Ed Boon, one of Mortal Kombat's creators and the creative director for Mortal Kombat 11, is always willing to speak his mind. Whether it's on Twitter, where Boon constantly offers up teasers and inside info, or in interviews, Boon keeps things real. Yet another example comes from an interview this past week in which Boon was asked about Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. In the interview, Boon responds to a question regarding whether Mortal Kombat characters like Scorpion or Sub-Zero could be added to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate's roster.
Boon initially points out that he's not the one to ask. "I can't speak for all of Warner Bros. or anything," Boon says, as Warner Bros. owns Mortal Kombat and has the first and last say in licensing. Nintendo would talk directly to Warner Bros. concerning any crossover opportunities.
After starting with the fine print, Boon goes on to offer his personal opinion. Boon characterizes having a Mortal Kombat character in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as being "kind of like a stamp of approval." He says it would be like "being a part of the gang," implying that having a character join a Super Smash Bros. roster as a sort of award given to brands of importance. As for having a Mortal Kombat character in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Boon says that he'd "love to see that."
Boon isn't confirming any characters for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate's DLC or anything, he's just saying that he thinks it'd be very cool to have Scorpion fighting against Mario, Cloud, Ryu, and Sonic. It's easy to understand why he'd feel that way.
From a business standpoint, Boon probably would know if it was happening. Nintendo tends to ask for creative advice from companies working with their characters. That's likely a bad sign, however, as it's been confirmed that all planned DLC fighters are already decided on. Unless Boon is playing a trick, Scorpion's not coming to Super Smash Bros. this generation.
There's no argument that Scorpion would be an awesome addition to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, as he's one of the most iconic fighting game characters ever made. There's also no argument that Scorpion's addition would absolutely be controversial. Mortal Kombat's violence is extreme, and even if Nintendo massively scaled down Scorpion's violence, fans online would be certain to create violent fanart. Knowing Nintendo, it would want to avoid that chance at all costs to protect its family-friendly image. Mortal Kombat fans can still dream, though.
Mortal Kombat 11 is available now on Google Stadia, Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, and Xbox One. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is available now exclusively on Nintendo Switch.