decent, Enter the Dragon-with-superpowers 1995 original and its universally derided follow-up, Annihilation. This new version, though, is scaling things up, with the upcoming shoot in south Australia said to be the biggest production in the region's history.
With the movie due to start filming later this year, the casting announcements are flying out fast. Variety is now reporting that Chin Han and Hiroyuki Sanada have been cast as classic Mk characters Shang Tsung and Scorpion, respectively.
Shang Tsung was the "final boss," if you like, of the original film (in which he was memorably played by Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa) and is likely to play the same role here.
The Mortal Kombat movie reboot has found its Scorpion and Shang Tsung!
The fatality-laden fighting game franchise Mortal Kombat is heading back to the big screen for a bruising, beat-em-up extravaganza. The games have been adapted twice before – Paul Ws Anderson's decent, Enter the Dragon-with-superpowers 1995 original and its universally derided follow-up, Annihilation. This new version, though, is scaling things up, with the upcoming shoot in south Australia said to be the biggest production in the region's history.
With the movie due to start filming later this year, the casting announcements are flying out fast. Variety is now reporting that Chin Han and Hiroyuki Sanada have been cast as classic Mk characters Shang Tsung and Scorpion, respectively.
Shang Tsung was the "final boss," if you like, of the original film (in which he was memorably played by Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa) and is likely to play the same role here.
- 8/28/2019
- Den of Geek
New Line continues to ramp up its pre-production on its “Mortal Kombat” reboot, tapping Chin Han to play Shang Tsung and Hiroyuki Sanada to play Scorpion.
The two join Joe Taslim (Sub Zero), Ludi Lin (Liu Kang), Jessica McNamee (Sonya Blade), Josh Lawson (Kano), Tadanobu Asano (Raiden), Mehcad Brooks (Jackson “Jax” Bridges), Sisi Stringer (Mileena) and Lewis Tan.
Simon McQuoid is directing and James Wan and Todd Garner are producing.
While the plot of the film remains unknown, the video game centers on a massive roster of character fighters from different realms in a fictional universe battling for supremacy. Greg Russo penned the current version of the screenplay.
Shang Tsung is one of the few original “Mortal Kombat” characters, having debuted in the first “Mortal Kombat” arcade game as the final boss. Shang Tsung is a powerful evil warlock and shapeshifter who absorbs the souls of those he defeats in...
The two join Joe Taslim (Sub Zero), Ludi Lin (Liu Kang), Jessica McNamee (Sonya Blade), Josh Lawson (Kano), Tadanobu Asano (Raiden), Mehcad Brooks (Jackson “Jax” Bridges), Sisi Stringer (Mileena) and Lewis Tan.
Simon McQuoid is directing and James Wan and Todd Garner are producing.
While the plot of the film remains unknown, the video game centers on a massive roster of character fighters from different realms in a fictional universe battling for supremacy. Greg Russo penned the current version of the screenplay.
Shang Tsung is one of the few original “Mortal Kombat” characters, having debuted in the first “Mortal Kombat” arcade game as the final boss. Shang Tsung is a powerful evil warlock and shapeshifter who absorbs the souls of those he defeats in...
- 8/27/2019
- by Justin Kroll
- Variety Film + TV
The James Wan-produced reboot of Mortal Kombat is currently gearing up to shoot in Australia, with both writer Greg Russo and director Simon McQuoid set to make their feature debuts on the video game adaptation. With the start of production looming ever closer, the movie has been finalizing its cast in recent weeks, and it’s now been confirmed that another three actors have boarded the project.
Jessica McNamee, best known for appearing in Battle of the Sexes and The Meg, has signed on as Sonya Blade while Josh Lawson, who starred in all five seasons of Showtime comedy House of Lies, will be getting fitted with the signature cybernetic eye of Kano. Lewis Tan, who can currently be seen in Netflix action series Wu Assassins, is also in talks to join the movie in an as-yet-unspecified role.
Interestingly, Tan already has previous involvement in the Mortal Kombat franchise...
Jessica McNamee, best known for appearing in Battle of the Sexes and The Meg, has signed on as Sonya Blade while Josh Lawson, who starred in all five seasons of Showtime comedy House of Lies, will be getting fitted with the signature cybernetic eye of Kano. Lewis Tan, who can currently be seen in Netflix action series Wu Assassins, is also in talks to join the movie in an as-yet-unspecified role.
Interestingly, Tan already has previous involvement in the Mortal Kombat franchise...
- 8/26/2019
- by Scott Campbell
- We Got This Covered
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