Kung Lao

Kung Lao is a recurring character in the Mortal Kombat fighting game franchise. He is a Shaolin monk and a descendant of the Great Kung Lao, a champion of Earthrealm defeated by Goro 500 years before the events of the first Mortal Kombat tournament. He is characterized by his razor-rimmed hat, which he uses as a weapon.

Kung Lao, initially reluctant to follow in his ancestor's footsteps, eventually joins the fight against Outworld's forces alongside Liu Kang and other Earthrealm warriors. He is a skilled martial artist specializing in hat-based techniques and possesses abilities related to teleportation and spin attacks.

Within the Mortal Kombat narrative, Kung Lao is portrayed as a noble and honorable warrior, dedicated to protecting Earthrealm from external threats. His relationship with Liu Kang is central to his character, serving as both a comrade and a friendly rival. He often struggles to live up to the legacy of his ancestor while forging his own path as a protector of Earthrealm. Kung Lao has appeared in numerous Mortal Kombat games, comic books, animated series, and films, becoming a recognizable figure in the franchise.