Joe Taslim, who played Bi-Han, also known as Sub-Zero in the 2021 Mortal Kombat reboot, has a confirmed long-term future in the franchise. Shortly after the film was released, he revealed that he had signed a contract for four additional sequels. This means Warner Bros. planned for him to appear in a total of five films, assuming the series continues as intended. This type of contract shows that his character is considered an important part of the franchise’s long-term storyline rather than just a one-time antagonist.
In the 2021 film, Sub-Zero is introduced as a powerful and dangerous assassin from the Lin Kuei clan. He plays one of the main villains in the story and is responsible for several major events, including the killing of Hanzo Hasashi, who later becomes Scorpion. His presence sets the tone for the film, especially during the opening sequences, which show his icy abilities and deadly combat style. His fight scenes were widely recognized as some of the strongest parts of the movie, with viewers and critics praising the choreography and intensity of his performance.
Although Bi-Han is killed during the events of the first film, his story does not end there. The Mortal Kombat universe is built around resurrection and transformation, especially for key characters. In the game lore, Bi-Han eventually returns as Noob Saibot, a shadow-based fighter with a completely different identity and fighting style. This transformation is heavily implied in the film, and Joe Taslim himself has acknowledged that this is the direction his character is expected to take in future installments. This allows the story to continue using the same actor while evolving the character into a new form.
Mortal Kombat Two Sequel Expands Universe With Taslim Becoming Noob Saibot Transformation
The sequel, Mortal Kombat 2, which is expected to be released around 2026, is likely to continue this storyline. Taslim is expected to return, possibly as Noob Saibot rather than Sub-Zero. This shift would follow the established game narrative, where Bi-Han’s death leads to his rebirth in a darker and more sinister form. This progression adds depth to the character and allows the franchise to explore new visual styles and abilities tied to shadow powers instead of ice.
The decision to sign Taslim for multiple films shows that the studio is building a long-term cinematic universe. The 2021 reboot was not designed to tell a complete story but rather to serve as an introduction to the Mortal Kombat world. It introduces key characters, explains the conflict between Earthrealm and Outworld, and sets up the idea of the Mortal Kombat tournament without fully delivering it. This approach was intentional, as the film focuses more on world-building than resolution.
Critically, Joe Taslim’s performance as Sub-Zero was one of the most praised aspects of the film. His physical acting and martial arts background helped make the character feel powerful and believable. Many fans appreciated how accurately the fight scenes reflected the tone and brutality of the original video games. His ability to bring a cold, controlled, and intimidating presence to the role made Sub-Zero one of the standout characters in the reboot.
Mortal Kombat Reboot Delivers Brutal Action But Suffers Pacing And Setup Issues
The film itself is known for its R-rated violence, which closely matches the style of the video game series. It includes fatalities, finishing moves, and intense combat sequences that had never been fully realized in earlier adaptations. These elements were a major reason why fans were excited about the reboot, as it finally delivered a more faithful version of Mortal Kombat’s signature brutality. Sub-Zero’s fights in particular were highlighted for their creativity and visual impact, especially scenes involving ice manipulation and environmental combat.
However, while the action scenes were strong, the film received criticism for its pacing. A large portion of the movie focuses on training sequences where characters learn about their powers, known as arcana. This slows down the momentum of the story and reduces the number of full tournament-style fights. Many viewers felt that the film spent too much time setting up future events rather than focusing on a complete and satisfying storyline. The training sections, while important for lore, interrupted the flow of action and made the middle portion feel less engaging.
Despite these issues, the film still succeeded in establishing a foundation for future sequels. It introduced characters such as Cole Young, Sonya Blade, Jax, Kano, and Raiden, each of whom plays a role in building Earthrealm’s defense against Outworld. The story ends with the promise of a larger tournament, leaving many plot points unresolved on purpose. This structure makes the film feel more like a beginning chapter rather than a standalone experience.
The sequel, Mortal Kombat 2, is expected to expand on this setup. It will likely introduce Johnny Cage, played by Karl Urban, and focus more heavily on the actual Mortal Kombat tournament. With the foundation already built, the next film has the opportunity to deliver more consistent action and deeper character development. Sub-Zero’s return in some form will likely be one of the central storylines, especially given his importance in both the games and the first film.
Joe Taslim’s involvement ensures continuity in the franchise’s villain arc. His transformation into Noob Saibot would not only follow game lore but also provide a visually distinct evolution of the character. This allows the franchise to keep a familiar actor while introducing a completely new identity and fighting style. It also strengthens the long-term storytelling potential of the series.
Joe Taslim’s role in Mortal Kombat is designed as a multi-film journey that extends far beyond the first movie. His character’s death in the 2021 reboot is not the end but a transition point toward a darker evolution. With a five-film contract in place and a sequel already in development, Sub-Zero’s story is set to remain a key part of the franchise’s future.
