Cole Young: The Unsung Hero of Mortal Kombat (2021)

The Mortal Kombat movie reboot, released in twenty twenty-one, arrived with the force of a thunderous uppercut. While it aimed to reignite the flame of the iconic fighting game franchise on the big screen, it also introduced a new combatant to the arena, one that sparked both excitement and considerable debate: Cole Young. This mixed martial arts fighter, seemingly plucked from obscurity and thrust into a world of ancient prophecies and supernatural battles, became a lightning rod for discussions surrounding the film’s interpretation of the beloved Mortal Kombat lore. But beyond the initial skepticism, lies a character that serves as a crucial entry point for new viewers into the Mortal Kombat universe, and offers a compelling, albeit controversial, take on established narratives. Is Cole Young, the seemingly ordinary fighter, truly the unsung hero of Mortal Kombat (twenty twenty-one)? This article aims to dissect the origins of Cole Young Mortal Kombat and explore his role, his powers, and his potential future within the Mortal Kombat universe.

From MMA Fighter to Kombatant: The Story Begins

The movie paints a picture of Cole Young as a fighter down on his luck. He is struggling to make ends meet, participating in brutal mixed martial arts bouts to provide for his wife and daughter. He’s a family man, first and foremost, and it’s this dedication that initially defines him. This grounded reality immediately contrasts with the fantastical world of ninjas, sorcerers, and otherworldly realms that will soon envelop him. He carries a mysterious dragon marking, an emblem he doesn’t understand, a birthmark that makes him a target for Sub-Zero, a formidable warrior from Outworld. This dragon marking connects him to the legendary Mortal Kombat tournament, a battle for the fate of Earthrealm.

The movie unveils the truth about Cole’s lineage. He is revealed to be a descendant of Hanzo Hasashi, the legendary Scorpion, a revelation that ties him directly into the heart of Mortal Kombat’s most iconic rivalry. This connection instantly elevates his importance, transforming him from an average fighter into a key player in the conflict between Earthrealm and Outworld. This direct connection to a fan favorite character, Scorpion, could also be one reason why fans reacted the way they did about the Cole Young Mortal Kombat character.

However, the creation of Cole Young Mortal Kombat as a completely new character, instead of drawing from the established roster of fighters, ignited a firestorm of controversy amongst longtime fans. Some saw it as a missed opportunity to showcase existing characters with rich backstories and intricate relationships. Others felt that his insertion into the lore felt forced and unnecessary. There are fan theories that suggest Cole might be inspired by characters like Takeda Takahashi, Scorpion’s son, but this remains speculation. Regardless, the decision to introduce Cole Young Mortal Kombat was a bold move, one that reshaped the movie’s narrative in significant ways.

Cole is undeniably a “chosen one,” but his story is far more nuanced. The chosen one trope is heavily embedded within the Mortal Kombat mythos. However, Cole doesn’t instantly embrace his destiny. He’s reluctant, scared, and unsure of his abilities. He is thrust into this situation, he doesn’t actively seek it out. This reluctant hero persona makes him more relatable to audiences and his journey from a regular guy to a warrior who has the fate of the world resting on his shoulders is a very human and therefore engaging arc.

Unlocking the Arcana: Powers and Fighting Style

The Mortal Kombat movie introduces a new concept: Arcana. Arcana represents a latent power within individuals marked for the Mortal Kombat tournament. These powers manifest when a Kombatant realizes and unlocks their true potential. Cole Young’s Arcana is the ability to generate golden armor, protecting him from attacks and augmenting his strength. His armor is far more than just a defensive shield; it allows him to take punishment and return it back to his enemies with augmented strength.

Cole Young’s initial fighting style relies heavily on his mixed martial arts background. He utilizes a blend of striking and grappling techniques, making him a formidable close-quarters combatant. He uses wrestling and striking, utilizing his understanding of range and impact to defeat his opponents.

Throughout the movie, Cole’s abilities evolve as he learns to control and harness his Arcana. He begins as a hesitant fighter, relying on instinct and basic skills. As he faces increasingly dangerous opponents, he learns to channel his inner strength and focus his Arcana, becoming a more confident and powerful warrior. His journey to master his powers is a crucial part of his character arc, transforming him from a reluctant participant into a determined defender of Earthrealm.

Comparing Cole Young’s combat style with those of other Mortal Kombat Kombatants reveals an interesting contrast. Characters like Liu Kang and Kung Lao rely on agility and precision martial arts, while others like Raiden wield supernatural powers. Cole’s MMA style, grounded in reality, sets him apart, making him a unique addition to the fighting roster. He brings a sense of grit and physicality to the battles. Considering potential match ups, a fight between Cole Young and Jax could be an engaging spectacle, showcasing a clash of styles and strength. Or even a battle between Cole Young and Kabal, contrasting his fighting style with extreme speed.

Cole Young’s Place in the Narrative

Cole Young Mortal Kombat serves as an important audience surrogate. The average movie goer may not have played the Mortal Kombat games. He is the lens through which the audience experiences the fantastical elements of the Mortal Kombat universe. He asks the questions that viewers might be asking, reacts with awe and disbelief, and struggles to comprehend the rules of this extraordinary world.

His relationships with other characters are also a highlight. He forms bonds with Sonya Blade and Jax Briggs, learning from their experience and dedication. He seeks guidance from Lord Raiden and develops a sense of camaraderie with Liu Kang and Kung Lao. His dynamic with Scorpion, once revealed, is particularly impactful, adding an emotional weight to his journey. Their interactions are pivotal to both characters’ arcs.

Cole’s motivation is simple: protect his family. This singular focus drives his actions and shapes his decisions. He’s not fighting for glory or power, but for the safety of his loved ones. This relatable motivation makes him a sympathetic character, even for those who initially questioned his inclusion in the story. His transformation from a man struggling to provide for his family to a warrior willing to risk everything for them is a powerful and inspiring arc.

Whether Cole’s actions significantly impacted the ultimate outcome of the story, is still up for debate. His victory over Goro was crucial, but the larger conflict remains unresolved, leaving the door open for future installments.

Reception: Praise and Critiques

The introduction of Cole Young Mortal Kombat was met with a wave of mixed reactions from fans. Many criticized the decision to create a new character instead of utilizing existing ones, expressing disappointment that established favorites were sidelined in favor of an unknown quantity. Some also found his backstory and powers to be uninspired.

Critical reviews were also varied. Some praised the character as an accessible entry point for new viewers, while others criticized his lack of depth and originality. He was seen as a plot device, a way to guide the audience through the complex world of Mortal Kombat, rather than a fully realized character in his own right.

However, some argued in defense of Cole Young. They highlighted his relatability, his grounded motivations, and his potential for growth in future installments. They see him as a necessary addition to the narrative, a character that bridges the gap between the established lore and a new generation of viewers.

Future Potential for Cole Young

The end of the movie teases Cole’s journey to learn to fight and become a fighter like Johnny Cage. It hints at his potential to become a key figure in the defense of Earthrealm. Sequels could explore his training, his relationships with other Kombatants, and the full extent of his Arcana. His growth as a fighter is a central narrative thread.

The possibility of Cole Young appearing in other Mortal Kombat media, such as video games or comics, remains uncertain. However, his inclusion could offer a fresh perspective on the franchise, providing a unique gameplay style and expanding the lore in new and interesting ways. How he could be adapted for video games is a particularly intriguing point.

Ultimately, what Cole Young Mortal Kombat brings to the franchise is a sense of accessibility. He offers a relatable point of entry for new fans, while also providing a unique perspective on the established lore. He may not be a flawless character, but he has the potential to become a valuable addition to the Mortal Kombat universe.

Conclusion: A New Chapter or a Mere Footnote?

While the initial reaction to Cole Young Mortal Kombat was mixed, his presence in the twenty twenty-one Mortal Kombat movie served a crucial purpose. He acted as a bridge, connecting the established lore to a new audience, and offered a fresh perspective on the timeless conflict between Earthrealm and Outworld. The story of Cole Young in Mortal Kombat, the journey of the fighter who unlocks the Arcana is the tale of a hero that we may see rise in the upcoming installments. He may not be a classic character just yet, but he brought a grounded human aspect to a fantastical world.

Whether Cole Young ultimately proves himself a worthy addition to the Mortal Kombat pantheon, or whether he remains a footnote in the franchise’s history, remains to be seen.