Trevor Goddard delivers a memorable performance as Kano in Mortal Kombat (1995), fully embracing the sleazy, cocky charm of the character. However, poor writing, lackluster fights, and minimal focus on his rivalry with Sonya hinder his impact. Despite his strong presence, Kano never feels like the dangerous crime lord he should be.
Casting & Characterization
Trevor Goddard is one of the best-cast actors in Mortal Kombat (1995). His gruff, cocky demeanor and exaggerated Australian accent (which later influenced the games) make Kano a standout character. He brings the right mix of sleaze and swagger, fully embracing Kano’s crude and sadistic nature. Goddard has great screen presence, stealing every scene he’s in with his smirking, arrogant attitude.
However, the writing fails him. Kano is portrayed more as a loudmouthed thug than the feared crime lord he’s supposed to be. He never exerts true control over anything, and his rivalry with Sonya—one of the most defining aspects of his character—is underdeveloped. Instead of being a formidable villain, he’s reduced to a punching bag for Sonya to defeat.
His fight scenes are among the weakest in the film, lacking any real impact or skill. Kano should be a ruthless, dangerous opponent, but he never comes across as a legitimate threat. Despite Goddard’s strong performance, the character is ultimately wasted.
Rating: 2 out of 5
Writing & Character Development
Kano’s writing is one of the biggest letdowns of Mortal Kombat. While Trevor Goddard does his best with the material, the script reduces Kano to little more than comic relief and a disposable henchman. His rivalry with Sonya is barely explored, making their eventual fight feel rushed and anticlimactic. In the games, Kano is a cunning, ruthless crime boss, but in the movie, he has no agency—he’s simply a lackey who gets easily manipulated by Shang Tsung.
The character has no real influence on the plot beyond being Sonya’s motivation. His death is unceremonious, and the film never treats him as a serious antagonist. While his interactions with Shang Tsung and Sonya are entertaining, they lack the depth needed to make him a compelling villain.
Ultimately, the writing undermines what could have been a much stronger character, leaving Kano as a wasted opportunity despite Goddard’s solid performance.
Rating: 1 out of 5
Character Design & Costume
Kano’s design in Mortal Kombat (1995) is simple but effective. His cybernetic eye, red and black outfit, and rugged appearance align well with his video game counterpart. The makeup work on his facial scar and metal plate is solid, giving him a rough, battle-worn look that fits his personality.
However, while his look is on point, his physical presence does not match his status as a crime lord. Kano should exude control and danger, yet he spends most of his screen time lounging around and getting manipulated by Shang Tsung. He doesn’t feel like a powerful leader, and his lack of dominance in fights further weakens his credibility. Also, Kano's supposed to be lean and muscular but I (and the entire world for that matter) couldn't help but notice that Kano had a bit of a gut bulge. Maybe from eating to be giant turkey legs and drinking goblets of wine (when Goro's not spilling it).
His only major fight—against Sonya—is easily one of the weakest in the movie. The choreography is unimpressive, with Kano barely putting up a challenge before being defeated. He never gets a moment to show off any real combat skill, making him feel like a second-rate villain rather than a major force in the Mortal Kombat universe. Not to mention we never see him utilize any of his powers or abilities from the game.
While the character looks right, his lack of strong action scenes and commanding presence prevents him from truly standing out beyond Goddard’s entertaining performance.
Rating: 1 out of 5
The Verdict
Trevor Goddard brings personality and charisma to Kano, but poor writing and weak fight scenes prevent the character from reaching his full potential. His rivalry with Sonya is underdeveloped, and he lacks real agency. While he looks the part and delivers a fun performance, Kano ultimately feels like wasted potential. The official rating is 1 out of 5.
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