Interview Jessica McNamee - Josh Lawson MORTAL KOMBAT: Friends Off Set, Enemies On Camera

Kapanlagi.com - Not only the rivalry between Sub-Zero and Scorpion is worth watching in MORTAL KOMBAT. The presence of Sonya (played by Jessica McNamee) and Kano (played by Josh Lawson) successfully steals attention. For those who haven't watched the movie, their feud can be observed in the teaser and trailer.

Their feud is indeed one of the popular rivalries in the video game, which is echoed in the film. Sonya Blade is Jax's partner in a special unit with a mission to gather Earthrealm champions and find the mysterious Raiden Temple. Sonya and Jax's search leads them to the temple, where the fighters will be trained first. 

In their search, they meet Kano, the leader of the fearsome Black Dragon clan. Who would have thought that Kano is one of the fighters who will defend Earth.

Their rivalry becomes a special attention for fans or viewers who have seen the trailer. Let's ask the two actors who played it. KapanLagi had the opportunity to interview them via zoom some time ago.

The characters you played are rivals, how did you try to make it convincing?

Jessica: Josh and I already knew each other before shooting this film. We both come from Australia and grew up in the film industry before going to America. It really helped us build the rivalry in the story. It made us comfortable when we had to do it on set.

Josh: That's right. Because we already knew each other. I think we took a step forward in preparation. Not only the strong history of the story (rivalry) between Sonya and Kano, which is a good start for us actors who played them, we really enjoyed it. We could really enjoy it. It feels like everything is connected. Even though we have to fight scenes, we actually enjoy the experience. I think that's what makes our rivalry interesting to watch later.

How well do you know the characters you played? For example... what are the intriguing and unique aspects of both?

Jessica: There are many interesting aspects to Sonya's character. He just wants to do the best for this world. He runs for the sake of this world's safety. It becomes interesting when we have to live in situations like this, pandemic, global warming, and other global crises, he is the one who will step forward to save this planet. I think that's what we all need to do. For the good of this planet.

Josh: I think Kano is a representation of a normal reaction to this "crazy" situation. He is a character in the movie who will react, "Crazy... there's a fireball passing through my head.". I think his reaction is a representation when someone enters the Mortal Kombat universe, and then thinks, "This is crazy... I didn't expect this to be real". Just like when he asks, "Can I get superpowers, give me superpowers". I hope the audience can connect with Kano when it comes to this "voice passing through the head" that appears when you are in a world like Mortal Kombat.

We are curious, what was the moment like when you first played or watched Mortal Kombat?
Jessica: I think I was around 9 years old. I was at my cousin's house and playing it. Because I wasn't allowed to have Mortal Kombat, my parents forbid it because it's too violent.

Josh: I used to play it at the arcade. I walked there carrying a lot of coins. My fingers played it while focusing on the screen. Choosing a fighter and trying their moves. Yes, I'm an old-school kid, that's when I first played it. Everything has evolved now, we can play it at home. At that time, I never thought that I would play a character in the video game.

Choose two fighter characters that you think will display the best fight scene!

Jessica: I like Sonya and definitely Kano hahaha. I think you do too. Both of them are very fascinating. They are also the only characters with a little super ability. They feel the most human. Armed with punches and kicks, they will fight. Instead of using superpowers all the time.

Josh: Although my character is bad, I like it. Of course, I choose Kano and Sonya too. Just wait for our rematch. I emphasize once again, even though Kano can lose, he will not surrender.

Be careful, Sonya.

MORTAL KOMBAT has been showing in theaters since April 14. Watch the action of Joe Taslim and other fighters with your friends and family at the cinema. Keep following the health protocols. Enjoy the show.

(kpl/dka)