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[ 0 => '{{Short description|Mortal Kombat character}}', 1 => '{{About| the Mortal Kombat character|the Singaporean artist|Liu Kang (artist)|the Chinese football player and coach|Liu Kang (football manager)}}', 2 => '{{Good article}}', 3 => '{{Infobox character', 4 => '| name = Liu Kang', 5 => '| image =LiuKangconceptart.png', 6 => '| caption = Liu Kang as he appears in ''[[Mortal Kombat 3]]'', drawn by [[John Tobias]]', 7 => '| series = [[Mortal Kombat]]', 8 => '| creator = [[Ed Boon]]<br />[[John Tobias]]', 9 => '| designer = {{Collapsible list |title=Various |John Tobias (early games) |Luis Mangubat (''MK:D''/''MK:A'') |Mark Lappin (''MK:SM'')<ref name="SMcredits">{{cite web|url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=46532&tab=credits |title=Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks - Credits |publisher=Allgame.com |date=2010-10-03 |access-date=November 17, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141116021746/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=46532&tab=credits |archive-date=November 16, 2014 }}</ref> |Atomhawk Design (''MK9'')<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.creativeuncut.com/art_mortal-kombat-9_a.html |title=Mortal Kombat Characters & Concept Artwork |publisher=CreativeUncut.com |access-date=November 20, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130829181447/http://www.creativeuncut.com/art_mortal-kombat-9_a.html |archive-date=August 29, 2013 }}</ref> |Marco Nelor (''MKX'')<ref>{{cite web|url=http://note.taable.com/post/45A/conceptartworld.com/?p=39447|title=Concept Art World » Exclusive 'Mortal Kombat X' Concept Art by Marco Nelor|publisher=Taable Note|date=2015|access-date=May 4, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201164925/http://note.taable.com/post/45A/conceptartworld.com/?p=39447|archive-date=February 1, 2016}}</ref>}}', 10 => '| first = ''[[Mortal Kombat (1992 video game)|Mortal Kombat]]'' (1992)', 11 => '| voice = {{Collapsible list|[[Ed Boon]] (''MKII'')|[[John Tobias]] (''MK4'')|Jin Kim (''MK:SM'')|[[Tom Choi]] (2008–2015)|[[Matthew Yang King]] (2019–present)|Randy Hamilton (1995 animated film)|[[Brian Tochi]] (animated series)|[[Jordan Rodrigues]] (2020s animated films)}}', 12 => '| motion_actor = {{Collapsible list|[[Ho-Sung Pak]] (''MK'', ''MKII'')<ref name="egm95"/>|Eddie Wong (''MK3'', ''UMK3'', ''MKT'')<ref name="egm95"/>|Carlos Pesina (''MK:D''/''MK:A'')|Lawrence Kern (''MKvsDCU'', ''MK9'')|Nick Toussaint (''MK11'')| Noah Fleder (''MK1'')}}', 13 => '| portrayer = {{Collapsible list|[[Robin Shou]] (1990s films)|[[Brian Tee]] (web series)|[[Ludi Lin]] (2021 film)}}', 14 => '}}', 15 => ''''Liu Kang''' ({{zh|c=劉鋼|w= Liu² Kang¹|p=Liú gāng|s=|t=}}<ref>Japanese manual of SNES version ''Mortal Kombat''</ref> or {{zh|candian=Lu Kayng|w= Liu² K'ang¹|p=Liú kāng|c=劉康|s=|t=}}<ref>Canadian manual of SNES version ''Mortal Kombat''</ref>) is a character in the ''[[Mortal Kombat]]'' [[fighting game]] franchise by [[Midway Games]] and [[NetherRealm Studios]]. Depicted as Earthrealm's greatest warrior and champion, he is the protagonist of the series. He debuted in the [[Mortal Kombat (1992 video game)|original 1992 game]] as a [[Shaolin Kung Fu|Shaolin]] monk with special moves, which were intended to be the easiest for players to perform. Since his introduction, Liu Kang has appeared as playable in every main installment except ''[[Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance]]'' (2002). He is also one of the protagonists of the [[Action-adventure game|action-adventure]] spin-off ''[[Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks]]'' (2005).', 16 => '', 17 => 'The character's storyline sees him win the eponymous Mortal Kombat tournament in the first and [[Mortal Kombat II|second games]], saving Earthrealm from being conquered by the opposing forces of Outworld. During both the original and rebooted timelines, Liu Kang receives a more villainous depiction by Raiden appearing as a reanimated corpse in the former and an undead revenant who rules Netherrealm in the latter. He returns to his heroic role in ''[[Mortal Kombat 11]]'' (2019), in which he becomes the god of fire.', 18 => '', 19 => 'Liu Kang has appeared in various media outside of the games, including as the hero of the [[Mortal Kombat (1995 film)|1995 film adaptation]] and its 1997 sequel ''[[Mortal Kombat Annihilation]]''. Reception of the character has been mainly favorable for his special moves and gameplay, although criticism has been directed towards his [[Bruce Lee]]-inspired yells. His characterization in the reboot games received negative response for his death at Raiden's hands but his resurrection in ''Mortal Kombat 11'' earned better response for becoming a more heroic figure.', 20 => '', 21 => '==Creation and design==', 22 => '{{multiple image', 23 => '| footer = [[Bruce Lee]] (left) and [[Minamoto Yoshitsune]] (right) were the two main influences of Liu Kang's character.', 24 => '| image1 = Bruce Lee 1973.jpg', 25 => '| alt1 = Bruce Lee', 26 => '| caption1 =', 27 => '| width1 = 150', 28 => '| image2 = Minamoto Yoshitsune.svg', 29 => '| alt2 = Minamoto Yoshitsune', 30 => '| caption2 =', 31 => '| width2 = 163', 32 => '| align = left', 33 => '}}', 34 => 'Original concept sketches for a proposed [[Midway Games]] fighting title by artist and lead game designer [[John Tobias]] featured a Japanese character named [[Minamoto clan|Minamoto]] [[Minamoto no Yoshitsune|Yoshitsune]].<ref>[http://twitpic.com/6vbilm Ok... I just found thee very first MK related art I ever did!!! You'll never guess which character it was...] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140114212848/http://twitpic.com/6vbilm |date=2014-01-14 }} by John Tobias on Twitpic.</ref><ref>[http://twitpic.com/6nlvgb More doodles from my ancient MK notebook. JohnnyCage B4 he was JohnnyCage and Yoshitsune Minamoto…] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029214713/http://twitpic.com/6nlvgb |date=2013-10-29 }} by John Tobias on Twitpic.</ref> However, according to Tobias, during production of what would become ''[[Mortal Kombat (1992 video game)|Mortal Kombat]]'', the Midway staff "just couldn't deal with the name".<ref name="egm95">{{cite book |first=Mike|last=Stokes|title=Official MK3 Kollector's Book|year=1995 |chapter=Ed Boon & John Tobias Interview|pages=6–16|publisher=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]}}</ref> The character was renamed Liu Kang as a nod to actor [[Gordon Liu]], who starred in the 1978 film ''[[The 36th Chamber of Shaolin]]''.<ref>{{cite tweet |author=John Tobias|user=therealsaibot|number=1298051396994916352 |date=August 24, 2020 |title=No. Actually Liu Kang was named after Gordon Liu the actor who played the lead in The 36th Chamber of Shaolin.|access-date=August 24, 2020}}</ref> His ethnicity was subsequently changed to Chinese and he "was originally going to be a traditional monk {{Endash}} bald and in robes".<ref name="gamemakers">{{cite magazine|title=The Game Makers: The Artists|magazine=[[GamePro]]|issue=88 |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|date=January 1996|pages=34–36}}</ref> Liu Kang was played by Korean actor and martial artist [[Ho-Sung Pak]] in the first two games, but Pak's refusal to shave his head<ref name="egm95"/> resulted in the character instead being modeled after [[Bruce Lee]] and depicted as "a renegade monk [who] grew his hair back".<ref name="egm95"/> Tobias additionally drew inspiration from the 1973 film ''[[Enter the Dragon]]'' in developing Liu Kang's backstory.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.albertserrano.co.uk/las-peliculas-que-inspiraron-mortal-kombat/|website=AlbertSerrano|language=es|access-date=July 16, 2020|title=Las peliculas que inspiraron Mortal Kombat|archive-date=August 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828184639/http://www.albertserrano.co.uk/las-peliculas-que-inspiraron-mortal-kombat/|url-status=dead}}</ref>', 35 => '', 36 => 'Liu Kang's design in the first game had him shirtless with short hair, while wearing only black pants and white shoes.<ref name="gamemakers"/> Starting with ''[[Mortal Kombat II]],'' his outfit incorporated a red palette by way of single vertical stripes on his pants and a matching headband, in addition to black shoes and studded wrist guards. ''Mortal Kombat 3'' contained minor changes to the character's depiction, with longer hair and thin black leg strips wrapped above his ankles in order to give him a "sleeker" look.<ref name="egm95liukang"/> In a 1995 interview, lead series programmer [[Ed Boon]], discussing the development team's decision to include Liu Kang in ''[[Mortal Kombat 3]]'', said: "It'd be like doing [[Return of the Jedi|part three]] of ''[[Star Wars]]'' and not having [[Luke Skywalker]] in there. You don't do that."<ref name="egm95liukang">{{cite book |author=Staff|title=Official MK3 Kollector's Book|year=1995 |chapter=Liu Kang|pages=44–47|publisher=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]}}</ref>', 37 => '', 38 => 'This design was carried over into ''[[Mortal Kombat: Deception]]'' and ''[[Mortal Kombat: Armageddon]]'', but due to his resurrection as a [[zombie]], his skin was ash gray and he wore hooked chains around his wrists; his alternate costume featured him as a living person.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat: Deception]]|date=2004|level=The Krypt: Liu Kang alternative costume|developer=[[Midway Games]]|publisher=Midway Games}}</ref> The character's death in the previous game, ''[[Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance]]'', inspired the composition of a "funeral song" by series music composer Dan Forden, titled "Liu Kang's Tomb", and was included in ''Deception'' in the arena containing his tomb.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat: Deception]] |developer=[[Midway Games]]|publisher=Midway |date=2004|level=The Krypt: Soundtracks: Liu Kang's Tomb}}</ref> After the developers had received feedback that unlocking him in ''Deception'' had proved difficult, Liu Kang became a regular playable character in the [[PlayStation Portable]] port ''Unchained''.<ref name="inter">{{cite web| url=http://psp.ign.com/articles/733/733558p1.html| last=Hayness|first=Jeff| title=Mortal Kombat: Deception Unchained Producer Interview| publisher=[[IGN]]| date=September 10, 2006| access-date=February 16, 2009| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090328162633/http://psp.ign.com/articles/733/733558p1.html| archive-date=March 28, 2009}}</ref> Like the other characters chosen for the 2008 crossover game ''[[Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe]]'', Liu Kang was added to the game's roster because of his popularity.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/features/interview-ed-boon-on-the-ups-and-downs-of-the-mortal-kombat-franchise/?biz=1&page=1 |title=Interview: Ed Boon on The Ups and Downs of the Mortal Kombat Franchise |publisher=GameDaily |author=Walk, Gary Eng |date=November 17, 2008 |access-date=January 17, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081229232625/http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/features/interview-ed-boon-on-the-ups-and-downs-of-the-mortal-kombat-franchise/?biz=1&page=1 |archive-date=December 29, 2008 }}</ref> He retained his ''Mortal Kombat 3'' design that was accentuated with a [[championship belt]] adorned with the ''Mortal Kombat'' dragon emblem.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe]]|date=2008|level=|developer=[[Midway Games]]|publisher=Midway Games}}</ref> ', 39 => '', 40 => 'According to Ed Boon, ''[[Mortal Kombat 11]]'' was written in order to end the character's original story arc.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eventhubs.com/news/2020/jul/12/ed-boon-story-liu-kangs-journey-mortal-kombat-11-aftermath-done/|title=Ed Boon: The story of Liu Kang's journey in Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath is done|accessdate=May 28, 2023|website=Eventhubs}}</ref> Tobias, who departed Midway in 1999, said in a 2012 interview that had he continued to work on ''Mortal Kombat'', he would have kept the plot centered around Liu Kang and then his son.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eventhubs.com/news/2012/nov/07/john-tobias-if-i-could-go-back-and-redo-kabal-and-stryker-i-would-i-dont-know-if-id-design-them-differently-or-just-come-new-character/|title=John Tobias: 'If I could go back and redo Kabal and Stryker I would, I don't know if I'd design them differently or just come up with new characters'|date=2012-11-07|website=EventHubs|language=en|access-date=2018-12-25}}</ref> In May 2023, Boon stated he had decided to put Liu Kang on the cover of ''Mortal Kombat 1'' to signify a new story arc, in turn diverting from Scorpion and Sub-Zero, who were regularly chosen for the games' covers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/netherrealms-ed-boon-discusses-mortal-kombat-1-name|title=NetherRealm's Ed Boon discusses Mortal Kombat 1 name|accessdate=May 28, 2023|website=Eurogamer}}</ref>', 41 => '', 42 => 'Liu and fellow fighter [[Kung Lao]], according to John Tobias, were meant to compliment each other: one as the present-day chosen one and the other as a reflection of a failed past, with their sense of righteous purpose bonding their friendship.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1405603737255747584|user=therealsaibot|title=Note 3 of 3: Liu and Kung Lao were meant to compliment each other. One as the present day chosen one and the other as a reflection of a failed past, yet it was their sense of righteous purpose that bonded their friendship.|author=John Tobias|date=June 17, 2021|access-date=May 31, 2023}}</ref> The producers of the 1995 ''Mortal Kombat'' film chose to combine Liu and Kung Lao's characters, making Liu the descendant of The Great Kung Lao, which, according to Tobias, "caus[ed] confusion in our games for years to follow. Any mention of Liu Kang as descendent of The Great Kung Lao in the games was a mistake."<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1405603736374939652|user=therealsaibot|title=Note 2 of 3: The ‘95 MK film producers chose to combine Liu and Kung Lao’s characters, making Liu the descendant of The Great Kung Lao in the films, etc and causing confusion in our games for years to follow. IMO any mention of Liu as descendent of GKL in our games was a mistake.|author=John Tobias|date=June 17, 2021|access-date=May 31, 2023}}</ref> Tobias has said that although "there have been deviations in different media to serve their purposes, ... the truth of Liu's hero's journey and the root of the character’s inspiration usually seemed to find their way."<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1405603734550372368|user=therealsaibot|title=^^^The above is specific to the early MK games. Over the years, there have been deviations in different media to serve their purposes, but the heart of Liu’s hero’s journey and the root of the character’s inspiration usually seemed to find their way. (15/15)|author=John Tobias|date=June 17, 2021|access-date=May 31, 2023}}</ref>', 43 => '', 44 => 'Actor [[Tom Choi]] voiced Liu Kang from ''MK vs.DC Universe'' to ''Mortal Kombat X'', and explained in 2021 that Boon wanted the character to rapidly speak nonsensical lines for his special moves in ''MK 2011''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Jantmor Interviews- Tom Choi Discusses His Time As Liu Kang And Fallout 76 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8f-DxCOKU4k |accessdate=June 4, 2023|first=Josh|last=Morales|date=2021|website=Youtube}}</ref> Choi stated that while he enjoyed playing an "iconic" and "archetypal" character and Liu Kang was notable for being a non-stereotypical Asian lead, he noticed the creative teams change leading decisions involving changes in the story such as Liu taking a lesser role in several games.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mortal Kombat Franchise Documentary - Episode 27 - Tom Choi - Liu Kang |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RL5v3tEdDyY&t=417s|date=2021 |accessdate=June 4, 2023|first=Jim|last=Conlan |work=Jim Conlan Chats |via=Youtube}}</ref> [[Matthew Yang King]], who replaced Choi in ''MK11'', compared Liu Kang and Kung Lao to brothers with a competitive friendship, and opted to voice Liu Kang in ''MK11'' as an "ode" to Bruce Lee, which he opined that Caucasian actors who voiced the character in the past had intentionally avoided.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/features/1192428-matthew-yang-king-kung-lao-interview|title=Matthew Yang King on Voicing Kung Lao in ''Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms''|date=August 27, 2021 |accessdate=June 4, 2023 |first=Tyler|last=Treese|work=[[ComingSoon.net]]|publisher=[[Mandatory (company)|Mandatory]]|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827225149/https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/features/1192428-matthew-yang-king-kung-lao-interview|archivedate=August 27, 2021}}</ref>', 45 => '', 46 => '===Gameplay===', 47 => '[[File:Liu Kang Fatality.png|thumb|A screenshot of Liu Kang's recurring [[Chinese dragon]] [[Fatality (Mortal Kombat)|Fatality]] from ''[[Mortal Kombat II]]'', as seen in the canceled HD remake version for ''[[Mortal Kombat: Arcade Kollection]]''|alt=|right]]', 48 => '', 49 => 'Liu Kang was designed as a character that both casual and experienced gamers could play with little difficulty.<ref name="card">{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat: Armageddon]]|developer=[[Midway Games]]|publisher=Midway Games|date=2006 |level=Liu Kang's Bio Kard}}</ref> He specializes in kicks, with his most common being a straight flying kick that launches him across the screen to connect with his opponent's torso.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat (1992 video game)|Mortal Kombat]]|date=1992|level=|developer=[[Midway Games]]|publisher=Midway Games}}</ref> ''Mortal Kombat II'' introduced another of his signature special moves, the "Bicycle Kick", which propels him across the screen with a flurry of kicks that resemble the pedaling of a bicycle and again target the opponent's midsection.<ref name="MK2g">{{cite book |author1=Taylor, Matt |author2=Fink, Jim |name-list-style=amp |title=Mortal Kombat II: Official Player's Guide|year=1995 |publisher=Infotainment|isbn=1-57280-028-3}}</ref> His projectile attack sends a fiery flame in the shape of a [[Chinese dragon]] across the screen shooting from his hands towards his opponent.<ref name="mk1"/> This move was adapted in future games to allow use while crouching or jumping.<ref name="UMK3">{{cite book |author=Wartow, Ronald |title=Official Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 Fighter's Kompanion|year=1996 |publisher=BradyGames|page=370 |isbn=1-56686-639-1}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks]] |developer=Midway |publisher=Midway |date=2005 |level=The Arena}}</ref>', 50 => '', 51 => 'His first [[Fatality (Mortal Kombat)|Fatality]] (a finishing move that executes defeated opponents), titled "Shaolin Uppercut", has him perform a [[butterfly kick]] (often mistaken for a [[Cartwheel (gymnastics)|cartwheel]])<ref name="gamespot">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/30-years-of-mortal-kombats-best-and-worst-fatalities/2900-4371/#14|title=30 Years Of Mortal Kombat's Best And Worst Fatalities|first=Justin|last=Clark|work=[[GameSpot]]|publisher=[[Fandom, Inc.]]|date=October 11, 2022|accessdate=October 24, 2022|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20221024185747/https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/30-years-of-mortal-kombats-best-and-worst-fatalities/2900-4371/|archivedate=October 24, 2022}}</ref> on his opponent before connecting with an uppercut that knocks them offscreen, and then landing.<ref name="mk1">{{cite book |author=Publications International, Ltd|title=Mortal Kombat Action Strategies: An Authorized Player's Guide|year=1993 |publisher=New Amer Library|isbn=0-451-82290-0}}</ref> According to Tobias, the background not darkening during the finisher was a [[glitch]] that was kept in and rationalized as symbolizing Liu Kang's noble motivations.<ref>{{cite tweet |author=John Tobias |user=therealsaibot |number=1288144712398811141 |date=July 28, 2020 |title=It may have started as a glitch (Ed may remember better), but we made a conscious choice to leave it this way to reinforce Liu Kang’s noble motivations...|access-date=July 28, 2020}}</ref> The "Shaolin Uppercut" appeared only once more in ''Mortal Kombat II'', as Liu Kang was given more graphic Fatalities thereafter because he was depicted by Midway as having "strong Shaolin beliefs, but was no longer a part of the Shaolin monks".<ref name="card"/> In contrast to the "Shaolin Uppercut", the "Dragon" Fatality was designed to instantly kill the opponent in order to convey the character's sense of revenge against his nemesis [[Shang Tsung]], who had killed his fellow Shaolin monks in the storyline of ''Mortal Kombat II'',<ref>{{cite tweet |author=John Tobias |user=therealsaibot |number=1288144712398811141 |title=His transformation into a dragon in MKII was meant to convey an abandonment of those principles as he sought revenge against Shang Tsung for the slaughtering of his Shaolin brothers.|date=July 28, 2020|accessdate=May 28, 2023}}</ref> and has become his signature finisher. Series co-designer John Vogel called it his favorite Fatality because of how it changed Liu Kang's appearance.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat: Armageddon]] Premium Edition |developer=Midway Games|publisher=Midway Games|date=October 11, 2006 |level="The History of Fatalities" commentary}}</ref> His second Fatality in ''Mortal Kombat 3'' has him vanishing and then dropping a ''Mortal Kombat'' arcade machine onto his opponent, crushing them.<ref name="UMK3"/> ', 52 => '', 53 => '==Appearances==', 54 => '', 55 => '===''Mortal Kombat'' games===', 56 => '====In Midway Games====', 57 => 'Liu Kang is introduced in the original ''[[Mortal Kombat (1992 video game)|Mortal Kombat]]'' game as a Chinese [[Shaolin kung fu]] monk. He enters the tournament in order to represent his fellow Shaolin and defeat the tournament host, nefarious sorcerer [[Shang Tsung]].<ref name="MK1992">{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat (1992 video game)|Mortal Kombat]]|date=1992|level=Liu Kang biography|developer=[[Midway Games]]|publisher=Midway Games}}</ref> He defeats the grand champion [[Goro (Mortal Kombat)|Goro]] and Shang Tsung, breaking the sorcerer's control of the tournament and making him the new Mortal Kombat champion.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat II]]|date=1993|developer=[[Midway Games]]|publisher=Midway Games|level=[[Attract mode]] screens}} ("By seizing control of the Shaolin Tournament he tried to tip the scales of order towards chaos. Only seven warriors survived the battles and Shang Tsung's scheme would come to a violent end at the hands of Liu Kang.")</ref> ', 58 => '', 59 => 'In the sequel ''[[Mortal Kombat II]]'' (1993), Liu Kang finds that many of his Shaolin brethren were slain in a vicious attack by a horde of Outworld warriors led by [[Baraka (Mortal Kombat)|Baraka]] under orders from [[Shao Kahn]], emperor of the otherworldly realm of Outworld and Shang Tsung's master. Enraged, Liu Kang travels to Outworld to seek revenge,<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat II]]|date=1993|developer=[[Midway Games]]|publisher=Midway Games|level=Liu Kang biography}}</ref> backed by friend and fellow Shaolin monk [[Kung Lao]].<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat II]]|date=1993|developer=[[Midway Games]]|publisher=Midway Games|level=Kung Lao biography}}</ref> Though Liu Kang defeats Shao Kahn and wins the second tournament,<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat II]]|date=1993|developer=[[Midway Games]]|publisher=Midway Games|level=Liu Kang ending}}</ref> Kahn invades Earthrealm through illegal means in ''[[Mortal Kombat 3]]'' (1995), forcing Liu Kang to combat Kahn's forces once more as one of [[Raiden (Mortal Kombat)|Raiden]]'s designated Earthrealm champions chosen to stop the invasion.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat 3]]|date=1995|developer=[[Midway Games]]|publisher=Midway Games|level=Attract mode screens}}</ref><ref name="bio3">{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat 3]]|date=1995|developer=[[Midway Games]]|publisher=Midway Games|level=Liu Kang biography}}</ref>', 60 => '', 61 => 'In ''[[Mortal Kombat 4]]'' (1997), Liu Kang discovers that his lover, [[Kitana (Mortal Kombat)|Princess Kitana]], has been captured by the disgraced Elder God [[Shinnok]]'s forces, and begins gathering Earth's warriors to defeat him.<ref name="bio4">{{cite web|url=http://mortalkombatwarehouse.com/mk4/liukang/|title=Liu Kang ''Mortal Kombat 4'' Biography and Ending|publisher=Mortal Kombat Warehouse|date=2005|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140823235522/http://www.mortalkombatwarehouse.com/mk4/liukang/|archive-date=2014-08-23}}</ref> Liu Kang confronts Shinnok and emerges victorious. Kitana then invites Liu Kang to Edenia, but he is unable to commit himself to a relationship due to his duty as Earthrealm's champion.<ref name="end">{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat 4]] |developer=Midway |publisher=Midway |date=1997 |level=Liu Kang ending}}</ref>', 62 => '', 63 => 'Liu Kang becomes unplayable for the first and only time in the ''Mortal Kombat'' series in 2002's ''[[Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance]]'', in which the titular partnership of Shang Tsung and fellow sorcerer [[Quan Chi]] join forces to kill him in the game's introductory sequence.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mortalkombatwarehouse.com/mkda/|title=''Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance'' Introduction|publisher=Mortal Kombat Warehouse|date=2005|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150408080837/http://www.mortalkombatwarehouse.com/mkda/|archive-date=2015-04-08}}</ref> In ''[[Mortal Kombat: Deception]]'' (2004), an unknown party reanimates Liu Kang's corpse and sends it on a murderous rampage, leaving his soul to attempt to regain control.<ref name="bio_deception">{{cite web|url=http://mortalkombatwarehouse.com/mkd/liukang/|title=Liu Kang ''Mortal Kombat: Deception'' Biography and Ending|publisher=Mortal Kombat Warehouse|date=2005|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150319082139/http://www.mortalkombatwarehouse.com/mkd/liukang/|archive-date=2015-03-19}}</ref> He returns as a playable character in this game, albeit in an [[undead]] form and as a secret character that can only be unlocked by finding him in a specific time and date while playing the Konquest Mode.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/cheats/ps2/mortal-kombat-deception|title=Mortal Kombat: Deception Cheats for the PS2|date=22 June 2005 |publisher=GameRevolution|access-date=March 31, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402151805/http://www.gamerevolution.com/cheats/ps2/mortal-kombat-deception|archive-date=April 2, 2015}}</ref> His spirit enlists the reformed ninja [[Ermac]] to try to save Kitana and his Earthrealm allies from the Dragon King [[List of Mortal Kombat characters#Onaga|Onaga]].<ref name="MKDending">{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat: Deception]]|level=Ermac ending|date=2004|developer=[[Midway Games]]|publisher=Midway Games}}</ref>', 64 => '', 65 => 'Liu Kang has not fully regained control of his body in ''[[Mortal Kombat: Armageddon]]'' (2006), where he is playable along with the entire series roster. In the game, it is revealed that his superior, the Thunder God [[Raiden (Mortal Kombat)|Raiden]], had revived Liu Kang's corpse in ''Deception''.<ref name="raiden">{{cite web|url=http://mortalkombatwarehouse.com/mka/raiden|title=Raiden ''Mortal Kombat: Armageddon'' biography|publisher=Mortal Kombat Warehouse|date=2006|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403104949/http://mortalkombatwarehouse.com/mka/raiden/|archive-date=2015-04-03}}</ref> Liu Kang's bond with Kitana had succeeded in keeping his power in check, with [[Nightwolf]] then assuming her position as Liu Kang's "spiritual anchor" in an attempt to find a way to reunite his body and soul.<ref name="nightwolf">{{cite web|url=http://mortalkombatwarehouse.com/mka/nightwolf|title=Nightwolf ''Mortal Kombat: Armageddon'' biography and ending|publisher=Mortal Kombat Warehouse|date=2006|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150310111443/http://www.mortalkombatwarehouse.com/mka/nightwolf/|archive-date=2015-03-10}}</ref>', 66 => '', 67 => 'Along with Kung Lao, Liu Kang is the lead character in the 2005 spin-off [[action-adventure game]] ''[[Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks]]'', which serves as a retelling of the events leading up to ''Mortal Kombat II'' and features the two Shaolin monks traveling to Outworld to find and defeat Shang Tsung and Shao Kahn while rescuing Kitana along the way.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks]] |developer=Midway |publisher=Midway |date=2005 |level=The Portal: Part 6}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks]] |developer=Midway |publisher=Midway |date=2005 |level=The Arena}}</ref>', 68 => '', 69 => 'Liu Kang is among the eleven characters representing the ''Mortal Kombat'' franchise in the title ''[[Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe]]'' (2008), which features fights between characters from the ''Mortal Kombat'' and [[DC Comics]] universes. In this game, Liu Kang appears as the protagonist of the first chapter of the ''Mortal Kombat'' story mode.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe]] |developer=Midway Amusement Games |publisher=Midway Games |date=2008 |level=Chapter 1: Liu Kang}}</ref> Tobias said he wanted to see the fight between Liu Kang and [[Batman]], as he noted their backstories are very similar because both had attempted to help their respective leaders regain their senses.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe]] |developer=Midway Amusement Games |publisher=Midway Games |date=2008 |level=Kollector's Edition Making of Video}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe]] |developer=Midway Amusement Games |publisher=Midway Games |date=2008 |level=Chapter Raiden}}</ref>', 70 => '', 71 => '====NetherRealm Studios titles====', 72 => 'In the ''Mortal Kombat'' [[Mortal Kombat (2011 video game)|reboot]] (2011), which is a retelling of the first three games, Liu Kang reprises his role from the first three tournaments as one of Raiden's chosen warriors.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Mortal Kombat |developer=Netherealm Studios |publisher=Midway |date=2011 |level=Chapter Liu Kang}}</ref> Raiden begins to have visions, sent to him by his future self, of Shao Kahn killing everybody, and attempts to alter events to prevent Shao Kahn's victory.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Mortal Kombat |developer=Netherealm Studios |publisher=Midway |date=2011 |level=Chapter Kung Lao}}</ref> Liu Kang's faith in Raiden and the Elder Gods is shattered when Raiden's actions result in Shao Kahn killing Kung Lao, as well as Kitana and most of their allies being killed by a soul-infused [[Sindel]]. When Raiden eventually figures out that they must allow Kahn to merge the two realms for the Elder Gods to intervene, Liu Kang ignores his pleas and fights him so he can face Kahn himself. Raiden accidentally murders Liu Kang in self-defense, but successfully prevents Shao Kahn from merging the two realms.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Mortal Kombat |developer=Netherealm Studios |publisher=Midway |date=2011 |level=Chapter 16: Raiden}}</ref>', 73 => '', 74 => 'Liu Kang returns in ''[[Mortal Kombat X]]'' as Quan Chi's undead revenant, serving Shinnok to enact revenge on Raiden and the Elder Gods.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Mortal Kombat X |developer=Netherealm Studios |publisher=Midway |date=2015 |level=Chapter Jax}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game|title=Mortal Kombat X |developer=Netherealm Studios |publisher=Midway |date=2015 |level=Chapter Raiden}}</ref> Following Quan Chi's death and Shinnok's defeat, he and Kitana become the new rulers of Netherrealm. They are visited by Raiden, who brings them Shinnok's disembodied head as a warning for them not to attack Earthrealm.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Mortal Kombat X |developer=Netherealm Studios |publisher=Midway |date=2015 |level=Ending}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kamidogu.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=16886 |title=Liu Kang + Kung Lao to Fight Alongside Shinnok |author=Christopher Veljanovski |publisher=Kamidogu.com |date=March 26, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711083900/http://www.kamidogu.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=16886 |archive-date=July 11, 2015 |access-date=March 26, 2015}}</ref>', 75 => '', 76 => 'In ''[[Mortal Kombat 11]]'', Liu Kang plans to invade Earthrealm. After Raiden and the Special Forces destroy his castle in Netherrealm, Liu Kang and his allies join the keeper of time, [[List of Mortal Kombat characters#Kronika|Kronika]].<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat 11]] |developer=NetherRealm Studios |publisher= Warner Bros.|date=2019 |level=Chapter 1: Next of Kin (Cassie Cage)}}</ref> While making preparations, Kronika brings a younger version of Liu Kang to the present.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat 11]] |developer=NetherRealm Studios |publisher= Warner Bros.|date=2019 |level=Chapter 2: Timequake (Kotal Kahn)}}</ref> Despite learning of what happens to him in the future, Liu Kang continues to trust Raiden and aligns himself with Earthrealm's warriors to combat Kronika.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat 11]] |developer=NetherRealm Studios |publisher= Warner Bros.|date=2019 |level=Chapter 3: Shaolin Monks (Liu Kang & Kung Lao)}}</ref> When he clashes with Raiden after the latter uses Shinnok's amulet to strengthen himself, the thunder god discovers that Kronika has manipulated them into fighting each other in multiple timelines. Kronika kidnaps the past Liu Kang so his revenant can absorb his soul. Raiden merges with the revenant and the younger Liu Kang, transforming them into "Fire God Liu Kang".<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat 11]] |developer=NetherRealm Studios |publisher= Warner Bros.|date=2019 |level=Chapter 11: Cutting the Strings (Raiden)}}</ref> With Raiden's godly powers and his revenant counterpart's knowledge of Kronika's plan, he storms Kronika's keep and engages her in battle. Liu Kang defeats Kronika and is either joined by a mortal Raiden or Kitana in shaping a new timeline.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat 11]] |developer=NetherRealm Studios |publisher= Warner Bros.|date=2019 |level=Chapter 12: End of an Era (Fire God Liu Kang)}}</ref> In the DLC story expansion ''[[Mortal Kombat 11#Aftermath|Aftermath]]'', Liu Kang and Raiden attempt to restart their history, only to be interrupted by Shang Tsung, Nightwolf and [[List of Mortal Kombat characters#Fujin|Fujin]], who inform them that they need Kronika's Crown of Souls to do so. Shang Tsung has the Fire God send him, Fujin and Nightwolf back in time to retrieve a past version of the Crown.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat 11#Aftermath|Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath]] |developer=NetherRealm Studios |publisher= Warner Bros.|date=2019 |level=introduction sequence}}</ref> While Shang Tsung is successful,<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat 11#Aftermath|Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath]] |developer=NetherRealm Studios |publisher= Warner Bros.|date=2019 |level=Chapter 15: Winds of Change (Fujin)}}</ref> he discovers that Liu Kang has manipulated events to ensure his victory. Liu Kang erases Shang Tsung from history and, in the process of forging his New Era, visits Kung Lao's ancestor to give him special training for his future battles.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat 11#Aftermath|Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath]] |developer=NetherRealm Studios |publisher= Warner Bros.|date=2019 |level=Chapter 17: Checkmate (Shang Tsung)}}</ref>', 77 => '', 78 => 'In ''[[Mortal Kombat 1]]'', after recreating the universe with Kronika's Hourglass, Liu Kang relinquishes control of it to Geras to take on Raiden's previous role of Earthrealm's protector. He forms a tenuous alliance with Outworld under the auspices of continuing the Mortal Kombat tournaments and attempts to prevent Shang Tsung and Quan Chi's rise to villainy by giving them meaningless lives. For the upcoming tournament with Outworld, he recruits Raiden, Kung Lao, Johnny Cage and Kenshi to compete for Earthrealm. Raiden is ultimately selected as champion and triumphs in the tournament. Following his success, Liu Kang receives word from Geras that Shang Tsung has regained his sorcerer abilities and is now an advisor to Outworld's Empress Sindel. In response, he sends Kung Lao, Johnny, and Kenshi to investigate. Though their attempts increase the tension between Earthrealm and Outworld, they receive assistance from Baraka, Reptile, and Ashrah and inform Liu Kang of Shang Tsung, Quan Chi, and General Shao's plans to overthrow Sindel and wage war on Earthrealm. Geras informs Liu Kang that the villains also have a benefactor who resembles Kronika who appears to hail from another timeline. With Li Mei's help, Liu Kang is able to convince Sindel and the rest of Outworld's Royal Court of Shang Tsung's treachery. Shang Tsung's benefactor is revealed to be himself from an alternate timeline depicted in ''Aftermath'' where he became a Titan after defeating Kronika and Liu Kang, who intends to kill everyone in Liu Kang's timeline and absorb it. After the Shang Tsung from Liu Kang's timeline proposes there may be other timelines who could assist them in defending against his Titan counterpart, Geras reveals he had stored Liu Kang's powers as Keeper of Time in case of an emergency and grants it to him, allowing him to recruit Titan allies from other timelines and ultimately erase Titan Shang Tsung from existence. However, reclaiming his Keeper of Time powers had cost Liu Kang his immortality.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat 1]]|developer=[[NetherRealm Studios]] |publisher=[[Warner Bros. Games]]|date=2023 |level=Chapter 15: Armageddon}}</ref>', 79 => '', 80 => '===Other media===', 81 => '====Printed media====', 82 => 'Liu Kang was the hero of the [[Mortal Kombat (comics)|comic book adaptation]] of the ''Mortal Kombat'' series by [[Malibu Comics]]. In the first miniseries, ''Blood and Thunder,'' his backstory was mostly kept intact as a Shaolin monk attempting to restore the tournament to its rightful owners. The miniseries dirverged from the videogames in not making Liu Kang the chosen one to defeat Goro, which instead fell on twin monk brothers named Sing and Sang, two original characters created specifically for the comics. After they are killed by Goro in the third issue, Liu Kang becomes the Shaolin's only hope in defeating Shang Tsung.<ref>{{Cite comic|writer=Charles Marshall|inker=Bruce McCorkindale|penciller=Kiki Chansamone|story=Armed and Dangerous|title=[[Mortal Kombat (comics)#Comics published by Malibu|Mortal Kombat - Goro: Prince of Pain]]|issue=3|date=1995|publisher=Malibu Comics}}</ref> The following miniseries, ''Battlewave,'' has Liu Kang win the first tournament after defeating Goro. He then returns to his normal life as an architect in [[Chicago]], having left the Order of Light before the events of the first series. However, he suffers constant attacks by an unknown force of ninjas and later receives help from [[Johnny Cage]]'s bodyguard Bo when Goro ambushes him in an office building. Eventually, he decides to travel to Outworld, realizing that he cannot avoid Mortal Kombat.<ref>{{cite book|author=Marshall, Charles|title=Mortal Kombat: Battlewave|year=1996|publisher=Norma Editorial|isbn=84-7904-360-1}}</ref>', 83 => '', 84 => '====Film and television====', 85 => '{{multiple image', 86 => '| align = right', 87 => '| total_width = 400', 88 => '| image1 = Robin Shou pic.jpg', 89 => '| alt1 =', 90 => '| image2 = Brian Tee 2011 (cropped).jpg', 91 => '| alt2 =', 92 => '| image3 = Ludi Lin at Camp Conival.jpg', 93 => '| alt3 =', 94 => '| footer = While [[Robin Shou]] portrayed Liu Kang as an Earthrealm hero in the live-action films, [[Brian Tee]] played him as an antagonist. [[Ludi Lin]] portrayed the character in the 2021 film.', 95 => '}}', 96 => '', 97 => 'Liu Kang is the main protagonist of the 1995 [[Mortal Kombat (1995 film)|''Mortal Kombat'' film]], in which he is played by [[Robin Shou]]. Director [[Paul W. S. Anderson]] wanted Liu Kang's character to be "really engaging" and cast Shou, noting his skill in martial arts.<ref name="journey" /> Anderson compared Shou with [[Jackie Chan]], noting that he started his career in Hong Kong working as a stuntman, including with Chan.<ref name="HRheatvision">{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/mortal-kombat-movie-oral-history-815287|title='Mortal Kombat': Untold Story of the Movie That "Kicked the Hell" Out of Everyone|website=Hollywood Reporter|date=18 August 2015 |access-date=July 16, 2020}}</ref> In the film, Liu Kang takes part in the tournament out of guilt over his brother's death at the hands of Shang Tsung. Raiden recruits Liu Kang on the journey to Shang Tsung's island, where he helps him get over his brother's death and defeat the sorcerer.<ref>{{cite book |author1=Goldman, Michael |author2=Aaron, Richard E. |name-list-style=amp |title=Mortal Kombat: The Movie|year=1995|publisher=Prima Games|isbn=0-7615-0082-0}}</ref> The relationship between Liu Kang and Kitana is portrayed as more metaphysical than romantic.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://goldsea.com/Personalities2/Shourobin/shourobin6.html|title=Asian American Personalities|publisher=GoldenSea|access-date=April 2, 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130811235215/http://goldsea.com/Personalities2/Shourobin/shourobin6.html|archive-date=August 11, 2013}}</ref> Shou said that in the original script he "was supposed to fall in love with Talisa Soto [Kitana]. I was looking forward to it, but they thought we have so much action, we don't want to add romance to it. They cut it out."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://goldsea.com/Personalities2/Shourobin/shourobin6.html |title=Robin Shou 6/6 &#124; Asian American Personalities |publisher=Goldsea |access-date=2013-08-25}}</ref> Randy Hamilton voiced Liu Kang in ''[[Mortal Kombat: The Journey Begins]]'', a straight-to-video animated prequel released four months prior to the film.<ref name="journey">{{cite video|date=1995|title=[[Mortal Kombat: The Journey Begins]]|medium=Animated film|publisher=[[New Line Cinema]], [[Threshold Entertainment]]}}</ref>', 98 => '', 99 => 'Shou and [[Talisa Soto]] (Kitana) were the only two actors to reprise their roles from the first film in the 1997 sequel ''[[Mortal Kombat Annihilation]]''. In the sequel, Liu Kang joins the Earthrealm warriors to stop Shao Kahn.<ref name="annihilation">{{cite AV media|title=[[Mortal Kombat Annihilation]]|publisher=[[New Line Cinema]] |date=1997|medium=Motion picture}}</ref> Shou stated that he felt pressure while filmiing to trying to find a style between American and Hong Kong artist, such as [[Jet Li]] and [[Steven Seagal]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Black Belt|year=1998|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ttkDAAAAMBAJ&dq=liu+kang+kombat+shou&pg=PA84|issn=0277-3066|publisher=Patrick Sternkopf}}</ref> According to [[Chris Conrad (actor)|Chris Conrad]], who played Cage, "Robin and Talisa were very, very cool. It’s a fun, well developed franchise. Robin and Talisa and the entire cast was just so pleasant and fun to be around."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.killerfilm.com/features/read/action-packed-flashback-mortal-kombat-annihilation-69713 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225194252/http://www.killerfilm.com/features/read/action-packed-flashback-mortal-kombat-annihilation-69713 | archive-date=February 25, 2012 | title=Action Packed Flashback – Mortal Kombat Annihilation &#124; KillerFilm }}</ref> Thai actor and martial artist [[Tony Jaa]] was a stunt double for Shou.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Robinson |first1=Bryan |title=Meet the Next Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and Jet Li |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/International/story?id=497530 |access-date=22 March 2020 |work=[[ABC News]] |agency=[[American Broadcasting Company]] |date=23 November 2005}}</ref>', 100 => '', 101 => '[[Brian Tee]] played Liu Kang in the 2013 second season of director [[Kevin Tancharoen]]'s web series ''[[Mortal Kombat: Legacy]]''.<ref name="movieweb">{{cite web |url=http://www.hadoken.net/?p=3096/ |title=EXCLUSIVE: Hadoken.net interviews MK Legacy's Director Kevin Tancharoen |publisher=Hadoken.net |access-date=2011-04-09 |date=April 9, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928084531/http://www.hadoken.net/?p=3096%2F |archive-date=September 28, 2013 }}</ref> Tee was initially not fond of the character; he said that he would have preferred to portray Sub-Zero and that there were more actors who were more suited to depicte Liu Kang's Bruce Lee-like persona. He elaborated that Liu Kang "was this one note caricature of a martial artist/kung fu guy. I wanted someone with a lot more depth and a lot more feeling and character struggle."<ref name="legacy"/> Upon reading the script, Tee was surprised by its take on the character as an anti-hero, especially his rivalry with Kung Lao. Tee did a majority of stunts with the help of stunt coordinator Garrett Warren, choreographer Larnell Stovall, and his stunt double, Kim Do.<ref name="legacy">{{cite web|url=http://nerdreactor.com/2013/04/30/interview-mortal-kombat-legacys-brian-tee/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621071253/http://nerdreactor.com/2013/04/30/interview-mortal-kombat-legacys-brian-tee/|archivedate=June 21, 2013|accessdate=June 4, 2023|title=Exclusive: Brian Tee talks Mortal Kombat: Legacy Season 2|website=Nerd Reactor}}</ref>', 102 => '', 103 => '[[File:Jordan Rodrigues in December 2012.jpg|thumb|left|Jordan Rodrigues aimed to properly portray Liu Kang's sensitive side in the animated films most notably when interacting with Raiden.]]', 104 => 'Liu Kang was played by [[Ludi Lin]] in the 2021 reboot film ''[[Mortal Kombat (2021 film)|Mortal Kombat]]''.<ref>{{cite web|first=Rebecca|last=Davis|url=https://variety.com/2019/film/news/mortal-kombat-ludi-lin-new-line-liu-kang-warner-brothers-1203304518/|title=Ludi Lin in Talks to Play Liu Kang in New Line's 'Mortal Kombat' (EXCLUSIVE)|date=August 16, 2019|magazine=Variety|access-date=August 16, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first1=Borys|last1=Kit|first2=Mia|last2=Galuppo|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/mortal-kombat-movie-adds-fistful-fighters-1232599|title='Mortal Kombat' Movie Adds Fistful of Fighters (Exclusive)|date=August 16, 2019|magazine=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|access-date=August 16, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Lawrence|first=Gregory|date=2021-03-03|title=27 Things We Learned About 'Mortal Kombat' From Our Set Visit|url=https://collider.com/mortal-kombat-movie-details-characters/|access-date=2021-03-06|website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]]}}</ref> An orphaned street child now living as a warrior monk and protege of Raiden, Liu Kang guides Earthrealm's warriors towards discovering their abilities. After his friend and senior kung fu student ({{Lang-zh|c=師兄|p=shīxiōng|links=yes}}) Kung Lao is murdered by Shang Tsung, he avenges him by killing [[Kabal (Mortal Kombat)|Kabal]].<ref>{{cite AV media|title=[[Mortal Kombat (2021 film)|Mortal Kombat]]|publisher=[[Warner Bros. Pictures]] |date=2021|medium=Motion picture}}</ref> Ludi Lin regards Liu Kang as a [[wikt:lone wolf|lone wolf]] archetype of character but still "alpha male" who cares about his allies. While finding Liu Kang as a pacifist, he believes the character also finds the moment needed to execute violence and will always fight back. In preparing for his role, he studied most of Bruce Lee's works.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3128951/mortal-kombat-star-ludi-lin-talks-overcoming-racism-anti|title=Mortal Kombat star Ludi Lin talks overcoming racism, anti-Asian prejudice in America and drawing inspiration from Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan to play Liu Kang – exclusive interview|website=Scmp|date=10 April 2021 |accessdate=June 4, 2023}}</ref> During production, Ludi Lin was concerned that he would receive death threats if the character did not wear his signature red bandana; he eventually convinced the director to pick the red bandana from Kung Lao's hat and wear it in the film's climax.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kN0qEwHgQ-k|title='Mortal Kombat's Ludi Lin and Max Huang on Fatalities, Friendships, and More|website=Youtube|accessdate=June 18, 2023}}</ref> When Liu Kang incinerates Kabal in the climax, the team originally intended to include a game reference known as "toasty" where a character is incinerated by a fire attack but it was removed due to the team finding it "cringe".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/platform/amp/movies/22399988/mortal-kombat-easter-eggs-toasty-scene|publisher=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|title=Mortal Kombat Easter Eggs Toasty Scene|date=24 April 2021 |accessdate=June 18, 2023}}</ref>', 105 => '', 106 => 'Liu Kang is one of the lead characters in the 1996 animated series ''[[Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm]]'', and was voiced by [[Brian Tochi]]. He is not the sole protagonist, instead sharing that role with several other Earthrealm heroes.<ref>{{cite video|date=2001|title=[[Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm]]|publisher=Threshold Entertainment}}</ref> [[Jordan Rodrigues]] voiced the role of Liu Kang in the 2020 animated movie ''[[Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion's Revenge]]'', in which Liu Kang, Cage, and [[Sonya Blade]] reprised their roles from the first ''Mortal Kombat'' game with Scorpion's aid. Rodrigues reprised his role in the sequel ''[[Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms]]'' as the film's central protagonist.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Couch|first=Aaron|date=2021-06-16|title=Animated 'Mortal Kombat Legends' Sequel Arriving This Summer (Exclusive)|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/mortal-kombat-legends-battle-of-the-realms-cast-1234968317/|access-date=2021-06-16|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|language=en-US}}</ref> For this film, the cas and crew sought to convey the father-son relationship between Raiden and Liu Kang, as Liu Kang's parents are revealed to have been killed during the protagonist's early days. The depth Raiden is given helps Liu Kang to surpass his own doubts and become the champion. Rodrigues stated that Liu Kang’s patience paid off and the trauma only added "fuel to the fire to Liu Kang’s burning heart".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/features/1192975-mortal-kombat-legends-battle-of-the-realms-fleshed-raiden-liu-kang-bond|title=How Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms Fleshed Out Raiden & Liu Kang's Bond|website=Coming Soon|date=3 September 2021 |accessdate=June 9, 2023}}</ref>', 107 => '', 108 => '==Reception==', 109 => 'The character has received mostly mixed positive response by gaming publications. ''[[Digital Spy]]'' compared him with ''[[Street Fighter]]'' character [[Ryu (Street Fighter)|Ryu]], stating that while both are "kind of dull", they develop appealing techniques across their respective series.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/gaming/feature/a663360/the-20-best-mortal-kombat-characters-ranked-but-who-scores-a-flawless-victory/|title=The 20 best Mortal Kombat characters ranked – but who scores a flawless victory?|date=2 January 2017 |publisher=Digital Spy|access-date=September 22, 2017}}</ref> ''[[GamesRadar+]]'' referred to him as one of gaming's various "kickass Bruce Lee clones", citing his similarities with Bruce Lee and noting his shouts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/f/kickass-bruce-lee-clones/a-200809179541634057|title=Kickass Bruce Lee clones|publisher=GamesRadar|author=Nagata, Tyler|date=18 September 2008 |access-date=August 11, 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080929214139/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/651/651620p3.html|archive-date=September 29, 2008}}</ref> ''[[The A.V. Club]]'' compared Liu Kang's relationship with Kitana to the titular characters in the movie ''[[Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005 film)|Mr. & Mrs. Smith]]'' (2005), noting how the games often give them proper scenes despite the franchise being focused on violent battles.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.avclub.com/retro-romance-11-classic-video-game-couples-and-whethe-1846193186/slides/11|title=Liu Kang and Kitana (First date: Mortal Kombat II, 1993)|website=AV Club|date=6 February 2022 |access-date=June 5, 2023}}</ref> There was also commentary about Liu Kang's moves. ''[[GameDaily]]'' complained about the character's voice, saying that "Liu Kang screams out like a chicken";<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamedaily.com/games/mortal-kombat-shaolin-monks/xbox/game-reviews/item/3709/854/?page=2|title=A new take on the traditional Mortal Kombat formula that's actually good? Indeed!|publisher=GameDaily|author=Workman, Robert|date=September 22, 2005|access-date=January 17, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120221033901/http://www.joystiq.com/|archive-date=2012-02-21|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''[[IGN]]''{{'}}s Douglas Perry wrote that he preferred Liu Kang over Kung Lao as a playable character in ''Shaolin Monks'' because of his "intuitive fighting moves",<ref name="review">{{cite web|url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/651/651620p1.html|title=Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks review page 1|publisher=[[IGN]]|author=Perry, Douglass C.|date=September 16, 2005|access-date=January 2, 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114052836/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/651/651620p1.html|archive-date=January 14, 2009}}</ref> adding that his shouts were "annoying" yet "strangely pleasing".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/651/651620p3.html|title=Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks review page 3|publisher=[[IGN]]|author=Perry, Douglass C.|date=September 16, 2005|access-date=January 2, 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080929214139/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/651/651620p3.html|archive-date=September 29, 2008}}</ref> ''GamesRadar+'' wrote that "the strange squeals he emits during his trademark Bicycle Kick move are unforgettable".<ref name="gr" /> In ''Mortal Kombat: Games of Death'', David Church wrote that Liu Kang and Shang Tsung were obvious references to Lee and Han from ''[[Enter the Dragon]]'', noting Liu Kang's high-pitched vocalizations, Fatality moves, usage of [[Jeet Kune Do]], and exaggerated kung fu style.<ref>{{cite book|title=Mortal Kombat: Games Of Death|author=Church, David|year=2022|url=https://library.oapen.org/viewer/web/viewer.html?file=/bitstream/handle/20.500.12657/61378/9780472902620.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y|publisher=University of Michigan PressAnn Arbor}}</ref> Liu Kang's dragon Fatality has been described as one of the best Fatalities in the series,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2010/05/03/the-best-and-worst-mk-fatalities.aspx?PostPageIndex=1&PageIndex=4|title=Mortal Kombat's Best And Worst Fatalities|publisher=Game Informer|author=Ryckert, Dan|date=May 3, 2010|page=1|access-date=June 28, 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509201419/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2010/05/03/the-best-and-worst-mk-fatalities.aspx?PostPageIndex=1&PageIndex=4|archive-date=May 9, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ugo.com/channels/games/features/mortalkombat/3.asp |title=TOP 11 MORTAL KOMBAT FATALITIES (5-3) |publisher=UGO.com |page=3 |access-date=June 28, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501132642/http://www.ugo.com/channels/games/features/mortalkombat/3.asp |archive-date=May 1, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.complex.com/video-games/2013/10/best-mortal-kombat-finishing-moves-video-game-history/liu-kang |title=15. Dragon Transformation — The Best "Mortal Kombat" Finishing Moves in Video Game History |publisher=Complex |date=2013-10-01 |access-date=2014-01-14 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131007140255/http://www.complex.com/video-games/2013/10/best-mortal-kombat-finishing-moves-video-game-history/liu-kang |archive-date=2013-10-07 }}</ref> while the arcade throw has been criticized as a failed attempt at meta-humor.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2010/05/03/the-best-and-worst-mk-fatalities.aspx?PostPageIndex=3&PageIndex=4|title=Mortal Kombat's Best And Worst Fatalities|publisher=Game Informer|author=Ryckert, Dan|date=May 3, 2010|page=3|access-date=June 28, 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020141320/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2010/05/03/the-best-and-worst-mk-fatalities.aspx?PostPageIndex=3&PageIndex=4|archive-date=October 20, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/208023/the-12-lamest-fatalities/|title=The 12 LAMEST Fatalities|publisher=GamePro|author1=Rudden, Dave |author2=Shaw, Patrick |date=November 25, 2008|page=1|access-date=June 28, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100531010838/http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/208023/the-12-lamest-fatalities/|archive-date=2010-05-31}}</ref><ref name="gr">[http://www.gamesradar.com/top-100-video-game-heroes/ 100 best heroes in video games] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111101246/http://www.gamesradar.com/top-100-video-game-heroes/ |date=2012-11-11 }}, GamesRadar, October 19, 2012.</ref> They have also praised his wormhole fatality in the 2023 ''Mortal Kombat 1'',<ref>{{cite web|first=Ben|last= Borthwick|url=https://www.videogamer.com/news/mortal-kombat-1-sickest-fatality-yet/|title=Mortal Kombat 1 Sickest Fatality Yet|date=July 31, 2023|accessdate=July 31, 2023|website=VideoGamer.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Wesley Yin-Poole|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/mortal-kombat-1-reveals-geras-awesome-new-liu-kang-fatality-and-teases-a-character-nobody-recognises|title=Mortal Kombat 1 Reveals Geras Awesome New Liu Kang Fatality and Teases a Character Nobody Recognizes|website=[[IGN]]|date=July 31, 2023|accessdate=July 31, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Michael |last=McWhertor|url=https://www.polygon.com/platform/amp/23813914/mortal-kombat-1-liu-kang-black-hole-fatality-geras|title=Mortal Kombat 1’s black hole Fatality is already one of the series’ best|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|date=July 31, 2023|accessdate=July 31, 2023}}</ref> with some even calling it their favourite Fatality in the game, according to ''TheGamer'', due to the notable gore performed on the enemy.<ref>{{cite web|first=George|last=Foster|url=https://www.thegamer.com/mortal-kombat-1-fans-liu-kang-second-fatality-favourite-mk1/|title=Mortal Kombat Fans Already Have A Favourite Fatality In MK1|website=The Gamer|date=July 30, 2023|accessdate=July 30, 2023}}</ref>', 110 => '', 111 => 'Upon his death in ''Deadly Alliance'', ''IGN''{{'}}s Jeremy Dunham noted that Liu Kang was killed as part of the series' "'starting over' mentality".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://xbox.ign.com/articles/377/377894p1.html|title=Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance|publisher=[[IGN]]|author=Dunham, Jeremy|date=November 19, 2002|access-date=December 15, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081015174232/http://xbox.ign.com/articles/377/377894p1.html|archive-date=October 15, 2008}}</ref> ''Complex'' remarked that the ''Mortal Kombat'' developers "finally found their groove again with ''Deadly Alliance'', which began by snapping Liu Kang's neck".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2013/10/best-mortal-kombat-finishing-moves-video-game-history/cyrax|title=Cyrax - The Best Mortal Kombat Finishing Moves in Video Game History|first=Kevin|last=Wong|publisher=Complex.com|date=March 2013|access-date=March 19, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150418034640/http://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2013/10/best-mortal-kombat-finishing-moves-video-game-history/cyrax|archive-date=April 18, 2015}}</ref> ''[[Game Informer]]'' described his death as a "shock".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/04/27/characters-that-died-under-our-watch.aspx?PostPageIndex=3|title=Characters That Died Under Our Watch|publisher=Game Informer|author=Ryckert, Dan|date=April 27, 2011|access-date=September 15, 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110731155013/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/04/27/characters-that-died-under-our-watch.aspx?PostPageIndex=3|archive-date=July 31, 2011}}</ref> His redesign in ''Mortal Kombat: Deception'' earned mixed responses, with praise being given to his berserker combat style.<ref>{{cite web|title=Best Fighting Game |url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2004/day4w_6.html |date=January 5, 2005 |publisher=GameSpot |access-date=September 21, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090806052152/http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2004/day4w_6.html |archive-date=August 6, 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/the-37-greatest-zombie-triumphs/|title=The 37 greatest zombie triumphs|publisher=GamesRadar|author=Wilde, Tyler|access-date=August 11, 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116141752/http://www.gamesradar.com/the-37-greatest-zombie-triumphs/|archive-date=January 16, 2014}}</ref> ''GamesRadar'' used Liu Kang as an example of a stereotype of gaming heroes who reveal an evil [[alter ego]] that ruins the character's appealing traits,<ref>{{cite web|title=Characters we wish we knew LESS about|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/characters-we-wish-we-knew-less-about/?page=3|publisher=GamesRadar|author=Barrat, Charlie|access-date=August 23, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013235544/http://www.gamesradar.com/characters-we-wish-we-knew-less-about/?page=3|archive-date=2012-10-13}}</ref> and considered him to be "a little like the Shaolin version of [[Goku]], in that he's saved his world countless times and come back from the dead even more frequently".<ref name="gamesradarX">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/mortal-kombat-x-roster/|title=Mortal Kombat X roster|author=Staff|publisher=GamesRadar|date=June 11, 2014|access-date=June 12, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140604000039/http://www.gamesradar.com/mortal-kombat-x-roster/|archive-date=June 4, 2014}}</ref> Meanwhile, Jesse Schedeen of ''IGN'' said, with regard to the DC universe crossover game, that "it just wouldn't be right having a game without [Liu Kang]".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stars.ign.com/articles/889/889573p1.html|title=Kast of Kharacters: MK vs. DC, Part 1|publisher=[[IGN]]|author=Schedeen, Jeese|date=July 15, 2008|access-date=November 15, 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080920021611/http://stars.ign.com/articles/889/889573p1.html|archive-date=September 20, 2008}}</ref> ''[[Den of Geek]]'' favorably reviewed Liu Kang's darker characterization starting with ''Deception'' and the reboot. Both ''Den of Geek'' and ''Hardcore Gamer'' also found Liu Kang's possible role in the series after the reboot to be shrouded in mystery, due to his possible revival as a villain as well as how he is not available to face Shinnok.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mortal Kombat: Ranking All the Characters |url=http://www.denofgeek.com/us/games/mortal-kombat/243041/mortal-kombat-ranking-all-the-characters/page/0/4 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160516212717/http://www.denofgeek.com/us/games/mortal-kombat/243041/mortal-kombat-ranking-all-the-characters/page/0/4 |archive-date=May 16, 2016 |access-date=August 4, 2017 |publisher=[[Den of Geek]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Gavin|last=Jasper|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/games/mortal-kombat-x-8-things-to-expect-in-the-story/|title=Mortal Kombat X: 8 Things to Expect in the Story|website=[[Den of Geek]]|date=20 June 2014 |access-date=July 13, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://hardcoregamer.com/2015/03/21/liu-kang-is-the-24th-and-final-mortal-kombat-x-character/140508/|title=Liu Kang is the 24th and Final Mortal Kombat X Character|website=Hardcore Gamer|date=21 March 2015 |access-date=July 13, 2020}}</ref>', 112 => '', 113 => '[[File:FireGodLiuKangform.png|thumb|right|Fire God Liu Kang earned praise for his development in the narrative and actions in ''[[Mortal Kombat 11]]''.<ref name=Shacknews/>]]', 114 => '', 115 => 'He was highly praised for his role of being the protagonist in ''Mortal Kombat 11''. ''[[GameRevolution]]'' enjoyed Liu Kang's ending in ''Mortal Kombat 11'' and wondered which of his two endings {{Endash}} where he allies with either Raiden or Kitana {{Endash}} would be taken as canonical.<ref>{{cite web |first=James|last=Sutton|title=Mortal Kombat 11 All Endings Explained How to get the best ending|date=24 April 2019 |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/guides/529843-mortal-kombat-11-all-endings-explained-best-ending-mk11|publisher=GameRevolution|access-date=July 12, 2020}}</ref> ''[[PCGamesN]]'' praised the handling of his characterization and noting that players had looked forward to his best ending, which was difficult to achieve.<ref>{{cite web |first=Jordan|last=Forward|title=Mortal Kombat 11 endings: all three story endings explained|date=24 April 2019 |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/mortal-kombat-11/endings-all-best-secret|publisher=PCGamesN|access-date=July 12, 2020}}</ref> Upon God Liu Kang's inclusion in the game as playable, ''GameRevolution'' compared it with Ryu's evil persona.<ref>{{cite web |first=Michael|last=Leri|title=Mortal Kombat 11 patch removes Ash's files, hints at new characters, modes, battle pass|date=27 May 2020 |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/news/647625-mortal-kombat-11-removes-ash-files-hints-new-characters-modes|publisher=Game Revolution|access-date=July 13, 2020}}</ref> ''[[Shacknews]]'' enjoyed the actions Liu Kang makes as a god due to the major direction the narrative takes in the DLC ''Aftermath'' as he aims to restart the generation.<ref name=Shacknews>{{cite web |first=Ozzie|last= Mejia|title=How Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath sets up the series' future|date=27 May 2020 |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/118309/how-mortal-kombat-11-aftermath-sets-up-the-series-future|publisher=Shacknews|access-date=July 12, 2020}}</ref> ''Den of Geek'' commented that Liu Kang's role as a protagonist in ''Mortal Kombat 11'' was well handled as he fit the heroic role through his transformation into the God of Fire and Lightning.<ref>{{cite web |first=Gavin|last=Jasper|title=Mortal Kombat Characters Ranked|website=[[Den of Geek]]|date=30 July 2019 |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/games/mortal-kombat-characters-ranked/|publisher=[[Den of Geek]]|access-date=July 13, 2020}}</ref> In a 2019 feature published on ''[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]'', ''MK11'' writer Shawn Kittelsen stated that both Liu Kang and Raiden "fell from grace" in the 2000s, and that ''MK11'' provided the last opportunity to redeem the two characters.<ref name="medium">{{cite web |first=Shawn|last=Kittelsen |title=I wrote ''Mortal Kombat 11'', and I abhor violence |url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/5/31/18642909/mortal-kombat-11-story-violence-gore-fatalities |date=May 31, 2019|access-date=May 27, 2023 |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|publisher=Vox Media}}</ref>', 116 => '', 117 => 'Robin Shou's take on Liu Kang in the 1995 film was also the subject of analysis in the book ''The Deathly Embrace: Orientalism and Asian American Identity'', which discusses the character's attempt to face his fears and accept that he is not responsible for his brother's death, as well as the film's themes of individualism.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Deathly Embrace: Orientalism and Asian American Identity', 118 => '|year=2000|isbn=978-0816637119|publisher=University Of Minnesota Press}}</ref> ''[[Bloody Disgusting]]'' praised the fight coreography for Liu Kang's fight against Reptile.<ref name=Bloody>{{cite AV media |last=Pemental |first=Michael |title=Mortal Kombat: The PG-13 Brutality and Nostalgic Charm of the 1995 Original |url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/editorials/3653215/mortal-kombat-pg-13-brutality-nostalgic-charm-original-1995-movie/ |website=[[Bloody Disgusting]] |access-date=7 August 2021 |date=February 23, 2021}}</ref> ''Den of Geek'' praised Ludi Lin's acting in the reboot and compared his possible love interest with Kitana in the potential sequel to ''[[Romeo and Juliet]]''.<ref name="DenofGeek">{{cite web |first=David|last=Crow |title=Mortal Kombat Sequel: What Should Happen Next |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/mortal-kombat-2021-vs-mortal-kombat-1995-which-is-better/ |website=[[Den of Geek]]|date=April 24, 2021|access-date =August 1, 2023}}</ref>', 119 => '', 120 => '==References==', 121 => '{{Reflist}}', 122 => '', 123 => '==External links==', 124 => '{{Commons category-inline}}', 125 => '', 126 => '{{Mortal Kombat}}{{Portal bar|Video games|Martial arts}}', 127 => '', 128 => '[[Category:Action film characters]]', 129 => '[[Category:Fictional murdered people]]', 130 => '[[Category:Bruceploitation characters]]', 131 => '[[Category:Deity characters in video games]]', 132 => '[[Category:Emperor and empress characters in video games]]', 133 => '[[Category:Fictional Buddhist monks]]', 134 => '[[Category:Fictional Chinese people in video games]]', 135 => '[[Category:Fictional Choy Li Fut practitioners]]', 136 => '[[Category:Fictional Hou Quan practitioners]]', 137 => 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