Jakarta, IDN Times – Among the many reasons Joe Taslim is excited about Mortal Kombat 2, one subtle detail stands out as particularly personal: his character’s weapon of choice. While stepping back into the shoes of Bi Han, the Indonesian actor discovered a unique, deeply personal connection to the role through the inclusion of the celurit.
Beyond this striking weapon choice, many fans have wondered: did Joe Taslim incorporate elements of Indonesian martial arts into the film’s intense combat choreography? Here is the breakdown of his experience on set.
1. A Cultural Connection Through the Celurit
Joe Taslim feels a profound bond between his character, Bi Han—who transforms into the formidable Noob Saibot—and his own Indonesian heritage. In the sequel, Bi Han wields a celurit, a sickle-shaped blade. For Joe, this is more than just a prop; it is a bridge between his character and his roots.
“The celurit is iconic in Indonesia, particularly known as a traditional weapon from Madura,” Joe explained during an interview with IDN Times on May 6, 2026. “Seeing this character utilize a weapon that mirrors our own cultural heritage created an instant, personal connection for me.”
2. Incorporating Indonesian Martial Arts
While the cultural resonance of the weapon is significant, Joe clarified that the fight choreography was strictly overseen by the production’s action director. The sequences were meticulously designed by the professional stunt team, and Joe’s primary responsibility was to bring those visions to life while staying true to Bi Han’s persona.
“In terms of the actual combat choreography, we followed the lead of our action director,” he noted. However, this does not mean the performance lacked his personal touch. Joe subtly infused his own style into his movements, strikes, and defensive maneuvers, ensuring that his identity as a seasoned martial artist permeated every frame.
3. A New Arsenal for Noob Saibot
Interestingly, the introduction of the celurit is an exclusive feature of Mortal Kombat 2. In the previous film, Bi Han’s iteration as Sub-Zero relied almost exclusively on ice-based powers and elemental weaponry, which have been staples of the franchise for decades.
This tactical shift aligns with his transformation into Noob Saibot, an entirely different entity from Sub-Zero. This evolution provides him with a fresh visual identity, with the celurit quickly becoming one of the most iconic elements of his new, darker persona. Curious to see how this lethal blade fares in the arena? Mortal Kombat 2 has been available in theaters since May 6, 2026.
Related Reading:
Hollywood Offers Keep Coming for Joe Taslim, but Why is He Selective?
Ludi Lin on Playing Liu Kang: Mortal Kombat Wouldn’t Exist Without Joe Taslim
Joe Taslim Introduces Indonesian Instant Noodles to the Mortal Kombat 2 Cast
Summary
In Mortal Kombat 2, actor Joe Taslim expressed pride in his character Bi Han’s use of the celurit, a traditional Indonesian sickle-shaped blade. Taslim noted that incorporating this culturally significant weapon created a deep, personal connection to his role as he transforms into the formidable Noob Saibot. This unique addition marks a tactical shift from the ice-based combat seen in the first film, giving his character a distinct and darker visual identity.
While the combat choreography was professionally managed by the film’s stunt team, Taslim integrated his own martial arts background into the performance. He subtly infused his specific style into the strikes and defensive maneuvers to ensure authenticity. The film, featuring this new arsenal, has been available in theaters since its release on May 6, 2026.