Iconic action star Jean-Claude Van Damme is kicking his way into Mortal Kombat 1. The Belgian martial artist will appear as a playable skin for Johnny Cage in the latest brutal fighter releasing 19th of September.
Fans finally glimpsed Van Damme’s guest appearance during series co-creator Ed Boon’s recent interview on YouTube show Hot Ones. Footage showcases Cage adopting the actor’s distinctive split-legged pose and ponytail from 80s cult classic Bloodsport. Now a new trailer showcasing the Hollywood actor and Martial Arts legend in the fighting game is out and can be viewed below.
Official Jean-Claude Van Damme MK1 Trailer
This news about Van Damme fulfils a decades-old dream for Mortal Kombat. Boon reveals the original 1992 game was conceived as a Van Damme starring vehicle titled Van Damme: The Arcade Game. Legal hurdles dashed hopes of securing the Muscles from Brussels back then.
But this time NetherRealm Studios hit the jackpot, with the martial arts master himself voicing the DLC skin too. Van Damme joins previous stars like Sylvester Stallone’s Rambo and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Terminator featured in MK 11. Real-life fighters seem to be hooked on the upcoming title as just last week wrestler Dave Bautista narrated a TV spot for the game.
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Bloodsport Inspired Skin Fulfils Decades-Old Dream
Seeing real-life action icons reimagined as kombatants never fails to thrill fans. And Cage assuming his inspiration’s appearance should delight players when the title launches.
Details remain mysterious for other unlockable skins teased so far. These include a Dia de Muertos outfit for icy ninja Sub-Zero and funky makeover for femme fatale Tanya. But their stylish designs already suggest plenty of variety ahead.
During the lively Hot Ones interview, Boon also reminisced on Mortal Kombat’s sensational early years. He reveals only four developers originally worked on the 1992 smash hit that popularised violence in games.
Cut to present day and over 100 staff craft the series’ intricately gory visuals and combat. Boon calls unlocking technologic advances the greatest joy across multiple sequels and reboots.
Mortal Kombat 1 surely represents the bloodiest and most elaborate entry yet for the legendary fighting franchise. Brief glimpses in trailers showcase jaw-droppingly vivid X-Ray attacks and even wilder Fatalities.
With mere weeks until Mortal Kombat 1 releases on next and current gen consoles, anticipation among fans percolates feverishly. Ed Boon openly teases major surprises beyond a certain A-list action star.
If Van Damme’s presence indicates the celebrity skin calibre overall, this brutal brawler should absolutely deliver killer entertainment. Jean-Claude might not be the Final Fight after all.
Mortal Kombat 1 officially launches on September 19th for Windows PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X/S.
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