Why Doesn't Scorpion Use His Fire Powers in the Beginning?

Introduction

Many fans of the 2021 Mortal Kombat film have questioned why Scorpion doesn't use his fire powers during the early parts of the movie. This article delves into his backstory, powers, and the circumstances surrounding his introduction to his supernatural abilities.

Scorpion's Backstory and Powers

Scorpion, whose real name is Goro, is an ordinary ninja living in Japan with his family before his fateful encounter with Sub-Zero. The film highlights his tragic backstory, particularly the loss of his family. When Goro is killed by Sub-Zero, he does not immediately gain his fiery powers.

Instead, after he dies, Goro undergoes a transformation in the Netherrealm, a dimension filled with malevolent spirits and hellfire. This transformation is what endows him with his iconic fire-powers, including the ability to manipulate fire and project energy blasts.

Symbol and Transformation

A key point of contention among viewers is the appearance of the dragon insignia on his forearm while he's crawling to his crying child just moments before his death. According to the film, this dragon insignia only appears when one has acquired their powers. However, this is a subtle hint rather than a direct confirmation of his immediate access to these abilities.

Given that Scorpion's powers are tied to his transformation in the Netherrealm, his death and subsequent resurrection are crucial for his full development as Scorpion. Prior to this transformation, he is simply a human ninja with no supernatural abilities to protect his family or fight back against Sub-Zero effectively.

Scorpion's Development

In Mortal Kombat 11, Grandmaster Hanzo serves as a counterexample. Hanzo is able to keep his fire abilities even after being resurrected with his humanity restored, suggesting that such powers are not intrinsic but require a traumatic event and subsequent transformation.

Scorpion, however, is a more complex case. Unlike Kui Liang or Bi-Han, who are born as natural-born cryomancers, Hanzo was a human warrior and ninja before being transformed into a fire wraith. In the games, Scorpion's fire abilities only manifest after he is resurrected by the evil Netherrealm necromancer, Quan Chi.

Survival and Vengeance

The film's narrative underscores that Scorpion's primary concern in the beginning is survival and protecting his family. It is only after his death and subsequent transformation in the Netherrealm that he gains the full realization of his powers. Thus, his focus is on surviving the initial fight with Sub-Zero, rather than immediately using his new abilities.

His journey in the Netherrealm allows him to master his hellfire, which is what enables him to throw fireballs and other hellish attacks in later confrontations. His past experience with the forces in the Netherrealm prepares him for his struggle against Kui Liang and ultimate revenge against Sub-Zero's clan.

Conclusion

Scorpion's introduction to his fire powers in the 2021 Mortal Kombat film is a deliberate storyline choice that highlights his transformation and emotional journey. While the dragon insignia on his arm might suggest some measure of his potential powers, his actual abilities only manifest after his death and subsequent transformation in the Netherrealm.

Understanding his backstory and the nature of his powers adds depth to the character and the overall narrative of the film, making Scorpion's ultimate triumph all the more significant for both fans of the franchise and newcomers to the series.