This is Casting Critiques, where we analyze whether an actor fits their role or how their performance ranks. Today, we’re looking at Keith Cooke as Sub-Zero in Mortal Kombat: Annihilation. His portrayal is one of the film’s better performances—he looks the part, fights the part, and delivers a solid, yet underutilized, take on the character.
Casting & Characterization
Keith Cooke was one of the better casting choices in Mortal Kombat: Annihilation. As Sub-Zero, he brought a strong physical presence to the role, showcasing excellent martial arts skills and a convincing demeanor. Unlike many performances in the film, his felt natural, and he did a solid job embodying the character’s stoic and disciplined nature.
From a surface-level perspective, he fits the role well. His fight with Scorpion is one of the film’s highlights, demonstrating his skill, agility, and the creative use of his ice powers. The ice clone was a brilliant touch that showcased a signature ability from the games, making his brief screen time memorable.
However, his character isn’t given much to do beyond saving Liu Kang from Smoke and briefly fighting Scorpion. The film acknowledges his connection to the original Sub-Zero but doesn’t explore it—why doesn’t he resent Liu for killing his brother? Why is he helping the heroes? His presence is welcome, but the story doesn’t develop him enough to make a lasting impact.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Writing & Character Development
Sub-Zero’s writing in Mortal Kombat: Annihilation isn’t terrible, but it’s frustratingly shallow. The film acknowledges that he is the younger brother of the original Sub-Zero, but it never expands on this dynamic. There’s no explanation for why he doesn’t hold a grudge against Liu Kang or why he chooses to aid the heroes. A deeper exploration of his motivations could have made his character far more compelling.
Additionally, his limited screen time is a missed opportunity. Sub-Zero is one of the most iconic characters in Mortal Kombat, yet after a single fight, he disappears from the film entirely. He could have played a much bigger role in the battle against Shao Kahn’s forces, but instead, his presence feels like an afterthought. While his short-lived involvement is entertaining, the lack of depth leaves much to be desired.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Character Design & Costume
Visually, Keith Cooke’s Sub-Zero is one of the best-looking characters in the film. His outfit, while slightly cheesy, is a solid representation of the game’s design. The blue and black ninja attire is instantly recognizable, and while it has a slightly low-budget feel, it still works well within the film’s aesthetic.
Beyond the costume, Cooke’s movement and fighting style also contribute to making him feel like an authentic Sub-Zero. His fluid combat skills and use of ice abilities elevate his portrayal. The inclusion of the ice clone technique was a particularly nice touch, demonstrating his powers in a way that felt both faithful to the games and visually interesting.
That said, it’s disappointing that his screen time is so brief. Given how well he embodies the character, it would have been great to see him in more action sequences. The film nails the look and feel of Sub-Zero, but the lack of narrative depth keeps him from reaching his full potential.
Rating: 4 out of 5
The Verdict
In the end, Keith Cooke delivers one of the stronger performances in Mortal Kombat: Annihilation, effectively portraying Sub-Zero’s combat prowess and presence. However, his role is frustratingly underdeveloped. While he looks, acts, and fights the part, the film doesn’t explore his character enough, making him feel like a missed opportunity despite his standout fight scene. The final verdict is 3 out of 5.
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