"MORTAL KOMBAT KRUSADES" A FIRM GO FOR FALL 1998 DEBUT (May 18, 1998 - Burbank, CA)

Mortal Kombat Krusades," the one-hour, syndicated weekly live-action series based on the highly successful "Mortal Kombat" franchise, has been declared a firm go for fall 1998 with more than 90% clearance, it was announced today by Scott Carlin, Executive Vice President, Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution, and Robert Friedman, President, New Line Television. The series will be executive produced by Larry Kasanoff, producer of both feature films and other media related to the property.

"Mortal Kombat Krusades" is a joint venture between New Line Television (which will produce the series with Kasanoff and his Threshold Entertainment) and Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution (which will market and distribute the series).

The series has been cleared for weekend timeslots on 90 stations (including all 40 of the top 40 markets) and on The WB Television Network's The WeB (a unique network within a network launching in fall 1998 which is comprised of 111 cable affiliates covering markets 100+). All in all, the series has been cleared in more than 90% of the country. Stations in top 10 markets clearing the series are: WCBS-TV (New York), KCAL-TV (Los Angeles), WCIU-TV (Chicago), WPSG-TV (Philadelphia), KOFY-TV (San Francisco), WABU-TV (Boston), WDCA-TV (Washington, DC), KTXA-TV (Dallas), WDWB-TV (Detroit) and WATL-TV (Atlanta).

"This series is based on one of the most successful and recognizable franchises in the world and we're convinced that with 'Mortal Kombat Krusades' we have a hit in the making," said Carlin. "Stations are recognizing the potential of a series that will be produced with the same quality and incredible special effects as its hugely popular preceding feature films."

"We believe 'Mortal Kombat Krusades' represents the best in action adventure programming," said Friedman. "The box office success of the feature films is a testament to the enormous popularity of this franchise and we are confident that millions of 'Mortal Kombat' fans will embrace the television series when it premieres this fall."

"I've always believed the future of 'Mortal Kombat' lies in television," said Kasanoff. "We are thrilled to bring the property to such a powerful medium with our partners Warner Bros. and New Line."

The "Mortal Kombat" series will follow the adventures of Kung Lao and his companions as they defend Earth against the forces of Outworld in Mortal Kombat--a tournament based on honor and tradition. The series will feature exciting martial arts sequences and special effects.