Last month, a bankruptcy court lawsuit provided Mortal Kombat movie fans with a glimmer of hope that the fighting franchise could hit theaters for the third time. The complaint, brought by original Mortal Kombat film producer Larry Kasanoff, mentioned that a third feature was in the works, with a script, talent, and shooting locations all lined up.

　　That film may be closer than the next installment in the gory gaming series, judging by a San Gabriel Valley Tribune feature on the martial artist and actor underneath the scorpion mask. Eighth-degree black belt Chris Casamassa told the paper that he will be reprising his role for a third Mortal Kombat movie, with filming set to begin in September.

　　The original Mortal Kombat film was made with a $25 million budget in 1995, and went on to garner $122 million in box office receipts worldwide. The success of the movie prompted Kasanoff's production company to create a number of follow-up projects in quick succession. There was a feature-film sequel, 1997's Mortal Kombat: Annihilation, the Saturday-morning cartoon Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm, the TV series Mortal Kombat: Conquest, and even a touring stage show.