WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Mortal Kombat, now in theaters and streaming on HBO Max.
Mortal Kombat (2021) didn't focus much on the tournament's history or the presence of Shao Kahn. There were a couple of murals with the legendary Kung Lao in the past, as well as Goro displacing him. But most importantly, in Raiden's temple, there were paintings depicting the wars the Emperor waged to enslave the realms. Coupling this with one standout Easter egg, it becomes perfectly obvious the franchise should deliver its own Game of Thrones-style drama regarding the battle for Edenia.
Raiden's champions are looking for allies at the film's conclusion like Johnny Cage, as Shang Tsung is bringing more warriors to kill Earthrealm off. But with an Edenia storyline, there'd be more insight into key events Mortal Kombat (2021) just didn't have time for. Given Raiden has Kitana's fan in his temple, a prequel series would explain how Shao Kahn tasked Shang Tsung with the invasion, detailing their motivation to conquer.
In the lore, Shao Kahn took over this kingdom with his Outworld forces, killing King Jerrod and taking a resurrected Sindel as his queen. She became brainwashed, with young Kitana reconditioned as his assassin along with her evil clone, Mileena. This provides great setup for the rivalry between Kitana and Mileena, as well as Kitana discovering the truth with Jade and turning on the Emperor. As such, allying with Raiden could result in Kitana being taken prisoner and the Thunder God keeping her fan in honor. That alone provides genuine context for a sequel to Mortal Kombat (2021), where Liu Kang helps rescue her and even forms a romantic bond.
A Mortal Kombat spin-off could also spread the seed of rebellion. Edenia's story may inspire other kingdoms and realms to wonder if Shao Kahn and Shang Tsung are right for them -- from Reptile's species to Baraka's Tarkatans to even the Shokan Empire that followed Goro. It'd pave the way for people to naturally gravitate to Raiden's team while painting Shao Kahn in a sinister light.
MK11 retconned Sindel betraying Jerrod as she lusted for power. It's reminiscent of Game of Throne's Littlefinger and delivers a massive twist that'd be quite crushing onscreen when Kitana discovers it. It'd prove that as much as he is brawn, Shao Kahn is a brain too, and a political one at that. Ultimately, this storyline sets the foundation for even Kotal Kahn and the Osh-Tekk to rebel. Mortal Kobat (2021) already has Shang Tsung on his throne in Outworld. In that regard, a Game of Thrones-vibe already exists, so dissecting the battle for Edenia's soul would help shape the landscape to come.
Directed by Simon McQuoid and produced by James Wan, Mortal Kombat stars Lewis Tan as Cole Young, Jessica McNamee as Sonya Blade, Josh Lawson as Kano, Tadanobu Asano as Lord Raiden, Mehcad Brooks as Jackson "Jax" Bridges, Ludi Lin as Liu Kang, Chin Han as Shang Tsung, Joe Taslim as Bi-Han and Sub-Zero, Hiroyuki Sanada as Hanzo Hasashi and Scorpion, Max Huang as Kung Lao, Sisi Stringer as Mileena, Matilda Kimber as Emily Young and Laura Brent as Allison Young. The film is now in theaters and available to stream on HBO Max.