If you have watched the latest Mortal Kombat movie, you probably found yourself asking: “Who exactly is Cole Young?” While names like Sub-Zero, Scorpion, and Raiden are legendary in the gaming world, Cole is a fresh face that brought a brand-new energy to the screen. He isn’t just some random guy off the street; he is the bridge between our world and the mystical realm of Outworld.
In this article, we are going to dive deep into the life of this gritty fighter. We will look at his humble beginnings as a washed-up MMA fighter and explore the shocking secret of his family tree. Whether you are a hardcore fan of the games or a newcomer to the “Kombat” universe, there is a lot to learn about the man with the dragon birthmark. Let’s get into the details of the hero played by the talented Lewis Tan.
Cole Young Biography: At a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Full Name | Cole Young |
| Played By | Lewis Tan |
| First Appearance | Mortal Kombat (2021) |
| Occupation | Former MMA Fighter / Earthrealm Champion |
| Birthmark | Dragon-shaped Mark (The Mark of the Chosen) |
| Ancestry | Descendant of Hanzo Hasashi (Scorpion) |
| Wife | Allison Young |
| Daughter | Emily Young |
| Signature Weapons | Twin Tonfas |
| Unique Power | Kinetic Energy Absorption Armor |
Who is Cole Young?
Cole Young is the main protagonist of the 2021 Mortal Kombat movie. Unlike most of the characters we know and love, Cole was created specifically for the film. He starts his journey as a professional fighter who has seen better days. He is used to taking hits for a paycheck, unaware that he is actually destined for something much bigger than a cage match.
The story introduces him as a family man living in Chicago. He is a loving father and husband who just wants to provide for his wife, Allison, and daughter, Emily. However, his life takes a wild turn when the icy assassin Sub-Zero is sent to hunt him down. This sets off a chain of events that leads him straight into the path of Earthrealm’s greatest defenders.
The Mysterious Dragon Birthmark
From the moment he was born, Cole Young had a strange mark on his chest. It looks exactly like the iconic Mortal Kombat dragon logo. For most of his life, Cole thought it was just a weird birthmark. In reality, this mark is an invitation to the most dangerous tournament in the universe.
The mark means he is one of the “Chosen Ones.” These are warriors picked to represent Earth in a fight to the death against the forces of Outworld. If you have the mark, you have the potential to unlock a special “Arcana” or inner power. Without this mark, a normal human wouldn’t stand a chance against monsters like Goro or Mileena.
Cole Young’s Hidden Family Lineage
The biggest twist in the movie is finding out where Cole Young actually comes from. He isn’t just a lucky orphan. It turns out he is the last living descendant of Hanzo Hasashi, the legendary ninja known as Scorpion. This connection is what makes him so special and why Shang Tsung wants him dead.
Hundreds of years ago, Lord Raiden saved Hanzo’s infant daughter after their clan was wiped out. Cole carries that bloodline. This ancestry is the key to his strength. It also allows him to eventually summon the spirit of Scorpion to help him in battle. This family tie gives Cole a deep sense of purpose that he never had when he was just fighting for money.
Training at Raiden’s Temple
After being rescued by Jax and meeting Sonya Blade, Cole travels to the Temple of Raiden. This is where the real work begins. He meets other champions like Liu Kang and Kung Lao. While the others have already mastered their powers, Cole Young struggles to find his.
Training at the temple is not easy. Cole gets beaten down repeatedly, and Raiden even begins to doubt if he belongs there. This part of the story shows Cole’s grit. Even when he feels like a failure, he doesn’t give up. He learns that being a champion isn’t just about how hard you can punch, but what you are fighting for.
Unlocking the Arcana Power
Every champion in this universe has a unique ability called an Arcana. For Cole Young, his power finally awakens when his family is in grave danger. During a brutal fight against the four-armed giant Goro, Cole’s protective instincts trigger his transformation.
His Arcana manifests as a golden, bio-organic suit of armor. This isn’t just for show; the armor can absorb kinetic energy from enemy attacks. He can then channel that energy back into his weapons to strike with incredible force. This power perfectly matches his background as an MMA fighter who is used to taking a beating to find an opening.
Signature Weapons: The Tonfas
Along with his armor, Cole Young gains a pair of specialized weapons: Tonfas. These are traditional martial arts tools that look like short clubs with side handles. In Cole’s hands, they are infused with his Arcana, making them sharp and powerful enough to slice through even the toughest skin.
The choice of tonfas is interesting because they are primarily defensive weapons. They allow Cole to block heavy hits and then quickly counter-attack. Seeing him use these against classic villains is one of the highlights of the film’s action scenes. It gives him a fighting style that feels different from the ninjas and sorcerers around him.
The Epic Battle Against Sub-Zero
The climax of the film features a legendary showdown. Cole Young has to face off against the man who murdered his ancestors: Bi-Han, also known as Sub-Zero. This fight is personal. It is a battle of ice versus fire, and old grudges versus new hope.
During the fight, Cole uses his blood connection to bring Scorpion back from the Netherrealm. Watching the two of them fight side-by-side is a dream come true for many fans. Cole proves he is a worthy successor to the Hasashi name. Together, they manage to defeat the icy threat, securing a temporary victory for Earthrealm.
Lewis Tan: The Man Behind the Hero
The role of Cole Young is played by Lewis Tan, a highly skilled martial artist and actor. Tan did many of his own stunts in the movie, which adds a lot of realism to the fight scenes. He has appeared in other big projects like Deadpool 2 and Into the Badlands.
Tan brings a lot of heart to the character. He portrays Cole as someone who is relatable and grounded. Even though he is surrounded by gods and monsters, his main focus is always his family. This “human” element makes it easier for the audience to connect with the high-stakes world of Mortal Kombat.
What’s Next for Cole in Mortal Kombat 2?
The movie ends with Cole Young heading to Los Angeles. His mission? To find a “movie star” who turns out to be none other than Johnny Cage. This teaser has fans incredibly excited for the sequel, Mortal Kombat 2, which is expected to hit theaters in 2026.
In the next chapter, we expect Cole to take on more of a leadership role. Now that he has mastered his powers, he will likely help recruit more champions. We might even see him enter the actual tournament. One thing is for sure: Cole’s journey is just beginning, and he has a huge target on his back.
Why Fans Have Mixed Feelings About Him
It is no secret that some long-time fans were unsure about Cole Young. Because he wasn’t in the original games, some felt he took screen time away from classic characters like Liu Kang. However, as the movie progresses, many people grew to appreciate his role as the “audience’s eyes” in the story.
He provides a way for new viewers to understand the complex lore of the series. By starting as an outsider, we get to learn about the dragon marks and Arcanas along with him. Whether you love him or prefer the old-school roster, there is no denying that Cole has carved out his own place in the franchise.
FAQs About Cole Young
1. Is Cole Young in the Mortal Kombat video games? Currently, no. Cole Young was created specifically for the 2021 movie. However, there are often rumors that he might be added as a DLC character in future games.
2. What are Cole Young’s powers? His Arcana gives him a suit of armor that absorbs kinetic energy. He also uses dual tonfas that can slice through enemies and deflect magical attacks.
3. Who is Cole Young’s father? The movie doesn’t name his father, but it confirms he is a direct descendant of Hanzo Hasashi (Scorpion). He was an orphan raised in the foster system.
4. Does Cole Young die in the movie? No, Cole survives the first film. He successfully protects his family and is last seen going to recruit Johnny Cage for the next phase of the war.
5. Why did Sub-Zero want to kill Cole? Sub-Zero wanted to wipe out Scorpion’s bloodline forever. By killing Cole, he would ensure that the prophecy of Hanzo’s blood returning to save Earth would never come true.
6. Is Cole Young related to Sub-Zero? No, they are not related. They are enemies because of an ancient blood feud between their respective clans (the Shirai Ryu and the Lin Kuei).
Conclusion
Cole Young is a fascinating addition to the Mortal Kombat universe. He represents the “underdog” in all of us—someone who thinks they are ordinary but discovers they have a legendary destiny. From his MMA roots to his explosive Arcana, his story is one of protection, family, and survival. As we look forward to the sequel in 2026, it will be thrilling to see how he grows as a warrior.
What do you think of Cole? Do you think he’s a great addition, or would you have preferred a different lead? Let us know your thoughts!
