NetherRealm Studios has officially confirmed that a new Mortal Kombat game is in active development, as speculation continues to mount regarding a potential follow-up to Injustice 2. Mortal Kombat co-creator Ed Boon provided the update in a recent interview, offering a glimpse into the studio's future plans.
Mortal Kombat's Recent Performance
Like Street Fighter and Tekken, Mortal Kombat remains a perennial franchise, but it has faced challenges following its last mainline entry. Mortal Kombat 1, which served as a reboot of the series, sold eight million copies worldwide. However, this figure was notably lower than its predecessor, Mortal Kombat 11, which surpassed 15 million copies sold after three years on the market. Despite this decline, the franchise remains highly profitable and continues to attract a dedicated fanbase.
Ed Boon's Confirmation
In an interview with Collider to promote the upcoming Mortal Kombat 2 movie, Boon was asked about the studio's current projects. He responded cautiously, stating, "I wish I could tease something. I think if I teased and gave it away, I'd probably get in trouble. But we are actively pursuing… we're definitely pursuing another Mortal Kombat game, and we're definitely doing more as well." He added that there are "a lot of pots on the stove," including not just games but other forms of media, hinting at a broader expansion of the franchise.
Hints at Injustice 3 or a New DC Fighter
While a new Mortal Kombat game was expected, Boon's comment about "doing more as well" has fueled speculation about a long-rumored sequel to Injustice 2. Evidence for a third Injustice title has accumulated over time, including hints from voice actors and developer LinkedIn profiles. However, an official announcement has yet to be made.
Adding to the intrigue, a prominent leaker known as MultiverSusie suggested that the next DC fighting game might not carry the Injustice branding. In a post on X, she stated, "I think it's time we move on from the Injustice branding maybe," in response to her prior tease about a new Injustice game. Injustice 2 was released in 2017, and DC's leadership has changed significantly since then. A new DC fighter could align better with the studio's current direction, especially given the optimistic tone of recent film reboots like 2025's Superman. The Injustice premise, which revolves around an evil version of Superman, may feel outdated in 2026.
Potential Announcement at Summer Game Fest
With Summer Game Fest scheduled for June 5, an announcement regarding NetherRealm's next project could be imminent. Whether it is Injustice 3 or a completely new DC fighting game remains to be seen.
Future Crossover Possibilities
During the interview, Boon also discussed potential future crossovers for Mortal Kombat. He expressed interest in including a Street Fighter character, saying, "I would love to see a Street Fighter character in Mortal Kombat. I think that would be cool." He also mentioned the possibility of DC and Marvel characters, noting that the Joker had already appeared in the series as a dark character. Such crossovers could further expand the franchise's appeal.
For now, fans eagerly await official announcements from NetherRealm, with the promise of new games and media on the horizon.
