Who Played Liu Kang in Mortal Kombat?
Mortal Kombat, a popular fighting game franchise, has been entertaining gamers for decades. One of the most iconic characters in the series is Liu Kang, the main protagonist and a Shaolin monk. But who played Liu Kang in the Mortal Kombat games and movies? Let’s dive into the history of Liu Kang’s portrayal.
The Original Voice and Motion Capture
In the original Mortal Kombat game released in 1992, Liu Kang was voiced by Ho-Sung Pak, a Korean-American actor and martial artist. Pak also provided the motion capture for Liu Kang’s character, bringing the character to life in the game. Pak’s performance as Liu Kang set the tone for the character’s personality and fighting style.
The Live-Action Movies
In the live-action Mortal Kombat movies, Liu Kang was portrayed by Linden Ashby in the 1995 film Mortal Kombat and Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa in the 1997 sequel Mortal Kombat: Annihilation. Both actors brought their own unique interpretation to the character, but neither fully captured the essence of Liu Kang’s personality and fighting style.
The Reboot and New Portrayals
In 2011, a new Mortal Kombat game was released, which rebooted the series and introduced a new Liu Kang. Jhon Perilla provided the voice and motion capture for Liu Kang in the game. Perilla’s performance was well-received by fans and critics alike, and he went on to reprise his role in subsequent Mortal Kombat games.
Table: Liu Kang’s Portrayals
| Game/Movie | Voice Actor | Motion Capture Actor |
|---|---|---|
| Mortal Kombat (1992) | Ho-Sung Pak | Ho-Sung Pak |
| Mortal Kombat (1995) | Linden Ashby | N/A |
| Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (1997) | Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa | N/A |
| Mortal Kombat (2011) | Jhon Perilla | Jhon Perilla |
FAQs
Q: Who is the original voice of Liu Kang?
A: Ho-Sung Pak provided the original voice of Liu Kang in the 1992 Mortal Kombat game.
Q: Who played Liu Kang in the live-action movies?
A: Linden Ashby played Liu Kang in the 1995 Mortal Kombat movie, and Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa played him in the 1997 sequel Mortal Kombat: Annihilation.
Q: Who is the current voice of Liu Kang?
A: Jhon Perilla has been the voice of Liu Kang since the 2011 Mortal Kombat game.
Q: Who provided the motion capture for Liu Kang in the original game?
A: Ho-Sung Pak provided the motion capture for Liu Kang in the original 1992 Mortal Kombat game.
Q: Are there any other notable portrayals of Liu Kang?
A: Yes, Liu Kang has been voiced by various actors in animated series and TV shows, including Richard Epcar in the animated series Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm and Chris Cox in the animated series Mortal Kombat: Legacy.
Q: Will there be a new Liu Kang in the upcoming Mortal Kombat movie?
A: Yes, Ludi Lin will play Liu Kang in the upcoming Mortal Kombat movie, which is scheduled for release in 2023.
Q: Who is the best Liu Kang?
A: This is subjective and depends on personal opinion. Some fans prefer the original Ho-Sung Pak, while others enjoy the newer portrayals by Jhon Perilla or Ludi Lin.
Q: Can I play as Liu Kang in the Mortal Kombat games?
A: Yes, Liu Kang is a playable character in most Mortal Kombat games, including the original game and its sequels, as well as the rebooted series.
In conclusion, Liu Kang has been portrayed by several actors over the years, each bringing their own unique interpretation to the character. From the original Ho-Sung Pak to the current Jhon Perilla, Liu Kang remains one of the most iconic characters in the Mortal Kombat franchise.