There’s no faking Shao Kahn.
In an era of CGI-laden spectacles, Mortal Kombat 2 star Martyn Ford is proud to say that when it comes to the film’s punishing action sequences, what you see is exactly what was shot prosthetics, sweat, war hammers and all.
“Oh, almost no CGI,” Ford says firmly. “Every fight sequence, every last bit of it was physically shot. We had to get the mannerisms and movements correct and with all the prosthetics on, it was even harder.”
Fans of the franchise will be thrilled to learn that the hammer-wielding Kahn has been brought to life with gritty realism. “There was immense training involved in using that war hammer,” he explains. “It’s a heavy weapon with a spike on one end, and a hefty bulkhead on the other, so swinging it in costume was exhausting. One time it even slipped and smashed a light on set. That’s how real it got.”
Ford’s imposing physicality made him a natural choice to play the tyrannical emperor of Outworld, but the role demanded more than just muscle. “It’s not just about the terror,” he adds. “We wanted to show a human side. That’s what makes villains memorable. I wanted audiences to feel something for him even if it’s confusion or empathy. That’s the challenge.”
The actor recalls his own childhood playing the Mortal Kombat games and idolizing the same character he now embodies. “As a kid, Shao Kahn was always the one. There’s something iconic about him he’s feared, yes, but he also commands respect.”
And respect is what Ford hopes he’s earned from diehard fans. “I just want them to enjoy it. We’ve worked hard to deliver on the action, but also to tell a story. That’s what Mortal Kombat should be powerful, relentless, but never shallow.”
With Mortal Kombat 2 slated for release in October, fans can look forward to a villain who’s more than just a boss level he’s a force of nature, brought to life with sweat, grit, and a war hammer you’ll never forget.
Also Read: Martyn Ford on power, prosthetics, and becoming Mortal Kombat’s Shao Kahn
More Pages: Mortal Kombat II (English) Box Office Collection
BOLLYWOOD NEWS - LIVE UPDATES
Catch us for latest Bollywood News, New Bollywood Movies update, Box office collection, New Movies Release , Bollywood News Hindi, Entertainment News, Bollywood Live News Today & Upcoming Movies 2026 and stay updated with latest hindi movies only on Bollywood Hungama.