The next chapter of Mortal Kombat is taking shape — and this time, franchise co-creator Ed Boon is closer to the action than ever.

In a recent discussion with producer Todd Garner, Boon confirmed that the upcoming sequel to 2021’s Mortal Kombat represents a major step up in scale, collaboration, and fan responsiveness. According to both men, the new film is bigger, more aligned with the games, and shaped directly by audience feedback from the reboot.

A Hard Look at 2021 — and a Reset

The 2021 reboot launched during the pandemic and divided fans. While it delivered brutal action and franchise staples, it also drew criticism — particularly around narrative choices and the introduction of an original lead character.

Garner says the sequel began with a clear directive: listen.

“We really evaluated what fans loved and what they didn’t,” he explained. That meant bringing Boon into the creative process from the very beginning — not just as a consultant, but as an active voice in shaping story decisions.

Boon, who co-created Mortal Kombat in 1991 and serves as creative director at NetherRealm Studios, said he felt heard throughout development. He was involved in discussions about character arcs, canon alignment, and even who lives or dies.

The goal: stay true to 30+ years of lore while making a film that works on its own terms.

Bigger, Grander — and Tested by Hardcore Fans

Boon describes the sequel as “much more bigger, grander than the older movies.” He also called it the best experience he’s had working on a Mortal Kombat film — including 1995’s Mortal Kombat and the 2021 reboot.

Production took place in Gold Coast, Australia, and faced a significant hurdle when industry strikes forced an eight-month shutdown. Notably, Boon’s on-screen cameo was the final shot completed before the pause.

Yes — Boon will appear in the movie.

His cameo scene was filmed opposite Carl Urban, who features in the sequel. Urban reportedly delivered his off-camera dialogue first so Boon’s coverage could be finished before production halted.

Once filming resumed, the team moved into preview screenings — including a packed showing of 300 to 400 hardcore fans. Garner described the energy as comparable to a rock concert, with loud reactions and immediate feedback.

Those screenings weren’t just for hype. They were used to fine-tune story beats and navigate what Garner called “fun, complicated questions” about major narrative decisions.

Playing the Hits — Without Playing It Safe

The sequel’s strategy appears straightforward:

   
• Deliver iconic characters and moments.
   
• Avoid sidelining fan favorites.
   
• Surprise audiences where it counts.
   
• Respect established canon while planning long-term franchise growth.

There are still real-world constraints — budget, runtime, physics — but the creative mandate is clear: don’t hold back what fans expect from Mortal Kombat.

If the 2021 film tested the waters, this one aims to land with authority.

What do you think — will this sequel deliver a Flawless Victory?