Four mechanical arms, a million challenges: Goro's odyssey in Mortal Kombat When the first Mortal Kombat movie premiered, there was an undeniable certainty: Goro had to be present. The Shokan prince, with his four arms and imposing figure, was the face of the brutality that defined the saga. However, bringing him to the big screen was a true nightmare for the production team, not just because of his limited screen time. To understand the magnitude of the challenge, one key point must be clarified: Goro was not created using CGI, but as a state-of-the-art animatronic. A mechanical titan, closer to the animatronics of Five Nights At Freddy’s than to any digital effect of the time. Its construction cost a million dollars, a staggering figure within a total budget of 20 million. In the 90s, only major studios could afford realistic digital effects like those in Jurassic Park, and Mortal Kombat was not one of them. The Goro animatronic, created by the award-winning Studio ADI (responsible for creatures in Alien, Predator, and Spider-Man), stood over two meters tall and required up to 13 people to operate. Each arm functioned independently thanks to hydraulic motors and cables, while its face incorporated mechanisms to move the eyes, mouth, and eyebrows, achieving convincing expressions. The result was a blend of technology and craftsmanship that, although limited, commanded respect with every appearance. But the reality behind the scenes was far less glamorous. The animatronic was so complex and delicate that it slowed down filming, required extreme care, and was uncomfortable for those who had to manipulate it or be inside it. The fight scenes, far from the spectacular nature of the video games, were resolved with clever camera angles and quick editing to disguise the limitations of the puppet. Despite everything, doing without Goro was never an option. His silhouette was as iconic as the Mortal Kombat dragon, and his presence was essential to convey the essence of the original game, which revolutionized arcades and the age rating system. Although the film was a pastiche of martial arts and action clichés, Goro was the pillar that upheld the franchise's brutality. The production of Mortal Kombat was fraught with setbacks: Cameron Diaz was set to be Sonya Blade, but an injury sidelined her; Jean Claude Van Damme, the inspiration for Johnny Cage, preferred to star in Street Fighter; and Steve James, chosen for Jax, passed away before filming. However, the biggest headache was undoubtedly Goro. The result, however, was memorable. Although Goro had few scenes and fights, his presence left a mark and allowed characters like Johnny Cage to shine in key moments. The animatronic, far from looking like a simple puppet, integrated perfectly into the film's atmosphere and has aged much better than other digital effects of the time, such as the computer-generated Reptile. Today, the original head of Goro is displayed in the NetherRealm Studios museum, surrounded by trophies and memorabilia from the saga. It is a cult piece for fans and a reminder of a time when practical effects were synonymous with ingenuity and dedication. In retrospect, the animatronic Goro from Mortal Kombat was not only a technical milestone but also a symbol of the passion and risk behind one of the most successful and beloved video game adaptations of the 90s. An achievement that, despite its difficulties, remains a source of pride for those who made it possible.