The main character in Mortal Kombat 2021 is Cole Young, an original character and former MMA fighter created specifically for the film. He is the protagonist who drives the story, not a classic character from the video games.
Cole Young's role in the Mortal Kombat 2021 story
According to the official Warner Bros. synopsis, Cole Young is an MMA fighter accustomed to taking a beating for money. He is unaware of his heritage or why Outworld's Emperor Shang Tsung has sent his best warrior, Sub-Zero, an otherworldly Cryomancer, to hunt Cole down. The plot follows Cole as he discovers his heritage and his role among a group of fighters chosen to defend Earthrealm. This journey leads him to understand why he has been targeted and how he fits into the ancient tournament that determines the fate of the world.
How Cole Young fits alongside classic Mortal Kombat characters
The film integrates Cole Young with established game characters like Sub-Zero, Scorpion, Raiden, and Sonya Blade, who he fights alongside. While these fan favorites bring their own unique abilities and fighting styles, Cole serves as the audience's entry point into their world. He is not a rival or replacement for them; instead, he learns from them and joins their cause. This dynamic allows newcomers to experience the lore through Cole's eyes while longtime fans still see their beloved characters in action. If this film inspires you to revisit the games, you might want to get Mortal Kombat 9 on PC to experience the classic storyline that started many of these rivalries, or you can play mortal kombat shaolin monks on PC for a co-op adventure that dives deeper into Liu Kang and Kung Lao's journey.
Why the film introduced a new main character
Cole Young was created for the movie to give newcomers a fresh entry point into the Mortal Kombat universe, distinct from the video game storylines. The filmmakers wanted a protagonist who could discover the world of Mortal Kombat alongside the audience, without requiring prior knowledge of decades of game lore. This choice also allowed the story to adapt freely rather than being constrained by existing character arcs. For those who enjoy the fighting style and want more options, there are 20 games like mortal kombat for fighting game lovers that offer similar tournament-based combat and diverse character rosters.
