Mortal Kombat 2 film producer asks ‘why the f**k’ critics who ‘have never played the game’ were allowed to review it

May 7, 2026 - 23:25

Todd Garner, a producer on the upcoming "Mortal Kombat 2" film, has taken aim at film critics who he believes are unqualified to judge the movie. In a recent social media post, Garner questioned why reviewers who "have never played the game" were given early access to screen the sequel. He argued that these critics lack the necessary context to fairly evaluate a film based on a beloved video game franchise.

Garner did not hold back, asking "why the fk" someone with no connection to the source material would be allowed to shape public opinion on the project. He claimed that such reviewers "don't have any love for the genre" and therefore cannot appreciate what fans want to see on screen. The producer's comments come as the film prepares for a theatrical release, following the 2021 reboot which received mixed reviews from mainstream critics but was generally well-received by fans of the game.

The debate highlights an ongoing tension between film critics and the audiences that video game adaptations aim to serve. Garner's frustration suggests that he believes the movie was made for players first, not for critics who may dismiss it as mindless violence. Whether his blunt remarks will sway the conversation remains to be seen, but they have certainly sparked a heated discussion online.