Indonesian martial‑arts actor Joe Taslim told reporters that early conversations about a Sub‑Zero‑focused film have taken place following the 2026 Mortal Kombat release. He stressed that any spin‑off hinges on the overall franchise staying financially vibale, echoing earlier hints he made in 2021 about exploring the assassin’s origins .

Joe Taslim confirms Sub‑Zero spin‑off talks in 2026 interview

During a post‑premiere interview,Taslim said, "There was a conversation about that. It depends. The franchise needs to survive first, and then I believe if we can somehow…" He added that no concrete green‑light has been issued yet, but the possibility remains if the studio deems the series strong enough . This is the clearest public indication from the talent that a dedicated Sub‑Zero project is on the radar.

Taslim’s prequel vision: Bi‑Han’s forced Lin‑Kuei induction

Taslim outlined a narrative that would trace Bi‑Han’s early life, his abduction by the Lin‑Kuei, the murder of his parents, and the brutal training that forged the ice‑wielding assassin.. He explained, "The most interesting path, in my opinion , is to do a prequel… We would get to see two future Sub‑Zeros in one movie, and that would be intriguing." This concept would also introduce Kuai Liang,the younger brother who later becomes the more familiar Sub‑Zero.

New Line Cinema’s 2025 report on a third Mortal Kombat film

Industry reports from October 2025 indiacted that New Line Cinema, the studio behind the 2021 and 2026 entries, is actively evaluating a third mainline Mortal Kombat movie. The report suggests the studio is open to expanding the universe, which could make a Sub‑Zero side‑project more feasible if box‑office momentum continues. As the studio weighs options, Taslim’s comments provide the most concrete insight into a possible spin‑off.

Unanswered: When will the franchise’s box‑office health be deemed sufficient?

Two key questions remain: what specific revenue threshold must the 2026 film hit for New Line to green‑light a spin‑off, and which creative team would helm the Bi‑Han prequel? The source did not disclose any figures, and no studio representative has commented, leaving fans to speculate on the timeline.

According to the interview , Taslim’s enthusiasm for the character’s backstory is personal, but any project will ultimately depend on the franchise’s commercial performance.. Until an official announcement arrives, the Sub‑Zero spin‑off stays in the realm of early talks.