Now that Mortal Kombat 11 has officially ended its run, developer NetherRealm Studios has fully begun dedicating resources to its mysterious next project. With an official animated movie in the works and reflecting on the developer’s past “MK-Injustice-MK” release pattern, Injustice 3 became the easy frontrunner of fans’ expectations. However, it looks like the DC-centered fighting game may not be NetherRealm’s next game at all.

The speculation comes from journalist Jeff Grubb, who relayed the rumor during a recent episode of GrubbSnax. According to sources, Mortal Kombat 12 is likely to be NetherRealm’s next project, suggesting the twelve-quel “would make the most sense” considering the immense success of MK11 and the possible licensing issues that might result from the Warner Bros. Discovery merger. With all this said, Grubb warns the story still isn’t “for sure,” but aligns with what he’s heard thus far.

“If you come out with a Mortal Kombat 12, it will also sell and do well. And at the same time, you don’t have to use any of these Batman, Superman characters that might be tied up in licensing if you try to get rid of NetherRealm or try to sell it to whoever.”

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While speculation has run wild about NetherRealm Studios’ future as of late, the developer has hinted at Injustice 3 several times in the past – with some dating as far back as early last year. However, with Warner Bros. announcing a merger of its massive entertainment division with Discovery Inc. back in May, the fate of the superhero project was called into question, as the likelihood of selling the studio elsewhere would undoubtedly complicate the rights to the DC Comics franchise.

However, in the weeks since, Warner Bros. responded to the fervor and officially confirmed NetherRealm Studios would indeed stay with WB Games as it merges with Discovery. The statement was issued by WB Games’ senior vice president of global communications Remi Sklar (via The Gamer), saying, “I can confirm NetherRealm Studios and TT Games will continue to remain a part of Warner Bros. Games, and all are included in the Warner Media Discovery merger.”

While confirmation such as this may feasibly put Injustice 3 back on the table, further rumors might also stand in the way of the superhero threequel, including a Marvel fighting game. For months now, talk of a Marvel-themed NetheRealm project has lit up the internet, with speculation ranging from a simple Injustice-like adaptation to a full-on Marvel vs. DC crossover. To make matters more interesting, MK co-creator Ed Boon previously hinted at plans for a Marvel game and has only continued to fan the flames since.

Wow. @JamesGunn has managed to work on DC and MARVEL movies. That’s impressive. ? https://t.co/A4Yk437MuM

— Ed Boon (@noobde) May 4, 2021

Though not Injustice 3, a Marvel game would almost surely be an exciting experience for fans, especially considering the fan-driven style NetherRealm has demonstrated in its projects. Even with DC and Marvel games up in the air, there’s certainly the possibility of another Mortal Kombat in the works. As Grubb claimed, the WB merger might result in an imminent MK12, but the developer could also use this situation to pull the trigger on remastering one of its most popular legacy titles, namely, Shaolin Monks.

W in T actual F ? pic.twitter.com/Qnpbo6YHlx

— Ed Boon (@noobde) June 3, 2021

What do you think? Do you think Mortal Kombat 12 is next on the way from NetherRealm, or should we follow Occam’s razor and continue to expect Injustice 3? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to follow Don’t Feed the Gamers on Twitter and Facebook to be informed of the latest gaming and entertainment news 24 hours a day! For more sequel headlines recently featured on DFTG, check out these next few news stories:

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