The rumors preceding Mortal Kombat 11‘s release are looking more accurate with each passing day.
Not long before the latest entry in NetherRealm’s iconic brawler hit retail back in April, several high-profile leaks purporting to show the game’s final roster appeared online. While never corroborated via official means, the deluge of images and screenshots provided by the anonymous source were authentic enough to be believed at the time and so far, they’ve been bang on the money. Shang Tsung, Sindel and Nightwolf, all since confirmed to return as DLC, were all named as such long before NetherRealm made it fact.
Likewise, several guest characters are on the cards to join MK‘s original roster in the near future and yes, the surprises have all similarly been spoiled ahead of time. Todd McFarlane’s Spawn is scheduled to arrive first, with the heavily rumoured and essentially confirmed Terminator and Ash Williams to come thereafter. But wait, there’s more!
One further guest – Joker – was named by the leaks and, as per series co-creator Ed Boon’s latest tease, it appears he too, will be partaking in a round or two of mortal combat.
Some people call me the Cowboy…
— Ed Boon (@noobde) June 20, 2019
For those not in the know, Boon appears to be referencing the lyrics “some people call me the space cowboy” from the Steven Miller Band song “The Joker.” Why he decided to omit a word in his Tweet isn’t clear, but further teases from other members of the development team clearly point to the above being a hint towards the Joker.
What a joker.
— Tyler Lansdown (@tylerlansdown) June 21, 2019
Now are we talking about a standard cowboy or a space cowboy? pic.twitter.com/fk0ad8JWma
— DEREK KIRTZIC (@DKirtzic) June 21, 2019
Now, here comes the hard part. Given Boon’s noted love for misdirection and teasing fans with dead-end leads, there’s every chance that this series of posts is exactly that. On the flip side, this one seems way too on the nose to be anything other than confirmation of Joker’s inclusion. Ultimately, we’ve no option but to wait and see, but this is certainly the clearest sign yet that the character is destined for inclusion in Mortal Kombat 11.
Shame the same can’t be said for poor old Pennywise.
