John Wick Could Have Been In Mortal Kombat 1
Unfortunately, though, it didn't work out.
NetherRealm Studios attempted to get John Wick in the fighting game Mortal Kombat 1, but it didn't work out. NetherRealm's Ed Boon told Rolling Stone that John Wick would be a good fit for the Mortal Kombat series, and many would agree given the character's particular set of skills. But, for whatever reason, it didn't come together.
"I could certainly see the John Wicks of the world… as a matter of fact, that is one of the ones that we tried to get--John Wick--in Mortal Kombat, and we didn't get it," Boon said.
In 2021, John Wick actor Keanu Reeves said John Wick does not belong in Mortal Kombat, and neither does his other popular character, Neo from The Matrix.
"If it was up to me? No. Mortal Kombat is awesome in so many ways, but I think... you know, Neo, John Wick, they're doing their own thing. Mortal Kombat is doing their own thing," he said.
The John Wick series is owned by Lionsgate, and that company has its own plans for the John Wick video game world. There is no word on specifically why John Wick isn't in Mortal Kombat 1, but it probably has something to do with licensing rights and fees.
John Wick did appear in a video game as a guest character before, however, as the mass murderer came to Fortnite back in 2019.
Also in the interview, Boon said one of the ideas he entertained with Mortal Kombat 1 was to have an established actor play each of the characters. He said would have looked at Reeves for Kenshi. But Boon said this was only a "pipe dream."
"A lot of actors don't realize just how sophisticated video games are. When you sign up for it, you're not just signing up to go in one day, be in the recording studio for an hour, and you're done. It's like a real acting job."
Mortal Kombat 1 does feature Megan Fox as Nitara, but some fans are not happy with how she delivers voice lines.
Mortal Kombat 1's premium edition unlocked on September 14 and everyone else can start playing today, September 19. For more, check out what Mortal Kombat 1 reviews are looking like.
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