Tati Gabrielle steps into the iconic role of Jade in the upcoming film Mortal Kombat II, bringing both fan nostalgia and fresh emotional depth to the beloved character. Having built a loyal following through projects like Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Gabrielle now finds herself at the center of one of gaming's most brutal and beloved universes.
In a conversation with ETimes, the actor opens up about her childhood connection to the franchise, the physical demands of the role, reuniting with Adeline Rudolph, and why she believes storytelling should empower audiences—especially women.
Growing Up as a Mortal Kombat Fan
Gabrielle shared that she was a huge Mortal Kombat fan as a kid, and Jade was always her go-to character. “She was the only one who looked like me,” Gabrielle said. “Green was my favorite color as a kid. My inner kid was screaming when I got this role.”
Martial Arts Training for the Role
Having a black belt helped Gabrielle, but she had to learn a whole new set of martial arts for Jade. “I had to work with a Chinese bow instead of a Japanese bow staff. I had to unlearn to relearn—a fun challenge,” she explained.
What Drew Her to Jade
Beyond personal connection, Gabrielle was intrigued by the film's iteration of Jade. “You see her grow into herself. What happens to an orphan girl when her world is diminished? She's pulled from fighting pits by Shao Kahn. Who does she become? I feel honored to tell her story.”
Reuniting with Adeline Rudolph
Gabrielle described working with Rudolph again as a dream. “That's my sister. We were together almost every day. She didn't have a martial arts background but committed fully. We practiced outside the hotel. Watching her grow through this was heartwarming.”
Working with Veterans Hiroyuki Sanada and Karl Urban
Gabrielle called it a mini masterclass. “I've been a fan of Hiroyuki Sanada since childhood. The whole experience was like little kid moments. We felt like one big family—dinners, game nights. It was clear we all wanted this to be awesome.”
Empowering Women Through Storytelling
Gabrielle actively seeks characters with powerful arcs. “We are always redeemable, always looking to grow. I want women to know we have the power. It's an honor to empower women in that way.”
Dealing with Negativity and Casting Criticism
Gabrielle ignores negativity. “If you don't like it, that's your loss. I hope people can have open minds and grow with the times. Naysayers be gone.”
Mortal Kombat II is a follow-up to the 2021 reboot, directed by Simon McQuoid. The story picks up after the events of the first film, with Shang Tsung attempting to eliminate Earth's champions. The long-awaited tournament takes center stage. The film is scheduled for release on May 8, 2026.
