Where Was Mortal Kombat Actually Filmed?
"It has begun!" Based on the video game franchise that inspired a Congressional Hearing, the 1995 film "Mortal Kombat," starring Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Christopher Lambert, Bridgette Wilson, Robin Shou, and Linden Ashby, follows the champions of "Earthrealm" as they defend this plane of existence against an invasion by an alternate dimension, called "Outworld." Outworld is ruled by a brutal despot named Shao Kahn, and his second-in-command Shang Tsung (Tagawa) is in charge of laying the foundation of the previously mentioned invasion.
The means by which Earthrealm protects itself is through a tournament set up by the gods, including Raiden (Lambert). If one side loses the tournament 10 times in a row, the opposing realm is allowed to lay claim. The movie picks up after nine consecutive losses by Earthrealm, and this particular "Mortal Kombat" will determine the ultimate fate of both Earthrealm and Outworld. Considering the varying and fantastic locations throughout the movie, some fans may wonder where "Mortal Kombat" was filmed.
Mortal Kombat was filmed in California and Thailand
"Mortal Kombat" was filmed primarily in two countries: Thailand and the United States. According to IMDb, a total of 14 locations made up the epic landscapes of the fabled world of "Mortal Kombat." Most of these were located either in or around Los Angeles, California, or Krabi, Thailand. Scenes for "Outworld" were filmed at the Kaiser Steel Mill in Fontana, California. These would have been the scenes filmed at night, laced with burning barrels and urns among ruins.
Several moments from "Mortal Kombat" feature one-on-one fights made popular by the video games, and the beach scenes were shot mostly at Railay Bay, Thailand, at either Phra Nang Beach, Railay Beach, or West Railay Beach. The Temple of Light scenes involving Liu Kang and his monastic order of fighting monks were filmed at the legendary Wat Phra Si Sanphet Temple, which was the ancient capital of Thailand in Ayutthaya. The name translates to "Temple of the Holy, Splendid Omniscient," and it formerly served as the abode of the royal family. Little did they know that this famous temple would play host to a battle involving Shang Tsung.