- George Chung
- Mar 14
- 3 min read
Released in 1995, Mortal Kombat was a game-changer for both video game adaptations and martial arts cinema.
Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, it was the first film to successfully blend the fast-paced action of a popular video game with innovative special effects, creating a new benchmark for films based on video games.
What made Mortal Kombat truly remarkable was its cast of real martial artists, each bringing their unique expertise to the screen, including Robin Shou, Chris Casamassa, Keith Cooke, and a young Steven Ho.
These martial artists didn’t just perform fight sequences—they helped shape the movie into an unforgettable action-packed classic.
Robin Shou
Robin Shou, who portrayed the heroic Liu Kang, was already a well-established martial artist before landing the role. An expert in Wushu, a traditional Chinese martial art, Shou’s fluid, dynamic fighting style perfectly embodied Liu Kang’s character from the video game.
His impressive acrobatic techniques and ability to bring grace and power to his fight scenes helped elevate the character, making Liu Kang one of the most memorable protagonists in martial arts cinema.
Shou’s background in Wushu, alongside his dedication to training, played a pivotal role in bringing authenticity and depth to the film’s fight sequences.
Keith Cooke
Keith Cooke, who played the formidable Sub-Zero, was another martial artist with a wealth of experience in Wushu and other disciplines. Cooke was no stranger to action movies, having starred in China O’Brien and King of the Kickboxers, both of which showcased his incredible martial arts abilities.
His precision and mastery in various fighting styles were evident in Sub-Zero’s icy techniques, and his ability to perform complex choreography with smooth, controlled movements made Sub-Zero one of the standout characters of the film.
Cooke’s Wushu expertise brought a fluidity to Sub-Zero's fight scenes, making them not just powerful but visually stunning.
Chris Casamassa
Chris Casamassa, who portrayed Scorpion, was another martial artist with an impressive career, having trained in karate and various other disciplines. His portrayal of the iconic character Scorpion brought a ferocity to the role, and his authentic martial arts experience allowed him to perform the character's most memorable moves with incredible skill.
Notably, Chris Casamassa also doubled for George Clooney in the 1997 film Batman & Robin, proving his versatility as a martial artist and stuntman. His high-flying kicks and acrobatic fighting style in Mortal Kombat created an unforgettable on-screen presence that helped make Scorpion a fan-favorite.
His memorable line “Get over here!” became an instant catchphrase, solidifying his role as one of the film's most iconic characters.
Steven Ho
Steven Ho, a rising star in the martial arts world at the time, also played a crucial role in the film. As a stuntman and martial artist, Ho contributed to some of the most intense fight scenes, using his skills to double for the lead actors and create thrilling, high-octane action sequences. His background as a stunt performer and martial artist helped bring realism and excitement to the film’s fight choreography, making each battle feel raw and authentic.
What truly set Mortal Kombat apart from other films of its time was its innovative use of special effects. As one of the first films to take a video game and adapt it into a live-action experience, it pushed the boundaries of what was possible in terms of visual storytelling.
The movie blended practical effects with groundbreaking CGI to create unforgettable moments, including the legendary fatalities and the mystical powers of characters like Shang Tsung. The film's visual effects were revolutionary for its time, setting a precedent for how video game adaptations would evolve in the years to come.
Even thirty years later, Mortal Kombat remains a remarkable film, not only for its martial arts expertise but also for its pioneering use of special effects.
It showcased the talents of real martial artists like Robin Shou, Keith Cooke, Chris Casamassa, and Steven Ho, whose skills and dedication to their craft helped make the film a classic.
The success of Mortal Kombat paved the way for future video game movies and influenced the way martial arts choreography and special effects would be incorporated into action films.
Its enduring popularity speaks to the timeless appeal of its iconic fight scenes, memorable characters, and its legacy as a true martial arts masterpiece that still resonates with audiences today.
