Shang Tsung Origin - Purely Evil Sorceror's Unsatiable Thirst For Souls Makes Him A Fearsome Monster

[@daviddaniel6949]

I always loved how soft-spoken the actor from the 90's film was. "Too late Lord Raiden...."

[@ryukomatoi592]

And the actor appeared in mk11!

[@LoveShaysloco]

your soul is mine lol

[@damianstarks3338]

@@ryukomatoi592 I know and he is awesome in mk 11 !

[@envystxx]

yep, deceptive asf.

[@OdinSmilesRavensLaugh72051]

Aye Cary Tagawa was a great actor he really gave Shang Tsung the performance he deserved for what it was, even when he came in for a brief few scenes in the MK webseries "Legacy" that brought back some brilliant memories, the scene with liu kang in the restaurant speaking about past hence events... shame they didnt bring out the 3rd season it had such wasted potential 🤷‍♂️😆 a bald Shang Tsung damn just made him look more evil than Dr Evil himself 🤦‍♂️

[@Dudewithguns-ww7wc]

Bringing Shang Tsung back in Aftermath was one of the best things ever done

[@silence6813]

What makes it more better when the got his actor from the movie to portray and voice him in the game

[@OdinSmilesRavensLaugh72051]

Cary Tagawa really gave shang tsung his personality/character what it needed, guy really brought the idea to life with his portrayal in the '95 film, i always thought he was sorta modelled after Lo pan outa big trouble in little China 😆😆 Still my favourite MK Villain to this day

[@joshuainadagbo4771]

Me too!!!

[@williamsweat6334]

He is

[@sokarxanthus9454]

Not realy Bruce Locke can easly rival him. In my opinion Lockes apearenc as Shang Tsung surpass Taganawa.

[@Paul_The_Spaceman]

Also Raiden was ripped from that film.

[@markjustdiditc]

man a movie where Raiden was guiding Shang Tsung as the champion of earth realm would be sick....

[@SupportGamin2024]

It would literally be the same story of Raiden Mentoring Liu kang,no difference,Shang tsung is literally just liu kang if he went evil and joined Shao kahn's side

[@lallu316]

I'm glad they went back to this narrator. He's the best of the ones this channel has used for MK Lore videos.

[@damianstarks3338]

Yes yes and yes I was waiting for this video Shang Tsung is one of the most iconi villains in mk history. Your soul is mine !

[@nemopouncey3827]

like how he started out as an old dude.

[@smokedog9677]

Shang is the real Big Boss if you ask me. He has tricked everyone, Raiden, Kahn, Quan Chi, Shang will always be there, waiting in the background for his chance to take power. He is Lex Luthar, Freeza, The Joker, it wouldn't be MK without him.

[@forickgrimaldus8301]

Fun fact one of the 1st Dynasties im China is called the Shang Dynasty, prosumedly ruled by Priest Kings

[@TevyaSmolka]

I love Cary tagawa as Shang Tsung he’s really awesome and badass.

[@damianstarks3338]

Yes yes and yes you completely read my mind.

[@TevyaSmolka]

@@damianstarks3338 indeed :)

[@dominicksignoretti315]

WOW WHAT A HELL OF A TONGUE TWISTER : SHAO, SHANG, and CHI !! I wonder how many takes it took for him to get that right without messing up or laughing !!!

[@coryakabueze4541]

Your soul is mine

[@shiftstart]

Cary Tagswa demonstrated if you over exaggerate your facial expressions, You become instant canon in MK universe.

[@mikeabba1990]

I can still remember fighting Shang Tsung in the first MK clearly. After countless defeats against Goro you finally get to fight the main man... and he's a little, malnourished, oriental Merlin looking guy who skates across the screen at Usain speeds, and that's his main attack, as himself that is. When you see him morph into other characters it's cool as f#ck, you don't know what's coming next, excellent final fight. MK1 did what it had to, it delivered a story that intrigued, entertained and left us pining for the next release! In MK3 when you see his new appearance, and the fact he's playable, delightful! Rubbing the buttons on my PlayStation pad to get him to change form wasn't so good, but you were ohh so satisfied when you got him to change form regardless of if you won or most likely, lost. If you can remember all the combinations to get him to change into other characters, plus memorise Shang's own moves, you're a dangerous foe. If you can't, Lu Kang and Cyrax are the guys that make the other guys toss and turn in their beds

[@FliCityBoi_810Gaming]

I always had to write his morph inputs on a sheet of paper

[@TheMan-je5xq]

It was actually MK2 where he was first playable. It’s funny in the first game he looked very old and weak in his old form but in MK9 and MK11 in his old form he looks reasonably formidable, not helpless without shape shifting

[@supachef_dmoney_4]

Shang Tsung is a Top 10 villain across fiction and top villain in the MK Universe imo. Homie is so evil and cunning that you gotta love it

[@samdustinchris]

Let’s face it, Cary Tagawa is Shang Tsung and is the only reason that character exists in the first place.

[@OdinSmilesRavensLaugh72051]

Your speaking my kinda langauge 🙋‍♂️ Cary really brought Shangs character to life, that said im sure our other selves the same thing about jackie chan in an alternate universe 😆 a few multis along the row hahah

[@chengfu7063]

Pretty sure ho sung pak might disagree with you just a little bit considering the game's Creation in 1991

[@samdustinchris]

@@chengfu7063 That’s a made up name and you’re trying to get your soul eaten.

[@lord-of-the-shinobi-world]

Tagawa Hiroyuki made Shang Tsung become well known, but he did not make Shang Tsung exist. Shang Tsung was portrayed by Ho Sung Pak in 1991 game already.

[@Darthmgtow]

We all agree Cary Tagawa IS Shang Tsung...

[@shainewhite2781]

Flawless Victory.

[@bobagucci502]

So much stuff from mortal Kombat was taken form big trouble in little china

[@Nick-up5wv]

And Enter the Dragon.🐉

[@WellAlwaysBeFriends]

People say that aftermath as a dlc and how it was put together and carried out sucked. And I can see that. But damn NO ONE faulted Shang Tsung or Tagawa for that. Both got a pass. Tagawa just nails Shang Tsung both as dangerous and extremely charming and manipulative. No other portrayal of the character has truly done both. When I first saw the 1995 movie we ordered it at a hotel and because it was an hour in, when I first saw him, I thought, “THAT’S NOT SHANG TSUNG! Who’s this guy? This movie sucks! They ruined it! He doesn’t even LOOK LIKE HIM!” I was 9 at the time. But when I finally watched it all the way through I was like “Tagawa IS SHANG TSUNG!” And honestly he still loves playing him and telling people “YOUR SOUL IS MINE!” Unlike most actors, I don’t think he minds being typecasted. And we all love him for that and it shows in his work. The evil sorcerer has treated Tagawa quite well. Shang Tsung truly is a cunning manipulative bastard!

[@Rdc_Dom]

My favorite character in all of Mortal Kombat. His personality is just so entertaining.

[@curezilla]

Raiden and Kung Lao were always my favorites to play. It seems like I had a thing for fighters that could port one way or another. Killer Instinct I always played Fulgore, Yoshimitsu in Tekken. I miss those old arcade tourneys!

[@rockk9753]

I always play Yoshimitsu as well him and Kazuya, in killer instinct I like Fulgore too and Cinder, in MK I play as Raiden, I like characters like Raiden, Cinder, and M Bison how they have those flying attacks that go accross the screen like the psycho crusher

[@foodforthought92]

this sums up ALOT more than just him, thanks

[@EdgedShadow]

I never understood how Shang, as an Earth Realmer, could compete in MK on the side of Outland while Bo-rai Cho, an Outlander couldn't fight on the side of earth.

[@Nick-up5wv]

Shang was ORIGINALLY from Earthrealm and betrayed it in favor of Outworld. By linking his soul to Shao Kahn his battles now result in a victory for Outworld. Bo Rai Cho is a warrior of honor; whom believes in the rules of Mortal kombat, and so STILL would represent Outworld because he never let his loyalty sway; despite wanting Earthrealm to win in order to be saved from Shao Kahn. I always assumed Bo Rai Cho was from another Realm, or possibly Edenia, but it was conquered by Shao Kahn and he still remained loyal to his own realm, now under the control of Outworld. Now that he's officially a native of Outworld he still fights for his home. Therefore he can't compete himself because he would claim a victory for Outworld, but also Shao Kahn. He's not a cheater. Shang Tsung is.

[@alexandaralexandrov3530]

For me, the best STsung and best mk adaptation was Mortal Kombat Conquest series.... it was epic and them actors were cool ND badass

[@MeshuggahDave.]

I know this content gonna be right up my alley! THANK YOU

[@angelaholmes8888]

Carey did a great job playing shang tsung in the original mortal kombat film

[@tyrojames9937]

Shang Tshung= Mr. Sinister!😀😀

[@Matayis_Patchbelly]

Still the best villain in the MK franchise!

[@younglove3362]

Shao Kahn begs to differ

[@Matayis_Patchbelly]

@@younglove3362 I’m sure he does! lol

[@andrewbarragan3756]

Shang Tsung my favorite villain

[@Sweet_Dae]

Shang Tsung is one snake type of person. I am surprise that he make the powerful crown for Cronica who happens to be a titan. Still he will be around in mortal kombat.

[@angelaholmes8888]

I really enjoyed shang tsung in mortal kombat 2021 movie

[@Nick-up5wv]

The actor was good. The writing was bad. He didn't really have much presence outside of killing Kung Lao; an act; which by the way, should have been motivation for Lui Kang for the sequel, and NOT stupid Cole Young.

[@jeremiahbrown4284]

I agree girl

[@Mickey-v7p]

Revolver Ocelot: So, you are proficient in the art of backstabbing, eh? Shang Tsung: Yes, I’m truly capable of screwing everyone over and I’m always ten steps ahead of everyone. Unlike you, my endgame is always this: I alone must come out on top and I won’t hesitate to betray everyone just to get what I want.

[@Nick-up5wv]

So that was VERY good coverage of Shang Tsung, but I couldn't help but notice you didn't touch on his role in MK Konquest; the TV series. In that he betrays his Master, Bo, and learns his soul steal teqnique for the first time and than pledges his aligance to Shoa Kahn for the first time as well. Bruce Locke is one of my favorite performers too; besides Cary of course. Cary is the ULTIMATE Shang Tsung! 😉Anyway great video other than that.

[@ZekeThePlumber86]

Will always be my main and favorite character! I was so glad to have him in MK11, but I know he won't be playable in 12. Hopefully Quan Chi or Shinnok make it! I need my sorcerer character!

[@mattyice_11]

he’s playable

[@tristan364]

And Quan is coming too

[@Michaeljordan147]

Shang tsung is the goat

[@cecilyhughlett7474]

I want Shang Tsung to ACTUALLY have a demon form ACTUALLY revealed to him in the Mortal Kombat franchise FOR REAL AND FOR GOOD ONE DAY!

[@brooklynL919]

You forgot his contingency plan for when Shao Kahn took his soul. That was always Ermac's purpose

[@thugzman7890]

Amazing video!!

[@bryangaldamez790]

the first 7 seconds are the best part of the video

[@nemopouncey3827]

this is the guy who broke Liu kang's neck in deadly alliance.

[@shandell279]

I already appreciated this coverage on my favorite villain, but let's also appreciate this man's beautiful voice. Audiobook apps want to know your location. Thank you, sir.

[@Azriel261]

Cary Tagawa was asked to do the voice over for Shang Tsung and he agreed when he saw that the character carried his resemblance

[@xiaoxianniang69]

shang tsung is not just only from mortal kombat but she's also from dead or alive as well

[@cecilyhughlett7474]

I want Shang Tsung to ACTUALLY have kids in the Mortal Kombat franchise ALSO!

[@AncestorEmpire1]

Shang Tsung vs M. Bison

[@Nick-up5wv]

Bison focuses on "Soul Power." What do you think 🤔 is Shang Tsung's bread and butter? Honestly this isn't even a contest. Shang Tsung wins HANDS down and probably goes on to kill the REST of the Street Fighter cast. I'd assume Shang Tsung would be cunning and steal Rose's soul FIRST and THAN challenge Bison.

[@AncestorEmpire1]

@@Nick-up5wv maybe

[@ajx2956]

Interesting

[@lordronn472]

I wonder what you guys think of Sindel and the retcon

[@chrissotrill]

I can’t believe they really made him a DLC you shouldn’t have to pay for Shang tsung come tf on

[@djesoterik4582]

I wouldn't say most devious and evil that has havik's name all over it

[@SayDatShiii...]

My guy

[@chesspunk489]

I don't know much about modern Mortal Kombat, but that cowboy character just seems so out of place.

[@richarddixon7284]

We all know cannon is picking shang in the end..

[@brandonmoss7976]

What do you mean it's unclear who won)/? in the battle of Armageddon it is Sho Kahn who won

[@Nick-up5wv]

He meant Shang Tsung and Lui Kang, I think?🤔 Also I call bull on Shao Kahn's victory. He was no where NEAR the damn pyramid!😡 Honestly they could have played out MK 9 the same way; just have Shang Tsung fighting Raiden; instead of Shao Kahn. He was at the very TOP of the pyramid for Pete's Sake!!!😱 That's ok though; because NRS learned their lesson in MK Aftermath and; although it might not have been the greatest of stories, corrected the mistake MKA made and made Shang Tsung the OG big bad; like he was always meant to be.😉

[@SupportGamin2024]

​@Nick-up5wv let it go Shao Kahn won end of story

[@urb-traymontlegend-p.9168]

Will you please do a Mileena origins video,please??!!!

[@boonski]

I was hoping you could explain how he was Born in Earthrealm, how would any of his wins after his devotion to Outworld count for Outworld? Completely contradicts Bo Rai Cho.

[@Nick-up5wv]

He sold his soul to Shao Kahn and pledged loyalty to Outworld. Also this DOES contradict Bo Rai Cho because Shang Tsung is a cheater. Bo Rai Cho was already an Outworld representative and chooses to obey the rules of Mortal Kombat. He DID however train Lui Kang and Kung Lao to defend Earthrealm; so he's sorta betraying Outworld, but there's nothing wrong with training warriors for Mortal Kombat. He, himself isn't competing, so he helps Earthrealm representatives try to sway the odds in Earthrealm's favor, so Shao Kahn and Shang Tsung can be defeated and maybe HIS former realm and home will be liberated for him.

[@boonski]

@@Nick-up5wv I still think this is a glaring contradiction.

[@Nick-up5wv]

@@boonski Shang Tsung is a cheater. Midway/NRS are poor writers at times. Take your pick.

[@forickgrimaldus8301]

I have a fan fic where Shang is actually the Last King of the Shang Dynasty, once a Wise Philosopher and Scholar who once aided Earthrealm, however he grew paranoid at the thought of death and desired Immortality by trying to create an elxier to extend his life seeing his Morality as an unfair curse, while it did made him Immortal at 1st he can't control his powers making him weaken and Age Rapidly killing his entire Dynastic court including his family in the process, until Shao Khan, in the guise of a Nomadic Mercenary taught him his magic, while this helped Shang Tsung rule with an iron fist, he was deposed by Raiden and his Champions being forced to flee to Outworld vowing to forever Curse Earthrealm.

[@Nick-up5wv]

@@forickgrimaldus8301 That sounds pretty cool actually

[@cslack813]

Did you proofread this at all? There are tons of script errors

[@GoranDzelajlija120]

Yo, i dont understand if shang tsung died in mk9 how did he get back in mk11?

[@sokarxanthus9454]

Why you never mention Schang Tsung in MK Conqest the best MK series ever existed ?

[@pervysage5609]

How come stang stung never tried getting geras soul imagine the power he could of got if he did and would geras died if he did since he's immortal ???? Question in ask myself everytime

[@banke8480]

Mate...

[@Nick-up5wv]

I don't think Gerus would truly have a soul to steal. He's a construct; basically a puppet or doll of some sort. He keeps coming back due to Kronika's magic; or whatever, but I would think that Now Kronika is completely dead; possibly it IS Mortal Kombat, if Gerus were to die again there's a good chance he MAY not come back without Kronika's influence. So basically he never TRUELY was alive, hence is probably soulless, as a result, and I don't believe Shang Tsung would gain any additional power level as a result. Don't get me wrong, Gerus is indeed powerful; and Shang Tsung could take advantage, but I don't believe he would benefit as much as you'd believe. He'd be MORE powerful if his MKX ending were cannon and he offed Ermac.

[@genequist3859]

Came here to parrot the pro-Cary Tagawa sentiments.

[@thegeekhustler]

I always like to think that the Mortal Kombat Champion was always given prolonged life, so when Shang Tsung was caught cheating, the Elder Gods stripped that away from him. Thus, this explains why Shang Tsung ages quickly, in my opinion.

[@thegeekhustler]

Other races, by default, live for hundreds or even thousands of years... so prolonged life might not mean much to them.

[@thegeekhustler]

The primary reason why I believe that every Champion is given prolonged life is because I feel like they should be allowed to retain their fighting prime for the next tournament (which would be improbable if someone from Earthrealm had to wait another 50 years-ish for the next tournament).

[@kaijukoopa1248]

@@thegeekhustler that is how they did it in the old TV show

[@smokedog9677]

Yeah him and Omegis, remember her, that sexy sorceress? 😊 Mmmmm Omegis. .......😳 oh 😨 ummm anyway! They cheat by trying to use soul steal which costs him the tournament. Raiden turn his back on him.

[@cuylshepherdton7437]

Unsatiable is not a word. Insatiable is though.

[@GODsARMY121]

0:58 What is that inside fujin mouth.

[@SugarRayCharles.]

How the FOOK did Liu Kang beat Shao Kahn (who's more powerful than Shang Tsung) but managed to get killed by Quan Chi and Shang Tsung in Mk-Deadly Alliance? *Conor McGregor voice*

[@Nick-up5wv]

Allegedly he was caught off guard. For SOME odd reason Lui Kang's " Inner Chi" was on vacation that day and he was unable to recognize that Shang Tsung was masquerading as Kung Lao. Than when he finally figured it out; Quan Chi delivered a death blow from behind; providing a distraction, and giving Tsung the ability to finally kill Lui Kang. The whole premise relies on Lui Kang acting like a dumbass; where as he beat Shao Kahn because Kahn is a dumbass. Ok NOW Kahn is a dumbass.🙄 BEFORE he was as cunning as he was brutal. Don't know HOW Lui Kang won before. I guess with Shao Kahn he prepared and harnessed "Inner Chi." With Shang Tsung he didn't focus on his "Inner Chi" because he was training and meditating or something and ACTUALLY believed Shang Tsung was his training partner and best friend/brother Kung Lao.

[@SugarRayCharles.]

Makes total sense!

[@Nick-up5wv]

@@SugarRayCharles. 😆

[@rb_thebarchitect5236]

Least you learned how to pronounce Shang Tsung for this !!!!

[@svengallus8336]

He is are very "good" villan.

[@angelaholmes8888]

Yes he is 💯

[@Masedogg10k]

why are people calling the great kung lao the first earthrelm champ when he technically not...

[@TM-lv9so]

This is a copy paste vid from another channel called History behind the warrior. Stop stealing content like that, it’s actually rude🤦🏻‍♂️

[@KERRYPIKE]

Video games are always fun to play.

[@rangothetango001]

The Shang Lao idea woulda been cool honestly

[@rul1175]

MK story is very stupid and constantly changing. They need the writers of the original DB-DBZ

[@Skye2993]

What no they don’t they don’t need DB writers they would make it worse and fu*k it up

[@damienservidio2488]

Gear-ass 😂

[@gerardorodriguez7500]

He’s not my favorite

[@gregormiller5490]

10 thousand? In Plan? Your informations are incorrect! In many Things! 😢

[@adlyhamilton8240]

and he is a scammer to

[@johnsw224]

3:04....he cheated and thus broke the rules? That's what cheating means