Summary

• Mortal Kombat 2 is set to feature more of Hiroyuki Sanada's Scorpion.
• Scorpion's potentially bigger role in Mortal Kombat 2 will be welcomed after Sanada's success in Shōgun.
• Mortal Kombat 2 making Scorpion integral to the film's overall plot would take inspiration from Sanada's importance to Shōgun as Yoshii Toranaga.

Mortal Kombat 2 will reportedly include more of Hiroyuki Sanada's Scorpion, an update that is welcome after the actor's recent 99% show on Rotten Tomatoes. Since Mortal Kombat's ending in 2021, many have been wondering about the story of a sequel. The sequel was confirmed shortly after the first film became a success in the home release market, leading to announcements about Mortal Kombat 2's extended cast from Karl Urban joining as Johnny Cage to Martyn Ford being cast as iconic villain Shao Kahn.

While new additions to the cast are aplenty, the core characters from Mortal Kombat will be returning for the sequel. With Mortal Kombat 2's release date recently confirmed, audiences can expect the likes of Jax, Cole, Raiden, Liu Kang, and Shang Tsung to return in October 2025. Another character expected to return in Mortal Kombat 2 is Scorpion, with an update about his role in the sequel coming as a welcome surprise after one of the more critically acclaimed shows of 2024 thus far.

Mortal Kombat 2 Giving Scorpion A Bigger Role Is Great After Shogun

Shogun's Success Means Audiences Desire More Of Hiroyuki Sanada's Scorpion In Mortal Kombat 2

The update surrounding Scorpion's future in Mortal Kombat 2 came from actor Hiroyuki Sanada himself. Sanada was recently asked about his role in the sequel, specifically considering Scorpion served as a bookend in the first film's story. Scorpion and his feud with Sub-Zero was established in the opening scene of 2021's Mortal Kombat before he disappeared until the final fight scene. Concerning Mortal Kombat 2, Sanada has hinted Scorpion could have a bigger role, which many will welcome after Shōgun's success.

All episodes of Shōgun are now streaming on Hulu.

Shōgun is one of the best-reviewed shows of 2024 thus far, holding a 99% critical approval rating on review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes. A large factor in this reaction was Sanada himself, with the show highlighting how strong of an actor he is. This showcase of Sanada's acting abilities subsequently brought him more attention, which many would agree he deserves. This could continue in Mortal Kombat 2. When asked about Scorpion's role, Sanada hinted that the film's editing could bring out more in his character than the first film allowed for:

"Yeah, exactly, he was a bookend. 10 minutes and 10 minutes. [Laughs] It all depends on the editing, but yeah, I was there. It was a great reunion on set... right after the strike, we started shooting, and we're all done now."

How Mortal Kombat 2 Can Make Scorpion More Like Hiroyuki Sanada's Shogun Role

Mortal Kombat 2's Treatment Of Scorpion Hopefully Learned From Sanada's Role In Shōgun

Despite Sanada's role as Yoshii Toranaga in Shōgun differing massively from Scorpion's utilization in 2021's Mortal Kombat, the sequel to the film could take note of the former. Scorpion's story in Mortal Kombat was mostly self-contained, focusing on his rivalry with Sub-Zero. While he ended up being important in the film's final battle by helping Cole defeat Sub-Zero, it was mostly driven by his own motivations, as opposed to Scorpion being emotionally involved in the overall battle between Earthrealm and Outworld.

Be it the story, politics, character arcs, or drama of Shōgun, Toranaga was instrumental to the entire show.

In Mortal Kombat 2, Scorpion could be further involved in the battle between the two worlds, taking inspiration from Shōgun. In the latter, Sanada's character was integral to almost everything. Be it the story, politics, character arcs, or drama of Shōgun, Toranaga was instrumental to the entire show. While it is unrealistic to expect Scorpion to become the main character of Mortal Kombat 2 thanks to Shōgun, the former could include Scorpion in a role that is more integral to the film's plot, emulating Hiroyuki Sanada's importance as Yoshii Toranaga, thus utilizing the actor's many talents to the fullest.