Let's be real. If you walked into the 2021 Mortal Kombat reboot expecting a carbon copy of the 1995 classic or a frame-by-frame retelling of the games, you were probably left scratching your head. Specifically when it comes to Kung Lao.
Max Huang’s portrayal of the razor-hat-wielding monk was, quite frankly, the best part of the movie. Then they killed him.
It felt like a punch to the gut. Here we have a character who actually looks like he knows how to fight—which makes sense since Huang is literally a member of the Jackie Chan Stunt Team—and he gets his soul sucked out by Shang Tsung before the final act even really heats up. People were pissed. I was a little pissed. But looking back at the Kung Lao Mortal Kombat movie arc, there’s a lot more going on than just a "cheap death" for shock value.
The Arrogance of a Shaolin Master
Kung Lao has always been Liu Kang’s "cooler" cousin. In the 2021 film, they leaned hard into that. He isn't the humble, quiet monk. He’s cocky. He’s got that "I’ve been doing this since I was five" energy that makes him both lovable and a total jerk.
Remember the scene where he’s training Kano and Cole Young? He’s basically mocking them. He calls Kano "useless" and treats Cole like a charity case. It’s great. It gives the group a dynamic that isn't just "we are the good guys, let's win." He brings friction.
The interesting thing about this version of Kung Lao is how much he contrasts with Liu Kang. Ludi Lin’s Liu Kang is the disciplined, spiritual center. Kung Lao is the raw, lethal ego. Max Huang played this with a smirk that felt authentic to the Mortal Kombat II era of the games. He wasn't just a sidekick; he was the guy who should have been the Chosen One but lacked the "arcana" to be the actual protagonist.
That Sawblade Fatality
We have to talk about Nitara. Poor, winged Nitara.
The moment Kung Lao uses his hat as a stationary buzzsaw and literally guide-slides her body through it remains the highlight of the entire film. It was the first time the movie felt like the game. No shaky cam, no weird cuts—just pure, gory, "Flawless Victory" energy.
When he says the line, "Flawless Victory," it doesn't feel like a forced Easter egg. It feels like a guy who knows he’s the best in the room and wants everyone to know it. Honestly, it’s one of the few times a live-action movie has captured the "swagger" of a fighting game character without it feeling cringe.
Why Shang Tsung Killed Him
So, why kill the most competent fighter on the team?
If you look at the structure of the Kung Lao Mortal Kombat movie plot, his death is the "mentor sacrifice" trope, but flipped. Usually, it's the old master (Raiden) who dies. Here, it’s the most capable peer. By having Shang Tsung (Chin Han) take Kung Lao’s soul, the stakes immediately skyrocket.
Up until that point, the heroes were winning. They had their arcana. They were feeling good. Then, in a split second, their heavy hitter is gone. It forces Liu Kang to step up and stop being the "support" character. It turns the rivalry between Earthrealm and Outworld into something personal.
- Impact: It gave Liu Kang the "Fatality for Kung Lao" motivation.
- Stakes: It proved that having "powers" doesn't make you invincible.
- Character: It showcased Shang Tsung’s ruthlessness early on.
It was a bummer, sure. But it served the story by clearing the deck for Cole Young and Liu Kang to take center stage for the final showdown.
Is Kung Lao Coming Back in Mortal Kombat 2?
The short answer? Almost certainly.
This is Mortal Kombat. Death is basically a revolving door. We already know that Mortal Kombat 2 is in production (with Karl Urban as Johnny Cage, which is wild), and there are heavy rumors and even some leaked set info suggesting Max Huang is back.
But how?
In the games, Kung Lao often returns as a "Revenant"—a dark, undead version of himself serving the Netherrealm. This would be a massive win for the sequel. Imagine a corrupted, soul-less Kung Lao fighting a grieving Liu Kang. That’s the kind of drama the first movie was missing.
There's also the "Great Kung Lao" lore. The 2021 movie mentions him as an ancestor. We could see flashbacks, or even a soul-transfer situation. If Shang Tsung has his soul, then his soul is technically still "in play."
The Max Huang Factor
What made this version work wasn't just the hat. It was the movement. Max Huang did most of his own stunts. His background in Wushu is evident in every frame. Most Hollywood actors have to be edited to look like martial artists; Huang just is one.
He even practiced with a cardboard hat at home to get the weight and the "catch" right before they gave him the heavy prop on set. That’s the kind of dedication that makes a character stick, even with limited screen time. If they don't bring him back, they're leaving money on the table.
What You Should Watch Next
If you're still feeling the sting of Kung Lao's exit, you should check out the animated film Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms. Fair warning: he doesn't fare much better there, but the fight choreography is insane.
Also, keep an eye on Max Huang’s social media. He’s been pretty vocal about his love for the character and has hinted at "training" for something big. Whether he’s a ghost, a zombie, or a flashback, the hat is definitely coming back.
The Reality Check: Kung Lao wasn't a "jobber" in the 2021 movie. He was the benchmark. He showed what a true Earthrealm champion looks like so that when he fell, we knew the heroes were in real trouble. It’s a classic narrative pivot.
If you want to stay ahead of the curve for the sequel, re-watch the 2021 film and pay attention to how Shang Tsung interacts with the souls he's taken. That’s the key to everything coming next. The tournament hasn't even officially started yet, and the pieces are already moving back into place. Get ready.
