After months of rumors, the highly awaited Mortal Kombat 1 has been officially announced with a cinematic trailer. Displaying a beautiful new vision of its world, the trailer subverts this imagery by subsequently descending into the typical trademark series gore. Initially thought to be titled “Mortal Kombat 12,” subversion seems to be a consistent theme in details regarding Mortal Kombat 1 so far. As the upcoming title ushers the franchise into a brand-new era, it seems to already be aiming to break long-time series traditions. One need look no further than the latest incarnations of the two most popular colorful ninjas.
Scorpion and Sub-Zero have been rivals ever since their conceptions, seen as members of opposing clans. While they’ve always been known to come to bloody blows, 2011’s Mortal Kombat 9 reboot took it a step further in promotional material. Cinematics featuring detailed depictions of the ninjas battling were a part of the game’s marketing, going on to further solidify the deep roots of the rivalry in the minds of fans. 4 years later, Mortal Kombat X would premiere an iconic cinematic trailer that saw the rivalry between Scorpion and Sub-Zero continue. At this point, the two were seen as mortal enemies whose battles would always keep the action flowing for the series, as their rivalry was always front and center.
Mortal Kombat 1's Scorpion and Sub-Zero Are Brothers, Not Rivals
2019’s Mortal Kombat 11 progressed the reboot timeline into its conclusion, serving as the third entry in the Mortal Kombat 9 saga. This installment surprised many fans when it utilized its narrative focus to progress the arcs of its characters as well. The past game’s narrative saw Scorpion becoming humanized in a way he has never truly been depicted, a shock to many fans. On a surface level, the game has a similar status quo to the past entries because Mortal Kombat 11 still played it safe by including time-traveling past versions of characters that lacked the same development.
Mortal Kombat 1 doesn't seem to be as risk averse, however. The cinematic trailer was a bold declaration that the series is moving forward, showcasing fire god Liu Kang's new role as overseer of this new universe. This development directly follows the ending of Mortal Kombat 11’s Aftermath DLC, making Mortal Kombat 1 function as a subversive “requel.” Keeping with this pattern, young versions of Scorpion and Sub-Zero were shown wearing nearly identical outfits, clearly referencing their asset-flipped roots. However, the rivals don't appear to be that at all anymore. The two stand together as allies, the narrator calling them “united as brothers”.
Scorpion and Sub-Zero have Become More United than Ever Before
Mortal Kombat 1 seems committed to defying the tropes of the franchise, even though fans have yet to become tired of Sub-Zero and Scorpion’s unending conflict. NetherRealm Studios is likely more focused on building up the concept of a greater antagonistic force that the fighters will have to unite against. Series rivals Kitana and Mileena are similarly seen not killing each other in MK1's trailer, showing an intentional subversion of the franchise's mortal enemy dynamic. It's unknown what circumstances would cause Scorpion and Sub-Zero to now look similar, down to their hairstyles and small outfit details, as they have historically hailed from disparate rival ninja clans. Liu Kang’s new reality is likely to continue to defy player expectations as more details emerge.
With the next game on the horizon, perhaps there is more to this announcement trailer than initially meets the eye. Liu Kang created a world of peace, yet Shang Tsung still somehow invaded and caused carnage. Despite Liu Kang’s supposed godliness, he still engages in violent revenge. This entire new reality itself could follow the trend of subversion, and fan ideas about the series will likely continue to be challenged as more details, characters, and changes for Mortal Kombat 1 are revealed.
Mortal Kombat 1 launches September 19 for PC, PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series X.
