RJ's take on Mortal Kombat: Devastation
Okay, so as we all know a third movie is in the works, and it will be a sequel to Mortal Kombat: The Movie. From this, we can assume it will be based around either Mortal Kombat 2 or Mortal Kombat 3, given Shao Kahn's involvement, but everything else is purely speculative. So I have decided to rehash a fairly old topic of writing a brief summary of a possible movie plot line, as well as who I would have involved in it. I understand it is lengthy, but I would really appreciate any feedback.
The part about Shao Kahn invading the temple grounds must remain however perhaps should tie in with the end of the first movie. Imagine him smashing through the temple roof, with the line "You weak and pathetic fools, I've come for your souls". Raiden gives his "I don't think so" reply, and prepares for battle. Shao Kahn (who is still in Outworld) cries, "Annihilate them!” and we see an army Tarkata appear through a portal (either in the sky like in Annihilation, or on the ground like in Defenders of the Realm). Led by Baraka, the warriors’ storm through the temple grounds slaying everyone in sight. Sonya is captured in the invasion, Cage is killed, and our remaining heroes are forced to retreat, watching in horror as Shao Kahn's invasion has begun. Before they leave, they hear an outworldly sonic scream, which leaves the temples in ruin. Only Raiden knows what this means.
Raiden transports our heroes to the temple of the elder gods where they try to make sense of the situation. He announces that Kitana's mother, Queen Sindel has been reborn on Earth Realm, which has allowed Shao Kahn to enter the realm and claim her, by thus, setting the Earth Realm on a path of merging with Outworld. He tells them to look around them, and they see the sky has transformed into a hazy shade of orange and purple. This is Kahn and his priests stripping the Earth Realm of its essence, claiming billions of souls in the process. Survivors will be found, those who the Emperor cannot claim, however there will be extermination squads sent to hunt these down, meaning that they have to act quickly. He believes that if they are able to reunite Kitana with Sindel, the princess may be able to undo Kahn's sorcery. But with Sindel at Kahn's side, that task is going to be a lot more difficult, so Raiden sends Liu Kang and Kitana to Outworld as they prepare to confront the Emperor. He will enter the temple to reflect on the events and try to come to a conclusion.
Shao Kahn on his throne in the Black Tower meanwhile is preparing for his triumphant entry through the portal to Earth Realm where he can finally claim it is as his own. However before this can happen, there are lose ends that need tying up. Jade is sent to try and lure the princess into a trap, while Reptile and Mileena are sent to kill. Kahn realises the threat that Kitana poses.
Meanwhile on Earth, we see a familiar ninja in blue running across a stone bridge, away from a fortress. Beside him is a ninja clad in grey. The enemy is unseen at first, but soon materialises as a red robotic ninja. Despite it being one-on-two, the escapees are clearly fatigued. As the grey clad ninja draws back in a desperate attempt to get away, a cybernetic net is hurled at him from behind, trapping him (An electromagnetic net, as opposed to the acidic net used in Annihilation). He tells the blue ninja to run. As Sub-Zero runs off screen, we see over his shoulder a portal opening over the Lin Kuei headquarters.
Meanwhile on the streets of L.A., a riot officer is squaring off against a masked mercenary. Despite the chaos enveloping the city, this particular thug is not deterred from doing his business, cutting down a couple of riot police with his hookswords in an attempt to build up his arsenal before the coming battle. Before the fight can get too far, thunder crashes signalling the arrival of a new player. Kabal and Stryker form an unlikely alliance as they try to take on Rain and his squadron of ninjas. They get captured. Stryker is killed, but sensing something that may be useful in Kabal, he is brought back to Outworld.
Liu Kang and Kitana sneak around Outworld, headed towards the Black Tower. They both realise that they are hopelessly outnumbered, and that they will only get one shot it at this, however know that everything is lost either way. Out of the shadows, Liu Kang catches movement and warns Kitana. It is Mileena, who dropkicks out of the sky. Mileena's attack takes Liu by surprise and he is quickly out of the match. Kitana steps in and the two battle It is a brutal battle between the two evenly matched warriors, before Jade steps in and kills Mileena. Kitana is relieved to see her old friend, who tells the duo that she knows why they are here and can help them. There are shortcuts that will take them straight to the Tower with a minimum of risk. As the three make a hasty get away, Reptile makes himself visible in his position behind a pillar of a ruined temple, looking more than a bit suspicious.
The Shaolin Templegrounds are a horrific site when we return there. A pair of feet walking through the devastation is how we are introduced to the latest player. A pull back reveals the former Shaolin Monk Kung Lao. He has returned here on the advice from one of his meditations. Looking around, he walks toward the portal and steps through it.
Facing off against a horde of Centaurs, the United States Special Forces know that they are more than just a bit outmatched. This doesn't prevent them from fighting for all they are worth, however it is not only the enemies they can see which were striking out at his team, as the life is literally sucked out of some. Amongst the array of the elite is Major Jackson Briggs, complete with cybernetic strength enhancers. When Sonya didn't return, he knew he would be up against it, whoever the opposition. As his comrades die around him, Jax prepares to retreat. He'd be no good to anyone dead. He does a ground pound, which gives him some cover, but not enough as one of the Centaurs leaps over the ground and lands just in front of Jax. Trying to starve off panic, Jax prepares to fight. That is when a glowing green arrow flies through the air and plunges into the Centaur's chest. Nightwolf states the obvious when he tells Jax that he is not safe here, but also tells him that he can take him to Sonya. Jax asks how he knows about Sonya, Nightwolf gives his smug laugh and says that Jax has been chosen.
In the temple of the Elder Gods, Rayden is faced with his own dilemma. As the merger between the two realms grows ever closer, the Gods of Earth are losing out to the Gods of Outworld. But he also senses something more, like the strike on the heavens is a lot more than just figurative. This has given him another plan.
In the control room of the Black Tower (where the generals met in Annihilation, where the rebels met in Star Wars), Jade shows Liu Kang and Kitana where the Queen sits around the table. She is alone, and it looks like asleep. Liu is about to join Kitana in entering the room when Jade warns him only Kitana can break the curse. He would be jeopardising his own safety by attempting anything. Kitana attempts to open Sindel's eyes to the past when the deception is uncovered. The doors are thrown back as Sindel's protector, Sheeva enters. She taunts Kitana, and after a quick fight, incapacitates her. Liu runs out from his cover when another of Kahn's generals enters the room. Flanked by his two lieutenants, it is Motaro. Liu Kang is not intimidated, even if he is shocked by the sight of these awesome beings, and prepares to fight. It is quick, and brutal, with Liu Kang tossed around like a rag doll before being lifted into the air in a chokehold, and slammed across the room. Sindel laughs as Kitana is taken away.
The tribe's land has been protected from Kahn's evil even if its occupant’s lives have not. Summoning his powers as a Shaman, Nightwolf opens a portal to Outworld where, as he tells Jax, there will be others. Nightwolf senses they are not alone before he sees the faces of the three new threats. A trio of cybernetic ninjas, all bearing the mark of the Lin Kuei, but also bearing another mark unfamiliar to the Shaman. A rocket launched by Sektor destroys the portal, forcing Jax and Nightwolf to fight. Jax takes on Cyrax, while Sektor and Nightwolf battle it out. The third ninja watches, conflicted. He travels around the battleground, without actually getting involved. Jax is able to account for Cyrax, and then helps Nightwolf finish off Sektor. They turn to face the ninja who has remained passive throughout the whole ordeal, battle ready. A red glow on his arm seems to cause discomfort to Smoke, a robotic squeal is emitted as Smoke transforms into battle ready mode. The battle never happens though, as an ice blast from behind freezes Smoke and sees him shatter. Wearing a battle scar over his eye from his earlier fight, Sub Zero offers his apology to his friend now in a million pieces around him. He walks toward the Shaman who had called to him in his sleep, and offers himself to Earth's resistance. Before Nightwolf is able to accept, "Get Over Here!" thunders across the ravine, as a harpoon emerges from amidst the rocky outcrop. Snapping and snarling, it tells Sub-Zero enough. He covers Jax and Nightwolf as they open a portal and enter Outworld. Following his living harpoon, Scorpion appears before Sub-Zero, which leads to a war of words between the two, akin to the confrontation between Scorpion and Sub-Zero's relative in Mortal Kombat: Conquest. Scorpion escaped Hell when Kahn's attempt to take it's souls failed, a rogue warrior with alignments to no one, he claims this is the chance to finish what Sub-Zero's kind began 500 years ago. Their rivalry is laid out, and they both promise that one of them won't walk away from this. The fight of the millennia erupts, evenly matched throughout. After almost ten minutes, Sub-Zero is able to gain the upper hand through a minute judgement error by Scorpion. He hurls ice at Scorpion, but before it hits, Scorpion creates a interdimensional void and teleports (as much as I want a clear winner, there is a third movie to worry about and the importance of these two key players to that film cannot be underestimated). Alone again, Sub Zero embarks on another mission. One that will not end until Scorpion is dead. But first he has another score to settle. There are passageways to Outworld known only to the Lin Kuei, and he has a friend to get revenge for.
In the shadows of the Black Tower, Kung Lao confronts the chosen warriors (Nightwolf, Jax, and Sub-Zero), and tells them of the situation. Liu Kang, Kitana, and Raiden are missing, Sonya has been taken, Cage is dead. The four of them hold the fate of Earth Realm in their hands, they will be up against of millions of deadly warriors alone. Getting past the guards of the Emperor's guards will be near on impossible, facing the Emperor will be that much more impossible.
A menacing laugh from somewhere nearby however renders Kung Lao's plan useless. He turns to see the remains of some kind of temple, standing amongst the destruction are Motaro, Reptile, Jade, and Rain. At the foot of the temple, shackled, are Sonya Blade, Kitana, and Kabal. A hooded monk on either side of the trio. Shao Kahn and Sindel (who is shadowed by her servant, Sheeva) are seated on thrones atop the raised level of the temple. Kahn states that their cause is lost, their Earth consumed in the vast expanse of Outworld, their Gods obliterated by the awesome power of Quan Chi and the brothers of the shadows, and that nothing can change that now. (The knowledge of Quan Chi has come from Noob Saibot, who serves both men of the alliance). They face off ala Annihilation, with Jax - Motaro, Rain - Nightwolf, and Kung Lao - Reptile and Jade. As the battles erupt, Kahn laughs, clearly enjoying the spectacle. His laugh soon disappears however, as another figure appears. Zombie Johnny Cage. His path to the heavens was blocked by the war between Chi's forces and the Gods, and with the help of Raiden (with his final act as an immortal), he was able to return to his body and make the journey alongside mortal Raiden, and the ice ninja via the pathway established by the LK when they served Kahn's demon sorcerer for so many years.
Raiden battles Kahn, Sub-Zero teams with Kung Lao against the green duo, while Cage reignites his love of smashing a Shokan by taking on Sheeva. The battles are chaotic, with only Kahn getting the better of the opponent. Perhaps showing her true colours, Jade departs the battle, and with the aid of her staff, takes out Kahn's guards. Freeing the captives, she teams with Kitana to take Sindel captive. Kabal goes after the ninja Rain, while Sonya teams with her Special Forces partner to take out the being responsible for the deaths of so many of her colleagues.
The results go Earth's way, except that Shao Kahn continues to toy with the former God of Thunder. A flying kick from behind accompanied with a chicken squawk announces the return of Liu Kang, who was not killed by Motaro before, only incapacitated. With his emergence into the fray, there is also another presence. Spirals of water, fire, wind and earth appear around the unmarked arena where Kahn and Liu fought. Out of this, a thunderous voice bellowed "The fate of the universe will be decided as it should be...IN MORTAL KOMBAT!" (That's right, the diversion of Quan Chi's attack on the heavens worked, and with that, they retreated). A storm envelops the "ring", and two fighters are transported are transported to another realm, a realm in between realms perhaps, or the heavens themselves. (The arena will be like the one Kahn and Raiden squared off in the final episode of Conquest). The two fight, and are a lot more evenly matched because of the intervention of the elder gods. Using the dragon's fury, Liu Kang finished off Kahn. With his death, Earth Realm reverts to how it was before the invasion. However Earth's inhabitants killed in battle remained dead, and this includes Johnny Cage who is free to pass onto the higher plane of existence. Raiden is rewarded for his efforts, appointed an Elder God. Kabal disappears back into the shadows, while Sub-Zero continues his hunt of the spectre Scorpion. Sindel, Jade, and Kitana return to the restored Edenia, but not before Kitana offered Liu Kang an offer to return with her. He refuses, putting his duty to Earth Realm first and foremost.
In the final scene of the movie, Liu Kang and Kung Lao are sparring at the temples, realising that Kahn is but one face of evil. Kung Lao retires for the day, leaving Liu Kang alone. As Liu Kang continued his training, he noticed one of his recently formed White Lotus Society members walking toward him. Paying the visitor little notice, he did not see the person become his true identity. Losing the man's identity, he revealed himself as Shang Tsung. Liu Kang turned in time to see Tsung prepare for battle, and the two fought. Neither gave an inch, and for a moment it looked like Liu Kang would once again emerge victorious. That was, however, until a well-placed skull blast from Shang Tsung's rescuer from the bowels of Netherealm, Quan Chi drills into Liu Kang, knocking him off his feet. Tsung snapped his neck before stealing his soul. A handshake between the deadly alliance signalled the completion of the first stage of their plan. Taking in his new surrounds, Tsung smiles. "Now where was I?"

Now, as for the cast...
Shao Kahn... Jeff Meek (He IS Shao Kahn...and Raiden, as demonstrated by his performance in Conquest)
Raiden... Christopher Lambert (Confirmed)
Liu Kang... Robin Shou (can't be anyone else)
Johnny Cage... Linden Ashby (Confirmed)
Sonya Blade... Sandra Hess (I will be criticised, but Bridgette won't be back, and with a better script and better direction, anything is possible).
Kitana...Talisa Soto (Dara did a good job in Conquest, but lacked that extra bit of grace that made Talisa so perfect for the role).
Baraka... Expert martial artist, doesn't really matter who.
Sindel... Musetta Vander (Had Sindel down pat in Annihilation).
Rain... Tyrone Wiggins (I think. After how he was handled in Annihilation, he deserves another shot).
Motaro...Deron McBree (I think. Perfect portrayal in Annihilation).
Sheeva... Marjean Holden (Had the look and character right).
Jade... Tracy Douglas (That's right, Vorpax. I reckon she has the looks and acting skills to really pull off a great Jade).
Mileena... Dana Hee (A great martial artist, great as Mileena in Annihilation, as well as Siann in Conquest)
Reptile... Jon Valera (Was great in Conquest (was anyone not?), very believable Reptile, and a great fighter. Probably needed to make more of those hissing noises though).
Smoke... J.J. Perry (Was great as Sub Zero in Conquest, and as Cyrax and Scorpion in Annihilation. Smoke is the next progression, although the actor who played Smoke in Annihilation is unlucky to miss out).
Sub Zero... Keith H. Cooke (Great in Annihilation, and shone as Reptile in the first movie)
Cyrax... Expert martial artist, perhaps Kimball Sultan Uddin (Noob Saibot in Conquest, as well as one of the Raptors in Annihilation).
Sektor... Expert martial artist, perhaps Silk Manning (Shadow Priest #1 in Conquest: Balance of Power. The guy who created the living sword, as well as fought Michael St. Christopher).
Kabal... Greg Vaughan (Kebral of Black Dragon in Conquest), or Daniel Bernhardt (Siro in Conquest).
Stryker... Alexander Walters (Tomas in Conquest could save this failed character).
Nightwolf... Litefoot (A poor script, but great performance in Annihilation).
Jax... Lynn 'Red' Williams (Confirmed).
Shang Tsung... Bruce Locke (Added new dimensions to the character with his performance in Conquest).
Quan Chi... Adoni Maropis (Anyone who saw Quan Chi in Conquest knows ADONI MAROPIS IS QUAN CHI, anyone who hasn't, you don't know what you are missing).
Scorpion... Chris Casamassa (Confirmed)
Kung Lao... Paolo Montalban (Brought the character to life with his performance in Conquest. Definitely has the look and acting ability. Michael Chaturantabut was great as his stunt double also).

As for others who I could not find a spot for, or who would appear as extras/ stunt doubles...
Percy "Spit Fire" Brown (played Rain in Conquest), Jim Helsinger (Reiko in Conquest), Michael St Christopher. Hakim Alston (the fighting monk in the first movie). Ray Park (the legendary Ray Park). There are other name I am probably forgetting, but that would do.

Although the movie I have planned out would go for three hours, parts would get cut, which would impact on other stories being told. I have gone for a different approach, hoping to do the movie justice without recreating the errors of New Line of introducing too many characters at the cost of a quality storyline).
So, what do people think?