The gaming community eagerly anticipates the unveiling of guest fighters in any new Mortal Kombat installment. These unexpected appearances often drive tremendous buzz. However, recent revelations by Ed Boon, the co-creator of Mortal Kombat, have led to some raised eyebrows. It turns out that John Wick was almost added to the game's roster.
Diving Deep into the Guest Fighter Phenomenon
- The Current Guest Roster: Mortal Kombat 1 has ushered in some thrilling new guest stars, including John Cena's Peacemaker, Invincible's Omni-Man, and Homelander from The Boys. Such a lineup already speaks volumes about the studio's intent to integrate both superhero and supervillain themes.
- The John Wick Revelation: Despite the aforementioned theme, the inclusion of John Wick would have been a significant coup for the game. In his discussion with Rolling Stone, Ed Boon drew parallels between the game's initial inspirations, citing movies like "Bloodsport" and "Enter the Dragon". The desire to integrate a modern action star like John Wick was palpable. However, Boon revealed that despite their efforts, they could not secure John Wick for the roster.
- Potential Roadblocks: While Boon did not provide an exhaustive account of why Wick's inclusion was derailed, several plausible theories emerge. It's likely that Lionsgate, the studio with rights to the John Wick IP, may have been reluctant to license out the character. Furthermore, Keanu Reeves' own reservations about his characters from various films participating in Mortal Kombat could have influenced the decision. Reeves, in a 2021 interview with Esquire, had hinted at his characters "doing their own thing" rather than being a part of the Mortal Kombat universe.
- Lionsgate's Wick-centric Ambitions: Further shedding light on the reluctance is Lionsgate's pronounced interest in creating a dedicated John Wick game. Last year, the studio's CEO emphasized a vision to craft a triple-A John Wick game. With the recent launch of spinoff show "The Continental" and talks of "John Wick 5", Lionsgate's intent to expand the John Wick franchise is evident.
- Boon's Grand Vision: Beyond Wick, Boon's overarching vision for Mortal Kombat 1 was ambitious. He aspired for every character to be voiced by a renowned actor. This vision partially materialized with celebrities like Megan Fox voicing Nitara, and Jean Claude Van Damme serving as an alternate voice for Johnny Cage.
Concluding Observations
The gaming industry is rife with "what could have been" stories, and John Wick's near-inclusion in Mortal Kombat 1 is a prime example. While fans can only speculate on the thrill of playing as the renowned hitman, the existing roster, along with the detailed insights into the game's development process, paints a fascinating picture of NetherRealm's ambitions and challenges.