The martial-arts fantasy film marks its 25th anniversary.
Andersonhas always lovedMortal Kombat.
When Anderson’s journey began, many didn’t see an enthusiastic fan base in aMortal Kombatmovie’s future.
Credit: Everett Collection
As a result of such films being creatively and commercially unsuccessful, people had doubts about game adaptations working.
Armed with his knowledge of and passion for the game, Anderson was ready for hisMortal Kombatmeeting nonetheless.
“I was a big fan and knew intimately,” he recalls.
Everett Collection
“This was a really intriguing intellectual property to adapt.”
“That’s somethingMortal Kombathas in spades, which is why I think it’s cool.”
Johnson, whose other credits include theKarate KidandTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtlesmovies, trained the cast to be combat-ready.
Everett Collection
“Working together was a marriage made in heaven,” Anderson says.
Shooting in Thailand provided a striking backdrop for the fights.
The matches were choreographed around story lines from the game and featured characters' signature moves.
Everett Collection
Training prepared the actors for the action sequences, but they were still grueling.
(As a result of cost-cutting, some scenes were initially trimmed.)
During one test screening, a fan noticed the nod to the Pit in the film and was thrilled.
Everett Collection
“He was so delighted that we brought that bit of the game to life,” Anderson says.
That’s how I gauge success or failure as a filmmaker."
An immortal legacy
A quarter-century later, Anderson is proud of the enduring love for the film.
Everett Collection
“It’s one of my movies that has engendered the most love,” he says.
“Now it’s like a diary.
As for the idea of a “video-game movie curse,” Anderson doesn’t buy it.
Everett Collection
To be fair, he can see how video games can be challenging to adapt.
(Slated for release Jan. 15, the new film marks the directorial debut of Simon McQuoid.)
Anderson, for his part, is excited to see the reboot.
“I’m going to show up as a fanboy.”
