Introduction
Mortal Kombat, a name synonymous with brutal fatalities, intricate lore, and a vast roster of iconic characters, has captivated audiences for decades. From the pixelated battles of the early nineties to the cinematic spectacles of modern gaming and film, the franchise has continuously evolved, introducing new fighters and expanding its already rich narrative universe. However, the 2021 Mortal Kombat film took a bold step, adding a character entirely new to the Mortal Kombat canon: Cole Young. A departure from the established formula, Cole’s introduction sparked both excitement and controversy among long-time fans. But who is this MMA fighter thrust into a world of interdimensional combat, and does he truly deserve a place alongside the likes of Scorpion, Sub-Zero, and Liu Kang? This article will delve into Cole Young’s origins, powers, reception, and potential impact on the Mortal Kombat universe, exploring whether he represents a fresh start or a deviation too far from the beloved source material.
Cole Young’s Origin and Backstory in the Film
Cole Young isn’t your typical chosen one. Unlike many Mortal Kombat heroes already deeply rooted in the realms of Earthrealm or Outworld, Cole is presented as an everyman, an MMA fighter struggling to make ends meet and provide for his wife and daughter. This immediately sets him apart, grounding him in a relatable reality that contrasts sharply with the fantastical elements soon to engulf his life.
Cole’s initial introduction paints a picture of a man down on his luck, taking fights where he can find them, often losing, all to keep his family afloat. This vulnerability is crucial to his character; he isn’t a skilled assassin or a trained martial artist like many of his soon-to-be allies. He’s just a regular guy thrust into an extraordinary situation. This ordinariness becomes a key part of his arc.
His life takes a drastic turn when he’s targeted by Sub-Zero, a formidable ice-manipulating assassin sent by Shang Tsung to eliminate those with the dragon mark, a symbol unknowingly etched onto Cole’s skin at birth. This mark is the key, an invitation to Mortal Kombat and the key to unlocking unimaginable power. Through a series of encounters, including near-fatal brushes with Sub-Zero, Cole is brought under the protection of Sonya Blade and Jax Briggs, two Special Forces operatives who understand the gravity of the impending tournament.
The story reveals Cole’s true lineage: he is a descendant of Hanzo Hasashi, the legendary Scorpion, adding a significant weight to his destiny. This connection to one of Mortal Kombat’s most popular characters instantly grants Cole relevance and provides a pre-existing narrative thread to build upon. Learning this information sends him to finding the protection that is Raiden.
Central to Cole’s character is the concept of “Arcana.” In the 2021 film, Arcana represents the latent power within those chosen to fight for Earthrealm. This power unlocks their true potential to fight. In Cole’s case, his Arcana manifests as a suit of protective golden armor. This armor significantly enhances his physical abilities, allowing him to withstand attacks and deliver powerful blows.
Cole’s journey involves forming close bonds with other characters. His relationship with Sonya Blade evolves from wary suspicion to mutual respect as he proves his dedication to protecting Earthrealm. He develops a strong camaraderie with Jax Briggs, who acts as a mentor and helps Cole understand his potential. However, his most significant relationship is with Scorpion, his ancestor, whom he eventually meets and fights alongside in a pivotal moment in the film.
Cole Young’s Powers, Abilities, and Fighting Style
As mentioned, Cole Young’s primary ability stems from his Arcana, which manifests as a suit of golden armor. While seemingly straightforward, this armor provides significant advantages. It enhances his strength, agility, and durability, making him a formidable opponent in hand-to-hand combat. The armor is very resilient, absorbing much damage. He also carries tonfa weapons that can block attacks and do great damage.
While Cole’s abilities are rooted in the realm of fantastical Arcana, his fighting style appears to be a blend of various MMA disciplines. He displays elements of striking, grappling, and ground-and-pound techniques, reflecting his background as a cage fighter. He utilizes a balanced approach, combining offensive maneuvers with defensive tactics to overcome his opponents.
When comparing Cole’s abilities to those of established Mortal Kombat characters, he arguably falls somewhere in the middle. He doesn’t possess the elemental powers of Raiden, Sub-Zero, or Scorpion, nor does he have the raw strength of characters like Jax or Shao Kahn. However, his Arcana-enhanced abilities, combined with his MMA training, make him a capable and adaptable fighter.
Cole’s greatest strength lies in his resilience and determination. He’s willing to endure pain and push himself beyond his limits to protect his family and the fate of Earthrealm. His background as a struggling fighter gives him a grounded perspective and a willingness to fight dirty when necessary.
However, his inexperience is also a significant weakness. He lacks the years of training and combat experience possessed by many of his allies and enemies. This makes him vulnerable to more skilled opponents and forces him to rely on his instincts and adaptability. Additionally, his reliance on the golden armor leaves him susceptible to attacks that can bypass or penetrate its defenses. Also, he is not really one of the strongest fighters in Mortal Kombat.
Reception and Criticism of the New Character
The 2021 Mortal Kombat film, as a whole, received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. While praised for its faithful adaptation of the game’s signature fatalities and fight choreography, it was often criticized for its weak plot, underdeveloped characters, and reliance on fan service. Cole Young, as a central figure, became a focal point for much of this criticism.
One of the most common criticisms leveled against Cole Young is that he’s a “blank slate” character. Many viewers felt that he lacked a distinct personality, making it difficult to connect with him on an emotional level. This perceived lack of depth contrasted sharply with the established roster of characters, each with their own unique backstories, motivations, and quirks.
Another criticism stemmed from the perception that Cole Young was a replacement for established characters. Some fans felt that his inclusion overshadowed more deserving characters, like Johnny Cage, who were absent from the film. The sentiment was that his story should have been given to an existing fighter, rather than a completely new addition. His addition also caused people to not have hope that Johnny Cage, who is also a very famous fighter, would be present in future films.
There were also those who felt that Cole Young’s arcana was not very creative, especially because it does not align with the powers from the video games. Some would consider Cole Young’s powers of golden armor as not very interesting and that he should have had a better-developed Arcana.
However, Cole Young wasn’t without his defenders. Some praised his relatability as an everyman thrust into extraordinary circumstances. They argued that his vulnerability and determination made him a more compelling character than the stoic, ultra-skilled warriors that populate the Mortal Kombat universe. The movie also introduced new elements of plot that can be continued in the sequel.
Furthermore, some argued that Cole’s connection to Scorpion provided a valuable narrative thread, adding depth and complexity to the film’s lore. The connection to Scorpion also provided a new perspective for the movie and allowed for an enhanced storyline.
Data around the film’s reception illustrates this divided opinion. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a critic score of 34% and an audience score of 86%. This disparity suggests that while professional critics may have been unimpressed, general audiences were more forgiving, perhaps drawn in by the action and fan service. The IMDB rating of 6.1 also shows how the film was somewhat well-received. Many fans were just grateful to see the new movie.
Impact on the Mortal Kombat Universe
The introduction of an original character into a franchise as established as Mortal Kombat is a gamble. While it can potentially breathe new life into the lore, it also risks alienating long-time fans who are invested in the existing characters and storylines.
Whether Cole Young’s inclusion felt natural or forced is a matter of subjective opinion. For some, his presence felt like a shoehorned addition, detracting from the stories of more established fighters. Others saw him as a necessary entry point for new audiences, a relatable character who could serve as a bridge to the wider Mortal Kombat universe.
His fit within the existing lore is also debatable. While his connection to Scorpion provides a compelling backstory, it also raises questions about the character’s place in the grand scheme of Mortal Kombat. Is he destined to become a key player in the battle for Earthrealm, or will he remain a peripheral figure?
As of now, Cole Young’s presence is largely confined to the 2021 film. He hasn’t yet made appearances in any of the Mortal Kombat games or other media. This limited exposure makes it difficult to fully assess his long-term impact on the franchise.
There are some fan theories regarding the character such as how his Arcana power would turn into an improved version of Scorpion’s powers.
Future Possibilities and Speculation
The potential for Cole Young’s return in future Mortal Kombat projects remains uncertain. While a sequel to the 2021 film is reportedly in development, it’s unclear whether he will be a central character or relegated to a supporting role.
If he does return, there are numerous avenues for character development. He could hone his fighting skills, master his Arcana, and become a more formidable warrior. He could also delve deeper into his lineage and explore his connection to Scorpion, potentially unlocking new powers or abilities. Or, he can even become Scorpion in the future.
Potential storylines could involve him leading a new generation of Earthrealm fighters, facing off against powerful new enemies from Outworld or other realms, or even confronting his own inner demons as he struggles to reconcile his past with his destiny.
Ultimately, the success of Cole Young’s future depends on how well he’s integrated into the wider Mortal Kombat universe. He needs to be given a compelling story arc, meaningful relationships with other characters, and a distinct personality that sets him apart from the rest of the roster. He needs to become a character that has a major story arc and will continue to have an improved presence in the Mortal Kombat universe.
Conclusion
Cole Young’s introduction into the Mortal Kombat universe has been a divisive topic. While he represents a new face and a potential entry point for new audiences, he has also faced criticism for his perceived lack of depth and his deviation from established lore. His success in the long term will be defined by the direction in which the sequel movie makes for the character.
Whether he becomes a valuable addition or a misstep remains to be seen. Only time will tell if Cole Young can truly earn his place alongside the iconic characters who have defined the Mortal Kombat franchise for decades. While he is a newer character, his presence can potentially bring a new perspective into the film. This might allow the filmmakers to create an even better cinematic experience.
Whether Cole Young becomes a staple character in the Mortal Kombat mythos remains to be seen, but his introduction has certainly sparked debate and opened up new possibilities for the franchise. His arcana and fighting will be sure to have some impact on the Mortal Kombat universe.
