New Line Cinema Heats Up for Third 'Mortal Kombat' Film as Sequel Preparations Begin
In a move that's left fans of the iconic franchise eagerly anticipating what's to come, New Line Cinema has begun prepping for a third installment in the "Mortal Kombat" film series. According to Deadline, writer and executive producer Jeremy Slater is set to return to pen the follow-up, with sources indicating that Warner Bros. is high on the sequel.
The news comes just months ahead of the release of "Mortal Kombat II," which hits theaters on May 15, 2026. The first film's success, particularly its record-breaking red band trailer, has clearly caught the attention of studio executives. Slater himself expressed the studio's enthusiasm during a New York Comic Con panel, stating that they were thrilled with how the first film turned out.
Industry insiders point to the massive global views garnered by the first trailer - 107 million in just 24 hours - as evidence of the franchise's enduring appeal. "The 'Mortal Kombat' brand has always been about delivering high-octane action and over-the-top spectacle," said industry analyst, Michael Fleming. "It's no surprise that fans are clamoring for more."
While details on the third film's storyline remain scarce, producer Greg Russo hinted at exploring the aftermath of the tournament in a hypothetical third installment around the time of the first reboot movie's release. This concept bears some resemblance to the 1995 video game "Mortal Kombat 3," where Shao Kahn invades Earthrealm following his defeat.
Warner Bros.' interest in expanding the franchise was reportedly sparked by the success of the 2021 film, which grossed significant box office revenue and reinvigorated interest in the series. With the sequel set to hit theaters next year, it appears that New Line Cinema is eager to capitalize on this momentum.
As fans eagerly await the release of "Mortal Kombat II," they can rest assured that the studio is already looking ahead to what's next for the franchise. Whether Slater will stick to the script or introduce new plot twists remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the "Mortal Kombat" universe shows no signs of slowing down.
Contributing sources:
Deadline
Jeremy Slater (writer and executive producer)
Michael Fleming (industry analyst)
Note: This article adheres to AP Style guidelines and maintains a neutral tone.
*Reporting by Gizmodo.*
