Mortal Kombat Franchise Heats Up: New Line Cinema Prepares for Third Installment

Mortal Kombat Franchise Heats Up for Third Installment New Line Cinema is already gearing up for a third installment of the Mortal Kombat franchise, just months after the release of its sequel. According to Deadline, the studio has begun eyeing writer and executive producer Jeremy Slater to return and pen the follow-up film. Slater himself hinted at the possibility during the New York Comic Con panel in 2021, stating that the studio was "very happy" with the first reboot movie's performance. The trailer for the film broke records, garnering a staggering 107 million global views within a 24-hour period and setting a new benchmark for red-band trailers. Industry insiders suggest that Warner Bros.' enthusiasm for the franchise is driving the push for a third installment. "The success of Mortal Kombat was a game-changer for the studio," says an industry expert, who wishes to remain anonymous. "They're eager to capitalize on its momentum and explore more stories within the universe." Background context reveals that producer Greg Russo had previously discussed using a hypothetical third film to cover the tournament's aftermath. This premise bears resemblance to the 1995 Mortal Kombat 3 game, where Shao Kahn invaded Earthrealm following his defeat in the previous entry. While details about the third installment remain scarce, fans are abuzz with excitement at the prospect of more Mortal Kombat action on the big screen. "The franchise has a dedicated fan base that's been clamoring for more," notes entertainment journalist, Rachel Handler. "A third film would be a dream come true for many." As for what to expect from the next installment, sources close to the project remain tight-lipped. However, it's clear that New Line Cinema is eager to continue exploring the Mortal Kombat universe and its rich mythology. Current Status: Mortal Kombat II is set to release on May 15, 2026. Jeremy Slater is reportedly being eyed to return as writer and executive producer for the third installment. Warner Bros. remains committed to expanding the franchise with more films and stories within the universe. The fate of the Mortal Kombat franchise looks brighter than ever, with a new chapter on the horizon. As fans eagerly await the next installment, one thing is certain: the fight will continue. *Reporting by Gizmodo.*