Mortal Kombat 2 is based on the popular videogame franchise by NetherRealm Studios. Source: NetherRealm Studios
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced that New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Pictures have chosen Queensland as the primary filming location for the upcoming feature film, Mortal Kombat 2.
The Mortal Kombat franchise began as a 1992 fighting video game, equally lauded and criticized for its high level of violence. A new game, titled Mortal Kombat 1 was announced earlier this month which will serve as a reboot of the videogame franchise.
The upcoming film will be a sequel to 2021’s Mortal Kombat, filmed on location in South Australia and at Adelaide studios.
The film grossed US$84.4 million ($127.07 million) worldwide against a budget of US$55 million ($82.80 million), becoming HBO Max’s most successful film launch to date.
It received mixed reviews from critics, with a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 54%, but achieved an audience rating of 86%, with fans praising its fight scenes, violence, and the performance of Australian actor Josh Lawson as ‘Kano’ — an Australian criminal that can shoot a laser beam from his eye.
Mortal Kombat 2 will be written by Jeremy Slater and directed by Australia’s Simon McQuoid. James Wan, director of Aquaman, and The Conjuring, is a producer on the film.
Palaszczuk was pleased with the decision, boasting that the production was lured to the state thanks to the Queensland Government’s Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy.
“With an estimated local spend of more than $68 million, Mortal Kombat 2 is a heavy hitter for the state’s economy, creating at least 560 jobs for Queensland cast and crew,” said Palaszczuk.
“My government’s support for the state’s screen industry continues to pay dividends, with Mortal Kombat 2 the latest in a long line of high-profile films to be made here.
“Queensland has firmly established itself as a leading global production hub, suited to all productions from Hollywood blockbusters right through to homegrown stories.”
Wan appeared excited to return to filming the movie franchise in Australia. “Filming the first film in Australia was such a great experience,” he said.
“I’m thrilled that with the help of Screen Australia and Screen Queensland, we can show off the majestic locations of Queensland and work with the top-notch artistic talent based there.”
Filming is expected to occur from June to September, with a yet unannounced release date for the film.
