Since its debut in 1992, Mortal Kombat has evolved from a groundbreaking video game into a sprawling multimedia empire, fueled by its iconic violence and fatalities. The franchise's 1995 film adaptation remains a fan favorite, thanks to its inventive special effects, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa's unforgettable villain, and a theme song that still slaps. The movie grossed over six times its budget, proving that video game adaptations could be both profitable and entertaining.
Now, with Mortal Kombat II hitting theaters on May 8, 2026, co-creator Ed Boon sat down to discuss the legacy of the original film and what's next for NetherRealm Studios. One topic that sparked plenty of buzz? The long-running rivalry with Street Fighter.
Ed Boon on the Street Fighter Feud: 'It's Just Fun'
When asked about the recent trash talk from the Street Fighter movie cast at the Video Game Awards, Boon laughed it off. 'I don't remember the whole cast doing it—I think it was just the guy on the mic,' he said. 'But those things are part of the three-decade-long rivalry between Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter. To me, it's just fun. There's certainly no hard feelings.'
Boon even expressed interest in a crossover, saying, 'I would love to see a Street Fighter character in Mortal Kombat. I'm a huge fan of Street Fighter as well.' He also mentioned that DC and Marvel characters would be fun additions, though he didn't confirm any plans.
What's Next for NetherRealm Studios?
With Mortal Kombat 1 releasing in 2023, fans are eager for the next chapter. Boon teased, 'We're definitely pursuing another Mortal Kombat game, and we're doing more as well—there are a lot of pots on the stove, not just with games but with other forms of media.' While he couldn't reveal specifics, he promised 'great announcements' are coming.
For context, NetherRealm has also found success with the Injustice series, and fans have speculated about a potential Injustice 3. Boon's comments suggest that while Mortal Kombat remains a priority, the studio is exploring multiple avenues.
The 1995 Film's 'Sweet Spot' Without an R-Rating
Reflecting on the original 1995 movie, Boon noted that many fans wanted an R-rated version with fatalities, but he believes the film hit a 'sweet spot.' 'It was the first Mortal Kombat film, one of the first video game films that did well,' he said. 'There's something about the 1995 film that people hold dearly.'
The lessons learned from the earlier films have been applied to the upcoming Mortal Kombat II, which promises to honor the franchise's legacy while pushing boundaries. For more on the evolution of video game adaptations, check out our coverage of Zach Cregger's Resident Evil film and its timeline-breaking snow in Raccoon City.
As for the rivalry with Street Fighter, Boon remains optimistic. 'I'd love to see both films do well,' he said, referring to the upcoming Street Fighter movie and Mortal Kombat II. 'There's an audience for more, which would be great.'
Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for more updates on Mortal Kombat II and all your favorite entertainment news. And if you're a fan of epic crossovers, don't miss our story on The Last Starfighter sequel arriving as a comic book.
