Since Mortal Kombat 1 is now confirmed to take place in a new timeline, Sub-Zero might finally be able to fix one problem that plagued him in both timelines. The first trailer featured him rather prominently, confirming his role in the game, although many fans likely expected him due to his popularity and importance to the series. Depending on how Mortal Kombat 1 approaches its story, parts of Sub-Zero's story that originally didn't become prominent until later games could get their start there. That includes one character that has haunted Sub-Zero through multiple games.
Kuai Lang, better known as Sub-Zero, is one of Mortal Kombat's most iconic characters, with popularity almost on par with poster boy Scorpion. Between his eye-catching ninja design and ice powers, he's a difficult character to overlook. As the leader of the Lin Kuei ninjas, he also has an important role in the world of Mortal Kombat, being one of the most powerful allies that the heroes have at their disposal. It's also impossible to ignore his long-standing rivalry with Scorpion, as the two have been battling each other for most of the series, which Mortal Kombat 1's trailer made sure to remind fans.
Mortal Kombat 1's Sub-Zero Could be the One who Prevents Frost From Falling
One aspect of Sub-Zero that can be explored further is his connection to Mortal Kombat villainess Frost. Frost was a student of Sub-Zero in both timelines that he thought highly of. Unfortunately, Frost's own arrogance and ambition caused her to be led astray twice, leading her to become an enemy. Her incarnation in Mortal Kombat 11 was particularly shocking, as she became one of Kronika's underlings and was one of the most evil characters in the setting, forcibly turning other ninjas into robot henchmen. Frost has essentially been the opposite of Sub-Zero in terms of morality, which is ironic when one considers that he was her mentor at one time.
Although Sub-Zero has clashed with Frost in Mortal Kombat's past timelines, he seems to show more disappointment than hatred towards her. After all, he was her teacher, so he likely sees her turns to evil as failings on his part to teach her responsibility, although Frost's fall was the results of her own choices. Since Liu Kang recreated the timeline, Mortal Kombat 1 and its new universe could be Sub-Zero's chance to do what he failed to do in previous timelines, and ensure that Frost does not turn against the Lin Kuei. If so, that could have significant repercussions for future games.
If Frost does not fall in Mortal Kombat 1's timeline, then she could be one of Mortal Kombat's past antagonists to have an entirely new storyline. If Frost doesn't fall into villainy, then her intense hatred for Sub-Zero never becomes a driving force, which likely prevents her from leaving the clan. It's possible that a new version of Frost could be akin to Jacqui or Kung Jin from the last timeline, being a younger fighter who follows in the vein of their respective mentor. By keeping Sub-Zero as a mentor rather than an enemy, Frost's entire destiny would change compared to past incarnations.
Sub-Zero and Frost could potentially offer one of the series' biggest changes. Although Frost is not yet one of Mortal Kombat 1's confirmed fighters, the fact that she has appeared in both previous timelines provides reason to expect her to return at some point. In addition, Mileena's presence in the trailer shows that not being in the first game doesn't automatically disqualify later characters from appearing. While Sub-Zero still has his rivalry with Scorpion to deal with, the rest of his story is still open. Mortal Kombat 1's Sub-Zero might be the one to finally keep Frost from straying off the path.
Mortal Kombat 1 will be released on September 19, 2023 for Nintendo Switch, PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
