Mortal Kombat Star Reveals He Almost Became a Major MCU Hero Role!
The Mortal Kombat franchise continues to remain a major talking point in Hollywood, especially with its stars branching into other massive universes. Interestingly, Ludi Lin has now revealed that he was once very close to joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, despite strong early interest, the role of Shang-Chi eventually went to Simu Liu.
Full Story Breakdown
This revelation has sparked renewed curiosity among fans, especially as both actors have since become key figures in major blockbuster franchises.
Mortal Kombat Star Auditioned for Shang-Chi Role
The Mortal Kombat actor confirmed that he auditioned for the role of Shang-Chi before Simu Liu was officially cast by Marvel Studios.
In addition, early industry rumors during the casting phase of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings suggested that Lin was seriously being considered. Although Marvel explored multiple candidates, the studio ultimately moved forward with Simu Liu.
As a result, Lin narrowly missed becoming part of one of the MCU’s most important Phase Four introductions. Nevertheless, the casting decision went on to shape a major turning point in Marvel’s storytelling direction.
Mortal Kombat Actor Reflects on MCU Miss
During a conversation with Brandon Davis, Lin openly discussed his audition experience. Moreover, he also highlighted the friendly relationship he shares with Simu Liu, which made the situation even more light-hearted in hindsight.
He humorously reflected on his career journey, saying,
“I mean, in hindsight, it’s like I was like a door-to-door salesman going, ‘Hey, man. Give me one of these IPs.’”
Additionally, Lin’s tone suggested that he views the experience as part of his broader journey through Hollywood’s competitive franchise landscape rather than a setback. Therefore, instead of disappointment, he expressed gratitude for still being part of major global franchises.
Mortal Kombat Star Compares Liu Kang and Shang-Chi
The discussion also shifted toward an exciting hypothetical matchup between Liu Kang and Shang-Chi. Since the Mortal Kombat universe is built around martial arts combat, Lin’s perspective carried extra weight.
Considering Shang-Chi’s abilities, he said,
“He’s got all 10 rings, right? And I think those powers haven’t fully been explored yet, right? So I don’t know what else he’s got.”
Furthermore, his comment highlights how Shang-Chi’s full power potential is still unfolding in the MCU. Meanwhile, Liu Kang remains one of the most iconic fighters in gaming history, making the comparison even more intriguing for fans.
Mortal Kombat Actor’s Expanding Franchise Career
Ludi Lin has steadily built a strong reputation across multiple blockbuster franchises. He is best known for portraying Liu Kang in the Mortal Kombat series, a role that has significantly boosted his global recognition.
In addition, he has appeared in several major productions, including:
- Power Rangers (2017) as the Black Ranger
- Aquaman as Murk
- Mortal Kombat as Liu Kang
Meanwhile, Simu Liu’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings became a major success, earning over $432 million worldwide and establishing a strong foundation for future MCU stories.
MCU Future and Updates
Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings continues to play a key role in the MCU’s long-term roadmap. Furthermore, a sequel is actively in development at Marvel Studios, signaling that Shang-Chi’s story is far from over.
Simu Liu is also confirmed to return in Avengers: Doomsday, which is scheduled for release on December 18, 2026. Consequently, the character is expected to become even more important in upcoming MCU phases.
On the other hand, Mortal Kombat 2 is currently available on Digital and VOD platforms, ensuring the franchise continues to expand its reach across audiences worldwide.
The Mortal Kombat star’s revelation highlights how small casting decisions can dramatically shape Hollywood careers and franchise history. Nevertheless, both Ludi Lin and Simu Liu have gone on to establish themselves in globally recognized universes.
Ultimately, fans are left imagining how different the MCU might have been if casting had gone another way, making this one of those fascinating “what could have been” moments in modern superhero cinema.
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