Spoilers for Mortal Kombat (2021) are below!
Summary
- Kano is a fan-favorite character, with Josh Lawson’s performance stealing the show in Mortal Kombat (2021).
- The new Mortal Kombat II trailer features many new faces and the return of Lawson as Kano.
- Mortal Kombat offers lore that could explain Kano’s return in the sequel.
In what appears to be a continuation of events, it seems that Kano is making a comeback for another battle in Mortal Kombat II. The build-up to this sequel kicked off with a mock Johnny Cage movie trailer, followed by the genuine trailer for the follow-up to the fighting game adaptation. The trailer for Mortal Kombat II gives fans a glimpse of new characters, graphics that align with the games, and the gruesome fatalities that have become synonymous with the series.
It seems that the upcoming Mortal Kombat sequel brings back Kano, a character who some fans might question his return after his apparent demise in the 2021 movie. Even though the reappearance of Jax, Sonya Blade, and Scorpion is exciting for many, the mystery remains as to how Kano managed to make a comeback for Mortal Kombat II.
Kano Was A Fan Favorite From Mortal Kombat, But He Met His End In The Film

In 2021, the movie “Mortal Kombat” faced a significant challenge upon its release. It was built on a popular fighting game franchise, with numerous fans having their preferred characters or versions of these characters. Moreover, it served as a reboot of the film series that started in the 90s and left an enduring impact, despite receiving only average reviews at best. Nonetheless, the 2021 “Mortal Kombat” movie was ready for battle, offering character portrayals that resonated with fans such as Raiden, Mileena, and Liu Kang. Whether you’re a game enthusiast or not, Josh Lawson’s performance as Kano was particularly notable.
Since the initial launch of the Mortal Kombat games in 1992, Kano has been a recurring character. Over time, both his appearance and portrayal have evolved, with the 1995 movie adaptation influencing this change as well. However, one consistent feature is his laser eye and metal plate on his face. Lawson skillfully embodied Kano with an oily charm that, despite his unsavory nature, made him endearing to fans due to his humorous personality and antics.
In my humble opinion, despite the enchanting darkness that Kano brought to life on screen, his character met a grim end at the hands of Sonya Blade, who delivered a chilling blow through his eye after an intense battle. This twist left many fans disheartened, as they had grown fond of his charismatic presence. However, Lawson’s portrayal elevated the Mortal Kombat experience significantly. As is often the case in these games, characters suffer brutal demises, only to rise again for another round of combat.
Kano Is In The Trailer For Mortal Kombat II
It might seem reasonable for people who aren’t familiar with the game series to believe that Kano wouldn’t reappear in Mortal Kombat II, given his apparent demise. However, the latest trailer puts the spotlight on Johnny Cage, using Karl Urban’s film persona as the main character of the sequel, allowing fans to follow the narrative more easily. This is a departure from the 2021 Mortal Kombat’s version of Cole, which received criticism from many fans, particularly considering the game’s diverse cast. The trailer also showcases iconic elements like fatalities, depictions of authentic game locations, and famous catchphrases. Interestingly enough, it also hints at Lawson’s return as Kano.
In a brief interaction, Kano converses with Johnny Cage and even unleashes his laser-eyed attack in combat. This might have startled those unfamiliar with the game series, as they may not be privy to the characters’ histories, their realms, or the tournaments that make Kano’s return plausible. However, given that many viewers are expecting the movie to clarify Kano’s reappearance, there is much anticipation for Lawson’s character to resurface in the sequel.
How Is Kano Back For The Sequel After Dying In Mortal Kombat?

Due to the rich history and folklore of Mortal Kombat, it’s no surprise that fan-favorite character Kano would reappear in the sequel. This presents another chance for him to meet his demise, courtesy of another fatality. The lore of NetherRealm and Mortal Kombat could provide an explanation for Kano’s return. It seems that Kano might only show up when the others are in the NetherRealm, a place hinted at in the trailer. Lawson has suggested that this iteration of Kano might be different from what fans remember, even going as far as calling him “Kano 2.0.” However, there’s also speculation that Kano could be a vengeful spirit.
It’s plausible that Shang Tsung could have revived Kano, thus explaining his return from the dead. Shang Tsung has demonstrated dark magic abilities such as resurrecting Sindel for Shao Kahn. It’s possible that another character asked him to bring Kano back. Furthermore, some fans speculate that Shang Tsung saw value in reviving Kano because it could provide a strategic advantage against characters like Sonya due to his combat skills. However, this is yet to be confirmed, but many believe it’s the most likely scenario given Shang Tsung’s role in the original Mortal Kombat series.
Before the upcoming release of “Mortal Kombat II” in cinemas this year, only a sneak peek has been given. The movie is expected to shed light on why Kano reappears, providing a richer backstory for his character. For now, fans can use their knowledge from the games to speculate about what’s to come.
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2025-07-24 18:17