By admin 
The Mortal Kombat franchise has been around for decades and has introduced us to countless iconic characters. Names like Sub-Zero, Scorpion, and Raiden immediately come to mind when we think of the franchise. However, a brand-new character emerged in the 2021 Mortal Kombat movie Cole Young. But who is Cole Young in Mortal Kombat? How does he fit into the lore? In this article, we’ll look in-depth at Cole Young, his role in the franchise, and why he is such an exciting addition to the Mortal Kombat universe.
Who Is Cole Young in Mortal Kombat?
Cole Young is the central protagonist of the 2021 Mortal Kombat movie, portrayed by actor Lewis Tan. Unlike many of the classic characters from the video game series, Cole Young is an entirely original character created explicitly for the film. This bold decision added a new layer of mystery to the Mortal Kombat story, leaving fans curious about where Cole would fit in the grand scheme of things.
Cole Young’s Background
Cole Young starts the movie as an MMA fighter struggling to make a name for himself. His character is introduced as a fighter past his prime who is no longer at the top of his game. Despite his combat skills, Cole Young is portrayed as a down-on-his-luck fighter, often taking low-paying fights just to get by. However, Cole Young’s life takes a dramatic turn when he discovers he is part of a much bigger story involving ancient warriors, otherworldly realms, and a deadly tournament called Mortal Kombat.
Cole Young’s Link to Mortal Kombat
While Cole Young is a new character, he is deeply connected to the existing Mortal Kombat lore. Early in the film, it is revealed that Cole Young is a direct descendant of one of the most famous characters in the franchise: Hanzo Hasashi, also known as Scorpion. This connection to Scorpion is significant because it ties Cole Young to one of the oldest and most potent bloodlines in the Mortal Kombat universe.
The fact that Cole Young is a descendant of Scorpion also explains why he bears the iconic Mortal Kombat dragon mark on his chest. This mark is not just a birthmark but a symbol that identifies individuals chosen to fight in the Mortal Kombat tournament. As the movie progresses, Cole Young learns more about his heritage and the responsibility that comes with it.
The Role of the Dragon Mark
In the Mortal Kombat movie, the dragon mark signifies that the individual is a chosen warrior destined to fight in the Mortal Kombat tournament. Cole Young’s dragon mark is passed down through generations, linking him to the long history of Mortal Kombat warriors. His mark is crucial to the plot because it leads him to the group of Earthrealm defenders, including classic characters like Sonya Blade, Jax, and Liu Kang.
The dragon mark is also a key plot device in the film, as it catalyses Cole Young’s transformation from an ordinary fighter into a mighty warrior capable of taking on enemies from other realms. This mark sets Cole apart and makes him integral to the Mortal Kombat story.
Cole Young’s Arcana: Unleashing His Powers
One of the most exciting aspects of Cole Young’s journey in the Mortal Kombat movie is the discovery of his arcana. In Mortal Kombat, arcana refers to each chosen fighter’s unique supernatural powers. These abilities are unlocked when the fighter fully embraces their role in the tournament.
For Cole Young, his arcana manifests as a golden armour covering his body during combat, along with a pair of tons (short batons) he uses as weapons. This golden armour not only enhances his durability, making him nearly impervious to damage, but also absorbs energy from his opponents’ attacks, allowing him to strike back with even greater force.
- Cole’s Arcana Explained:
- Golden body armor
- Enhanced durability
- Absorbs and redirects enemy energy
- Tonfa weapons for melee combat
Cole Young’s arcana represents his evolution as a fighter. Initially, he is still determining his place in the Mortal Kombat universe. Still, once he unlocks his arcana, he gains the confidence and power to stand alongside other iconic Mortal Kombat warriors.
How Cole Young Stands Out Among Mortal Kombat Characters
There are many reasons why Cole Young stands out in the Mortal Kombat universe, and his connection to the iconic Scorpion is just one of them. His journey from a struggling MMA fighter to a mighty warrior is a classic underdog story that resonates with audiences. Unlike many other Mortal Kombat characters who already possess extraordinary abilities or are well-versed in the tournament’s lore, Cole Young is relatable because he starts as an ordinary man thrust into an unusual situation.
Why Create a New Character Like Cole Young?
The decision to create a new character like Cole Young for the Mortal Kombat movie was a deliberate move by the filmmakers. While some fans were initially sceptical about introducing a character not from the original games, Cole Young brings a fresh perspective to the franchise.
Creating a new protagonist allowed the filmmakers to introduce Mortal Kombat’s rich history and lore to new audiences without relying solely on existing fan favourites. Cole Young is an entry point for those unfamiliar with the games while providing enough nods and connections to the original characters to satisfy long-time fans.
The Connection Between Cole Young and Scorpion
One of the most critical aspects of Cole Young’s character is his connection to Scorpion, one of the most iconic figures in Mortal Kombat history. In the movie’s opening scenes, we see Scorpion (Hanzo Hasashi) tragically killed by Sub-Zero in ancient Japan. This brutal death sets up a centuries-long rivalry between the two characters, and Cole Young’s involvement brings this rivalry full circle.
As a descendant of Scorpion, Cole Young is essentially the key to Scorpion’s return to the Mortal Kombat storyline. Scorpion eventually returns to help Cole Young in his battle against Sub-Zero, creating one of the film’s most exciting and emotional moments. This connection to Scorpion gives Cole Young a sense of purpose and ties him directly to the profound lore of the Mortal Kombat universe.
Cole Young and the Future of Mortal Kombat
With the introduction of Cole Young, the future of the Mortal Kombat franchise has been opened up to new possibilities. While classic characters like Liu Kang, Kung Lao, and Sonya Blade will always have a place in the Mortal Kombat universe, Cole Young represents a new generation of fighters. His role in the 2021 film leaves plenty of room for future storylines and potential sequels.
What Lies Ahead for Cole Young?
Given the success of the Mortal Kombat movie and Cole Young’s popularity with audiences, it’s likely that we will see more of him in future Mortal Kombat films. There are many directions the character could take, especially considering his unique abilities and his connection to Scorpion. Some potential future plot points include:
- Exploring more of Cole Young’s arcana and how it evolves over time
- Further development of his relationship with Scorpion
- Facing off against even more powerful foes from Outworld
- Becoming a mentor or leader to other Mortal Kombat warriors
How Cole Young Impacts Mortal Kombat’s Legacy
Cole Young’s introduction to Mortal Kombat has undoubtedly left a mark on the franchise. While some purists might prefer the focus to remain on classic characters, Cole Young brings a new energy and perspective to the Mortal Kombat story. His journey from an average MMA fighter to a supernatural warrior mirrors the growth many franchise characters have experienced, making him a natural fit for Mortal Kombat’s ever-expanding universe.
Table: Comparison of Cole Young vs. Other Mortal Kombat Fighters
FighterAbilitiesOriginKey Relationships
Cole Young Golden armor, energy absorption, tonfas Earthrealm (MMA Fighter) Descendant of Scorpion
Liu Kang Fire-based powers, martial arts skills Earthrealm (Shaolin Monk) Allies with Raiden, Kung Lao
Sonya Blade Military skills, energy rings Earthrealm (Special Forces) Partnership with Jax, Johnny Cage.
Scorpion (Hanzo) Hellfire, spear weapon, teleportation Netherrealm (Ninja) Rivalry with Sub-Zero, ancestor of Cole Young
Sub-Zero (Bi-Han) Ice manipulation, cartomancy, Outworld Rivalry with Scorpion
Why Cole Young Is a Worthy Addition to Mortal Kombat
By the end of the Mortal Kombat movie, Cole Young has proven himself to be a worthy addition to the Mortal Kombat franchise. His journey is relatable, his abilities are impressive, and his connection to Mortal Kombat’s deep history makes him a character with significant potential. Whether you’re a long-time franchise fan or someone new to the Mortal Kombat world, Cole Young brings a fresh and exciting dynamic that promises to shape the series’ future.
As we look ahead to potential sequels and new chapters in the Mortal Kombat story, Cole Young will play a central role in whatever battles lie ahead.
In conclusion, Cole Young Mortal Kombat has become a significant character with a bright future in this iconic franchise. Whether through his connection to Scorpion or his newfound powers, Cole Young is here to stay in the Mortal Kombat universe.