Summary

• Mortal Kombat's mishandling of Scorpion may be rectified in the sequel, with Hiroyuki Sanada's return promising a better treatment.
• Sanada's excellent performance in FX's Shōgun underscores the missed opportunity in Mortal Kombat, highlighting the need for improvement.
• Mortal Kombat 2 has the chance to delve deeper into Scorpion's backstory and rivalry with Quan Chi, potentially redeeming past mistakes.

Spoiler Warning: This article contains spoilers for FX's Shōgun and Mortal Kombat 2.

One of Mortal Kombat's biggest flaws was its handling of Scorpion, and the success of FX's latest historical drama only proves how the video game adaptation wasted both the actor and the character. Scorpion actor Hiroyuki Sanada has given positive Mortal Kombat 2 Scorpion updates, which should assuage any issues regarding how the sequel will treat the beloved and iconic ninja. Irrespective of Mortal Kombat's shortcomings, there are plenty of things to look forward to in Mortal Kombat 2, given the sheer number of issues with the first installment the production is already addressing.

In addition to the gore and violence prominently featured throughout the Mortal Kombat franchise, the series has developed a loyal audience because of its unique characters and, more importantly, its handling of their backstories and personalities. While Mortal Kombat excelled in its depictions of violence and viscera, the movie's handling of many of the iconic characters was inconsistent at best, as some characters fared much better than others. With Mortal Kombat 2's filming wrapped, it won't be long before audiences get a chance to see how Scorpion is handled in the sequel. Sanada's new show only underscores the need for Mortal Kombat 2 to do right by him.

Shōgun Highlights How Great A Lead Actor Hiroyuki Sanada Is

Sanada also serves as a producer on Shōgun, which speaks to the show's penchant for authenticity.

The overwhelmingly positive reviews for FX's Shōgun highlight just how poorly star Hiroyuki Sanada was handled in Mortal Kombat, both as Hanzo Hasashi, and as the fearsome ninja Scorpion. Shōgun's high production values, proclivities for as much accuracy and authenticity courtesy of Sanada's role as one of the show's producers, and Sanada's undeniably memorable leading performance as Lord Yoshii Toranaga all contribute to the critical acclaim the new FX series is enjoying. While Sanada's work in Shōgun speaks volumes about his ability as a leading man, it also illuminates one of Mortal Kombat's biggest issues.

Throughout Shōgun, Sanada demonstrates the ability to deliver a powerful performance when the script demands it, while also doing a great deal of quality subtle and understated work when necessary. One of Shōgun's strongest examples of Sanada's mastery of his craft can be seen in the second episode, "Servants of Two Masters," in which Sanda's Lord Yoshii Toranaga bars the Portuguese Black Ship from leaving Osaka, Japan. Not only does the moment accurately interpret the real-life situation and resulting fallout from it, it also reiterates what Sanada could bring to Mortal Kombat if given the chance.

Mortal Kombat’s Scorpion Casting Was Perfect (But It Wasted Sanada)

Mortal Kombat's beginning war between Scorpion and Sub-Zero is the movie's highlight.

Sanada's casting as Hanzo Hasashi/Scorpion was perfect given the actor's knowledge of the character and franchise, extensive body of work that spans five decades, and his commitment to bringing as much authenticity to any role he takes, regardless of the genre. While Mortal Kombat's beginning moments between Hanzo and his fated rival, Bi-Han/Sub-Zero are easily the movie's best moments, it also highlights an unfortunate truth about the 2021 live-action video game adaptation. After Hanzo succumbs to Bi-Han in battle, the movie essentially disregards the characters for the entire second act.

Instead, witness the exploits of Cole and his discovery of Arcana. While the character and storytelling device are both interesting ways to expand Mortal Kombat's lore beyond brutal displays of violence, it also loses sight of one of the most fundamentally important aspects of Mortal Kombat's success, Scorpion and Sub-Zero's rivalry. Even though Hanzo returns in Mortal Kombat's climax as Scorpion and engages in a well-shot fight with his archnemesis Sub-Zero, it ultimately feels like too little, too late. With Sanada returning in Mortal Kombat 2, the filmmakers will have a second chance to redeem Scorpion and Sanada.

Hiroyuki Sanada Will Reprise His Role As Scorpion In Mortal Kombat 2

Scorpion will have a bigger role in Mortal Kombat 2.

Sanada's return in Mortal Kombat 2 as Scorpion is great because, in addition to redeeming Scorpion's lackluster depiction in the first movie, it can also include an even greater number of elements from the video games. Scorpion is one of the most popular characters in Mortal Kombat and the larger video game framework because of his memorable appearance, unique and creative moves, and his iconic rivalry with the equally respected Sub-Zero. Sanada's return in Mortal Kombat 2 suggests the filmmakers took into consideration the complaints about how he was handled and made the necessary adjustments.

Although some less-than-favorable elements from Mortal Kombat like Arcana will return in Mortal Kombat 2, Scorpion, and by relation, Sub-Zero's return means the sequel could give audiences unfamiliar with Scorpion the right amount of character development to endear him to a new generation of supporters. Moreover, Scorpion's return suggests that both he and Hanzo Hasashi will have a much bigger spotlight put on them, which would effectively give Sanada a much-deserved increased screen presence. While little is known about Scorpion's Mortal Kombat 2 appearance, there are a few ways he should be handled.

How Mortal Kombat 2 Can Do Scorpion Justice

Mortal Kombat 2 needs to focus on Scorpion's intense rivalry with Quan Chi.

With the inclusion of Quan Chi and Noob Saibot in Mortal Kombat 2, the upcoming sequel is in the perfect position to expand on Hanzo's past as well as delve deeper into the process that turned him from a man to the fearsome, near-unstoppable force of nature known as Scorpion. Additionally, Scorpion and Sub-Zero's contentious relationship can be explored further once the Netherrealm is properly introduced in Mortal Kombat 2. Since the Netherrealm is one of the most important locations in Mortal Kombat, it's likely the movie will start from there.

A good starting point for Mortal Kombat 2 would be to depict Hanzo and Bi-Han's respective transformations into the iconic ninjas while also setting up Quan Chi as an enemy the two characters will have to work together to defeat. While also introducing Noob Saibot, Sub-Zero's brother, the relationship between Scorpion and Sub-Zero could expand beyond that of a simple rivalry to the death. Although Shōgun's critical acclaim highlights how badly Mortal Kombat wasted Sanada, Mortal Kombat's failures can be corrected if Mortal Kombat 2 explores more of Scorpion's background.