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The Exhibitor Relations Company, an analysis firm that “provides essential information and intelligence to the entertainment industry,” is reporting that the upcoming Mortal Kombat reboot movie has received an R rating for “strong bloody violence and language throughout, and some crude references.” By itself, this may not seem like major news, but as the recently tweeted insight also indicates–both 1995’s Mortal Kombat and 1997’s Mortal Kombat: Annihilation received PG-13 ratings. This new version is due both in theaters and HBO Max on April 16.
Those who have seen the recently released red-band trailer–which was a lot of people, as the promo was viewed more than 166 million times in its first week–likely won’t be shocked to hear what rating the film has earned. But more than any other well-publicized aspect of the movie that communicates what new approaches are being taken in adapting the franchise to a film in the 21st century, the R rating by itself may alone signal to fans this version is something different. We have a breakdown of how the 1995 original stacks up against the upcoming version–which also serves as a fun look at just how much CGI has improved in the last 26 years. While you’re at it, you should also absolutely check out our breakdown of the trailer, which is loaded with Easter eggs
Mortal Kombat is directed by Simon McQuoid and produced by Aquaman director James Wan. It was previously set to be released in January, but was moved back to April. As with all other Warner movies this year, it will be released in theaters and made available to HBO Max subscribers on the same day. Subsequently, it will then stay on HBO Max for one month before then being available on other on-demand streaming services.
This is the third live-action Mortal Kombat movie, so far. The first was released in 1995 and was directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, who would go on to make the Resident Evil series and also direct the recent Monster Hunter movie.
