The upcoming Mortal Kombat II movie has reignited fan interest, and the return of the tournament and beloved characters is a significant part of that. However, one character from the original film who won't be making a comeback is Goro, as confirmed by screenwriter Jeremy Slater. Slater's decision to focus on human martial artists and physical combat in the movie has been well-received by fans, with the new film boasting an 89% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 65% critics' score, both of which are higher than the first movie's scores. The shift away from CGI monsters and towards more grounded, human-centric fights has made the story more engaging and satisfying for viewers.
Slater's choice to avoid Goro in the sequel is a strategic one, as the character's inclusion in the first film required a significant portion of the budget to be spent on CGI, which didn't always translate well in the action sequences. By keeping the focus on human fighters, Slater aims to create a more immersive and visceral experience for the audience. This approach aligns with the video game series' strong mix of martial artists and monsters, but with a greater emphasis on the human element.
The 1995 Goro, played by Tom Woodruff Jr. and voiced by Kevin Michael Richardson, is a notable exception. Slater suggests that a more grounded version of Goro, where he is portrayed by an actor and engages in physical combat with other human characters, could be more effective and entertaining. This idea resonates with fans, who seem to prefer the more human-centric fights of the new movie.
The success of Mortal Kombat II at the box office, only $21 million away from surpassing the first film's earnings after just one weekend, further underscores the positive reception of the new movie. This indicates that fans are indeed more engaged with the human-versus-human action, and the strategic decision to avoid Goro in the sequel seems to have paid off. The future of the Mortal Kombat franchise now lies in the hands of Slater and his vision, and it appears that fans are eagerly anticipating the next installment, hoping for more of the thrilling, human-centric fights that have made the series iconic.
