No, you didn't stumble back in time. Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa is the name that jumps out immediately in official Mortal Kombat: Legacy casting information, fresh from Warner Brothers!
The Japanese-born actor returns to the role he made famous in the 1995's Mortal Kombat feature film - replacing Johnson Phan as Shang Tsung! Tsung appeared only briefly in a string of Legacy cameos during the first series [Episodes 3, 4 & 8], but with a penchant for taking the forms of others, you've got to think this is one of the least jarring of the casting changes.
Casper Van Dien (Starship Troopers) and Mark Dacascos (Double Dragon) add more nineties Hollywood nostalgia to the list, joining the series as Johnny Cage and Kung Lao, respectively. This will be the first time Kung Lao makes it to a live-action adaptation, one of the few Mortal Kombat II characters to remain untouched by film. His ancient ancestor was the primary focus of the short-lived Mortal Kombat: Conquest series.
Harry Shum (Kuai Liang) filming Legacy Series 2 with Kevin Tancharoen.
Recently cast Harry Shum Jr [full story] has officially been revealed as Kuai Liang - the Lin Kuei warrior who becomes Sub-Zero (MKII). Brian Tee (The Wolverine) joins as Liu Kang -- traditional hero of the Mortal Kombat tournament that the series promises to tackle.
Fans will get a first glimpse at Series 2 February 17, 2013, when Kevin Tancharoen presents a special first-look during the Streamy Awards. Tancharoen returns to direct and co-write, with Josh Baizer and Marshall Johnson. The series will then debut proper on Machinima, sometime in the 2013 Second Quarter.
The first season of "Mortal Kombat: Legacy" was one of the most-viewed web series of 2011 with more than 60 million views to date on Machinima. In the second season the saga continues as Liu Kang and Ermac join the ranks of fighters introduced in the first season of the web series including Kenshi, Kung Lao, Kuai Lang, Stryker, Kitana, Mileena, Johnny Cage, Scorpion and Sub Zero. This new season will uncover the rivalries and histories of these fierce warriors as Raiden and his recruits clash against the dark forces of Outworld. The epic battle for Earthrealm has finally begun!
"Fans are in for a real treat with the second season of Mortal Kombat: Legacy," said Tancharoen. "With added visual effects and storylines that dive deeper into our warriors as they make their way to the tournament, we’re taking this series to a whole new level. I'm really looking forward to showing fans the first clip during the Streamy Awards on February 17. "
“Machinima and our audience have been eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this series, and I’m thrilled to announce that Mortal Kombat: Legacy 2 will return to its original home on Machinima,” said Allen DeBevoise, Chairman, Co-Founder, and CEO of Machinima. “We have become a destination for episodic narrative series thanks in part to the first season of Mortal Kombat: Legacy, and we look forward to breaking new ground with this much anticipated new season.”
“Mortal Kombat: Legacy 2" comes from producer Lance Sloane ("H+: The Digital Series" / "Act of Valor") and Kevin Tancharoen (“Mortal Kombat: Legacy”) who also serves as the series’ director. Production services are provided by Bandito Brothers, and Hayden Roush and Marina Stabile serve as Line Producers. The series is written by Josh Baizer, Marshall Johnson and Kevin Tancharoen. “Mortal Kombat: Legacy 2" is produced by Warner Bros. Digital Distribution and distributed by Machinima, Inc.
As previously reported; Ian Anthony Dale returned to filming as the ninja from hell, Scorpion; while Dan Southworth (Power Rangers: Time Force) joins in an as yet unannounced role [full story]. Sadly; Jeri Ryan, Matt Mullins and Tahmoh Penikett have been confirmed as not returning to their first series roles [read more].
Mortal Kombat Online will be following progress on the series eagerly. Keep up-to-date with the latest news, rumors and conversation on the Media & Merchandise forum. Get more from MKO and the cast by following @MK_Online.