James Wan-produced 'Mortal Kombat' reboot begins filming

Production is underway on New Line Cinema’s “Mortal Kombat,” with award-winning Australian commercial filmmaker Simon McQuoid at the helm, marking his feature directorial debut.  The explosive action adventure is based on the blockbuster video game franchise, which recently released the most successful video game launch in its history, Mortal Kombat 11.

The diverse international cast reflects the global nature of the brand, with talent spanning the worlds of film, television and martial arts.  The ensemble includes Joe Taslim as Sub Zero; Ludi Lin as Liu Kang; Jessica McNamee as Sonya Blade; Josh Lawson as Kano; Tadanobu Asano as Raiden; Mehcad Brooks as Jackson “Jax” Bridges; Chin Han as Shang Tsung; Hiroyuki Sanada as Scorpion; Max Huang as Kung Lao; Sisi Stringer as Mileena; and Lewis Tan.

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Thanks to all the MK fans button mashing that kept the series thriving. Paying respects to Robin Shou for portraying Liu Kang in the original MK films. An unshakable source of pride for countless of us. Times are changing but the challenges keep coming. I’m so ready for the fight. MORTAL KOMBAT!!!! Fan edit: @bosslogic #MortalKombat #LiuKang

A post shared by Ludi Lin (@ludilin) on Aug 16, 2019 at 8:53pm PDT

James Wan (“The Conjuring” universe films, “Aquaman,”) and Todd Garner (“Into the Storm,” “Tag”) are producing.  The screenplay is by Greg Russo.  Larry Kasanoff, E. Bennett Walsh, Michael Clear and Jeremy Stein are serving as executive producers.

May the Elder Gods watch over us! #ITHASBEGUN pic.twitter.com/Lkovg7Glwo

— Greg Russo (@WriterRusso) September 15, 2019

Bringing the hugely popular property to the big screen, McQuoid will lead a team of Australian and U.S. filmmakers, including director of photography Germain McMicking (“True Detective,” “Top of the Lake: China Girl”), production designer Naaman Marshall (“Underwater,” “Servant”), editor Scott Gray (“Top of the Lake,” “Daffodils”), and costume designer Cappi Ireland (“Lion,” “The Rover”).

Production will shoot throughout South Australia, showcasing its locations, facilities and talent in the biggest production in the state’s history.

A New Line Cinema presentation, “Mortal Kombat” is set for release on March 5, 2021.  It will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.