TLDR: Ludi Lin says that his character Liu Kang is way more complex and deep in Mortal Kombat II.

Leveling Up Liu Kang
The sequel presents Liu Kang in a darker and more powerful stage of his journey. Lin, a longtime manga and anime fan, described the character’s evolution as a “Super Saiyan upgrade,” reflecting both the increased intensity and heightened physicality of the role.
To prepare, Lin grew out his own hair instead of relying on the wig used in the first film and added significant muscle mass to handle the sequel’s more demanding fight choreography.
Also, we have more action-packed movies coming our way to TGV Cinemas!
Ludi Lim Might Also Be Pivoting to Drama
Lin’s upcoming projects point toward a broader creative shift. Eternity, a sensual heist film shot across Italy and Greece, is set to wrap in Jan, while Finding Theo, an indie drama exploring identity and family, is preparing to begin production.
He is also attached to a meta project set in Singapore and Indonesia.
For Lin, the goal is to showcase range beyond action. He has found dramatic opportunities in Chinese cinema and now hopes to bring that same versatility to both Eastern and Western audiences. As he puts it, his bet is on Asia.