‘Mortal Kombat II’s’ Max Huang Pushes for Kung Lao and Liu Kang Shaolin Monks Spinoff Film

Max Huang, who returns as Kung Lao in Mortal Kombat II, has been talking about just how much work went into bringing his character and Liu Kang’s fight scenes to life.

Speaking in a recent interview, he explained that his preparation started long before filming, going back to the video game world that inspired the franchise in the first place.

According to Huang, he spent time studying Mortal Kombat 11 to understand Kung Lao’s movement and fighting style. He focused on a handful of signature actions from the game and used them as a guide to shape his performance on screen. That mix of game research and physical training helped him build a version of Kung Lao that feels familiar to fans but still grounded in live-action intensity.

Huang also spoke about the major fight scene between Kung Lao and Liu Kang in the sequel. He described it as the most demanding sequence he has ever worked on.

“A huge amount of time went into this one,” Huang said. “But I am personally pretty happy with the result. It’s probably the best fight scene I’ve done so far. It’s the fight of my life.”

In the Mortal Kombat universe, both Kung Lao and Liu Kang are extremely important characters. Liu Kang is often seen as the moral center of the story and a key protector of Earthrealm, while Kung Lao is known for his sharp fighting skills and signature bladed hat. Together, they represent the Shaolin warrior tradition that sits at the heart of the franchise’s story and mythology.

Their rivalry and teamwork have always been central in the games, which is why fans are especially invested in seeing them share the screen in live action. The new film leans into that dynamic, giving their relationship and combat scenes more space to develop.

Huang also hinted at how detailed the production was, especially when it came to action choreography. Every movement was carefully planned to match both the style of the games and the physical reality of live filming. That approach is part of why the fight stands out as one of the film’s biggest moments.

Kung Lao is confirmed to return in Mortal Kombat III, where Liu Kang will also play a major role in trying to rescue him. However, Kung Lao has a rough track record in the film series so far, having died in every movie appearance, raising doubts about his survival going forward.

Actor Max Huang hopes his character finally gets a break in the next installment. He said he wants Kung Lao to survive for once and stay alive long enough to explore more of his story.

Huang also expressed interest in expanding the franchise beyond the main films. He said he would love to see a Shaolin Monks spinoff focused on Liu Kang and Kung Lao, exploring their origins, training under Bo’ Rai Cho, and the White Lotus.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!