An upcoming sequel to a 2021 action movie is highly anticipated, though also serves as a reunion for Shogun that is hidden in plain sight.

Hiroyuki Sanada as Yoshii Toranaga in Shōgun (2024) next to Tadanobu Asano as Raiden in Mortal Kombat (2021)

A cast reunion for the Shōgun TV series will secretly happen as part of an upcoming sequel to a 2021 action blockbuster. As of Shōgun season 1’s ending, the show is largely considered one of the best of 2024’s first quarter. From the way feudal Japan was realized to the gripping drama and action, the show’s success has led many to desire a Shōgun season 2 or other sequels and spin-offs.

Another contributing factor to the show’s success was Shōgun‘s cast of characters and the actors chosen to portray them. Two standouts included Cosmo Jarvis as John Blackthorne and Anna Sawai as Toda Mariko who imbued the show with a central relationship that was integral to Shōgun season 1’s story. However, two other standout performers will be in an upcoming sequel to an action blockbuster from 2021, proving it to be a Shōgun reunion that many did not know they needed, but will gladly accept.

Shogun Stars Hiroyuki Sanada & Tadanobu Asano Are Both In Mortal Kombat 2

The sequel to 2021’s Mortal Kombat will star two Shōgun actors.

Toranaga and Yabushige in ShogunCustom Image by Simone Ashmoore

The sequel in question is Mortal Kombat 2. In 2021’s Mortal Kombat, Hiroyuki Sanada portrayed Hanzo Hasashi/Scorpion, one of the highlights of the film. Another of Mortal Kombat‘s central characters was Raiden, who was played by Tadanobu Asano. Hiroyuki Sanada and Tadanobu Asano were two of Shōgun‘s best performers of two equally brilliant characters: Yoshii Toranaga and Kashigi Yabushige.

Audiences will be able to see Sanada and Asano onscreen together once more…

Interestingly, both Sanada and Asano have been confirmed to reprise their roles in Mortal Kombat 2. With the first Mortal Kombat coming out before Shōgun, Mortal Kombat 2‘s story will now serve as an unofficial Shōgun reunion. Audiences will be able to see Sanada and Asano onscreen together once more, after their intriguing, fascinating, somewhat antagonistic dynamic as Toranaga and Yabushige in Shōgun season 1.

What To Expect From Scorpion & Raiden In Mortal Kombat 2

Scorpion and Raiden will have big roles in Mortal Kombat 2.

Hiroyuki Sanada as Scorpion next to Tadanobu Asano as Raiden in Mortal Kombat (2021)

Concerning what to expect from Scorpion and Raiden in Mortal Kombat 2‘s story, it is likely that both will have important roles. Beginning with Raiden, he is the leader of Earth’s champions, tasked with training a team to fight in the titular Mortal Kombat tournament. As such, Raiden will almost undoubtedly be a core character of Mortal Kombat 2 as he leads champions like Lewis Tan’s Cole, Karl Urban’s Johnny Cage, and the other characters who will fight against Outworld’s warriors.

Actor
Mortal Kombat 2 Character

Lewis Tan
Cole Young

Jessica McNamee
Sonya Blade

Mehcad Brooks
Jax

Tadanobu Asano
Raiden

Ludi Lin
Liu Kang

Hiroyuki Sanada
Scorpion

Chin Han
Shang Tsung

Joe Taslim
Noob Saibot

Tati Gabrielle
Jade

Martyn Ford
Shao Kahn

Karl Urban
Johnny Cage

Adeline Rudolph
Kitana

Desmond Chaim
King Jerrod

Ana Thu Nguyen
Queen Sindel

Damon Herriman
Quan Chi

Josh Lawson
Kano

Max Huang
Revenant Kung Lao

Sisi Stringer
Mileena

Scorpion’s inclusion in Mortal Kombat 2 is more interesting, as his character served as a bookend in Mortal Kombat‘s story. His feud with Sub-Zero is over as of the first film’s ending, meaning his role is unclear. However, given that Scorpion was confirmed as an ancestor of Cole, it could be the case that the former fights in the tournament to help the latter after Cole was integral to defeating Sub-Zero in Mortal Kombat‘s ending. Regardless, the confirmation of Sanada’s return as Scorpion alongside Asano’s Raiden means Mortal Kombat 2 will act as a Shōgun reunion.