A Classic Fighting Franchise Can Be The Next Arcane If Given the Chance

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As a gamer myself, I must say that even though Arcane only ran for two seasons, it was undeniably one of the best video game adaptations to hit our screens so far. This show became an enormous success on Netflix, managing to unite both dedicated League of Legends enthusiasts and those who aren’t typically into gaming. While its short run is a bittersweet note, I have high hopes that Arcane will pave the way for future animated game adaptations, setting the bar high for what can be achieved in this genre.

With Arcane wrapping up its storyline, it’s intriguing to speculate about which games might receive an animated adaptation like it in the future. There are numerous franchises with potential for character-rich narratives similar to Arcane, but one standout contender could be next in line for this treatment. Mortal Kombat has a rich history of adaptations, yet receiving an Arcane-style treatment might just be what’s needed to launch a high-quality spin-off series based on the iconic franchise.

Mortal Kombat Could Be the Perfect Franchise to Follow in Arcane’s Footsteps

A Treasure Trove of Characters and Lore

As a die-hard gamer, I’ve got to say, the roster in Mortal Kombat is nothing short of epic! Characters like Liu Kang, Johnny Cage, Mileena, and Scorpion are gaming legends, born from the very soul of Mortal Kombat. Not only that, but if a new animated Mortal Kombat series ever takes flight, there’s a treasure trove of lore waiting to be tapped into, offering writers an endless source of inspiration. The intricate web of stories woven among these characters promises a stage ripe for drama and unexpected twists. Unfortunately, up until now, no non-game adaptation of Mortal Kombat has truly managed to capture this complexity and excitement.

Arcane was nominated for Best Adaptation at the 2024 Game Awards.

Mortal Kombat’s Live-Action and Animated Spin-Offs Have Struggled

  • Mortal Kombat: The Journey Begins – 1995 (animated)
  • Mortal Kombat – 1995 (live-action)
  • Mortal Kombat: Annihilation – 1997 (live-action)
  • Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge – 2020 (animated)
  • Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms – 2021 (animated)
  • Mortal Kombat – 2021 (live-action)
  • Mortal Kombat Legends: Snow Blind – 2022 (animated)
  • Mortal Kombat Legends: Cage Match – 2023 (animated)
  • Mortal Kombat 2 – 2025 (live-action)
  • Mortal Kombat Legends: Fall of Edenia – TBA (animated)

The adaptations we’ve seen so far have been numerous, yet they’ve generally received either mixed or unfavorable responses. Although some animated films have garnered more positive reactions than their live-action versions, it might be wiser for Mortal Kombat to explore a streaming series as an alternative approach.

For shows such as “Arcane” and character-centric series like “Mortal Kombat”, extended episodes provide ample opportunity to delve deeper into character development and history, a luxury that movies typically cannot afford due to limited runtime. In the case of “Mortal Kombat”, an extended format could offer a more captivating adaptation for this fighting franchise. Crucially, a successful “Mortal Kombat” spin-off hinges on having the right creative team in charge.

Mortal Kombat 2, the next live-action film, is scheduled to release on October 24, 2025.

The Team Behind Arcane Was the Secret Ingredient Mortal Kombat Needs

As a passionate gamer, I’d be thrilled to work hand-in-hand with the masterminds Christian Linke and Alex Yee, along with the talented French animation studio Fortiche, to breathe life into the captivating world of Arcane. If luck would have it, a Mortal Kombat series could also materialize, albeit under Warner Bros.’ ownership rather than Netflix’s. Yet, producers and animators sharing our vision could potentially create an adaptation that’s just as extraordinary.

Speculation swirls that Mortal Kombat 1 could be wrapping up its run earlier than anticipated, leaving fans wondering about the future of this franchise. Although the next film is set for release later this year, there’s uncertainty about what comes next. With potential to create a deeply moving series or movie, Mortal Kombat has fallen short in capturing the emotional depth that Arcane achieved. It remains unclear whether an animated series like Arcane is in the cards for Mortal Kombat, but it possesses most of the essential elements to surpass its predecessor.

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2025-01-10 04:07