Mortal Kombat 1's new universe can change a lot of characters' futures, with some having the chance at far greater fortune than they had in the past. Liu Kang resetting the timeline means that this new version of the Mortal Kombat universe is open to possibilities that could never have happened in the past versions. Indeed, with Liu Kang's stated goal of trying to make a better world, some changes are sure to come for many members of the cast. What remains to be seen is whose lives will change in Mortal Kombat 1, and how much better off they will be.
Right away, the premise of Mortal Kombat 1 has the potential to change the playing field for the next several games. If some fighters never become villains or don't live up to their original heroic legacies, then the course of the story will change dramatically. Characters could come into the plot earlier or later than before, or even die unceremoniously. All of this helps to make the anticipation for the game more interesting. Mortal Kombat 1 isn't the continuation of a story, it's a brand new one, and in this new story, a lot of the cast will be changed.
Mortal Kombat 1 Could Be Some Fighters' Luckiest Break to Date
Even though Mortal Kombat 1's version of Mileena still has her mutations from the past, there is a chance for her to have a better life. In the last timeline, she eventually ended up being one of the most unanimously hated characters in the setting, a stark contrast to fans' opinion of her. In the new timeline, there's hope for Mileena to lead a happier life, particularly if her relationship with Kitana has yet to shatter. Better relationships could lead Mileena to a better future than what awaited her in the last timeline.
Another character who could get better than they got originally is Skarlet. Although she isn't yet one of Mortal Kombat 1's confirmed fighters, Skarlet's story could still be retold. In her original timeline, Skarlet was an orphan who was taken in by Shao Kahn and taught a corrupted form of blood magic that was slowly corrupting her soul. Many of the worst things that befell Skarlet, like her curse or her unyielding loyalty to Shao Kahn, may not happen in the new timeline. If that changes, then she may not meet an early death in the timeline of Mortal Kombat 1.
In a darker sense, Shang Tsung could have a lot to gain from the new timeline. Even though he seemed to be erased from existence in Mortal Kombat 11's canon ending, the trailer showed him returning, and he has been confirmed as a pre-order bonus. Since Shang Tsung is back, and Liu Kang's new world isn't free of evil and violence, the evil sorcerer could have another chance to amass power. He came frighteningly close to attaining godlike power in Mortal Kombat 11 already. If Mortal Kombat 1's story goes his way, Shang Tsung may become more powerful than ever before, much to everyone else's chagrin.
Mortal Kombat 1's story is going to be notable for the potential of interesting developments that it holds. The possibilities are already out there, and Mortal Kombat 1 can't play it safe and pass on the opportunity to do something new for the series. The status quo will have to change, and this will benefit some characters much more than others. Liu Kang's new timeline is not going to be like the one from past games. Mortal Kombat 1 will be a new beginning, and it could grant some characters the luck they missed previously.
Mortal Kombat 1 will be released on September 19, 2023, for Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.