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https://www.instagram.com/carlos.pesina/
https://www.instagram.com/carlos.pesina/
What if everything you thought you knew about the creation of Mortal Kombat wasn't the whole story?
In this special episode of the Arete Podcast, Jake sits down with Daniel and Carlos Pesina, two of the original talents behind the legendary Mortal Kombat franchise, for an incredible conversation about the game's origins, its lasting legacy, and the untold stories behind one of the most influential video games ever created.
Daniel Pesina brought iconic characters like Johnny Cage, Scorpion, Sub-Zero, and Reptile to life, while Carlos portrayed the original Raiden and later contributed to countless characters throughout the franchise's history.
Together, the brothers take us behind the scenes of the original Mortal Kombat, from late-night filming sessions and shoestring budgets to the creative decisions that helped revolutionize the gaming industry. They also challenge the commonly accepted story about Jean-Claude Van Damme's involvement in the game's development, discuss the contributions of overlooked creators, and explain why they believe the franchise has lost some of its original identity.
But this conversation goes far beyond video games. We explore their lifelong journeys through martial arts, their experiences performing stunts in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles films, the inspiration behind Mortal Kombat's unforgettable characters and Fatalities, and their thoughts on the various Mortal Kombat movies.
We even get into the controversial Mortal Kombat 1 reboot, an intriguing alternative storyline that might have been, and what it would take to recapture the magic of the original games.
Whether you're a lifelong Mortal Kombat fan, a martial artist, a movie buff, or simply someone who loves hearing the stories behind groundbreaking creative projects, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
**FINISH HIM!**
Special thanks to Shelbyville Fandom Con and our friends at the @TheHighGround2025 for helping make this conversation possible!
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