Tati Gabrielle, one of the most underrated actors in Hollywood, is heading to New Line’s sequel to 2021’s Mortal Kombat. And as someone who absolutely misses her and her badass role on The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, this is the right decision. Mortal Kombat 2 needs Gabrielle. We all do.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Gabrielle is in final talks to join the movie by director Simon McQuoid. Considering that The Hollywood Reporter is a reputable site, all that’s left is for Gabrielle to sign the dotted line and join the martial arts franchise that has been part of our lives since 1992. And with McQuoid, the director of the 2021 movie returning, and Karl Urban already on board to play Johnny Cage, this sequel is set up for greatness.
So who is Jade? And why is Gabrielle perfect for this role? Jade is an assassin and spy who is best friends with Princess Kitana in the Mortal Kombat games. Ever since her debut in the Mortal Kombat II game in 1993, she has been a fan favorite and playable character. And she was preternaturally good at avoiding attacks while being especially skilled at taking down her opponents with a staff. And considering that Gabrielle trained extensively on The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and was a fan favorite for the way she delivered her lines with such intensity, grace, and something slightly unhinged, she’s versatile enough to take on this role and many more.
Fans of Gabrielle were especially excited about this addition and the fact that Jade will be played by an African American woman with Korean heritage. It’s a sign that inclusion is a priority in the sequel in the same manner it was in the first one with Lewis Tan, Ludi Lin, Mehcad Brooks, and more being part of the movie. Which, if you have a problem with this, so what? There are literally characters with multiple arms, powers, and legit creatures in this franchise. But a Black Jade is too much? Get out of here with your racism and let people live.
Some even reminded doubters that Gabrielle knows how to deliver the intensity needed for a role like Jade.
The Mortal Kombat stans were more than ready for Gabrielle to join the franchise.
Others made sure to throw it back to Gabrielle having experience with weapons.
Then there were some who already were thinking about the rest of the casting choices.
