Artist’s Resume Leak Confirms Injustice 3 Is in Development at NetherRealm Studios

Key facts

• NetherRealm Studios is developing Injustice 3, confirmed by a Warner Bros. Games artist’s resume.
• The artist also listed work on Hogwarts Legacy 2 and two other unannounced projects.
• Ed Boon stated in 2024 that the next project had been in development since 2021.
• The last Injustice game, Injustice 2, was released in 2017.
• NetherRealm’s typical development cycle is three to four years.
• Mortal Kombat 2 movie, featuring Ed Boon cameo, releases May 8, 2025.
• DC Studios CEO James Gunn held discussions with NetherRealm and Rocksteady about DC games.

Leak Reveals Long-Awaited Sequel

A Warner Bros. Games artist inadvertently confirmed the existence of Injustice 3 by listing the title on a professional resume. The artist, whose name has been withheld, included Injustice 3 alongside Hogwarts Legacy 2 and two other unannounced projects. This slip-up provides the most concrete evidence yet that NetherRealm Studios is returning to its DC fighting game franchise. For years, fans have speculated about a third Injustice game, fueled by hints from voice actors and statements from studio leadership. The leak transforms that speculation into near-certainty, though NetherRealm has not issued an official announcement.

Ed Boon’s Long-Standing Plans

NetherRealm creative director Ed Boon revealed in 2024 that the studio had already decided on its next project as far back as 2021. At the time, he did not disclose the title, but the leak now strongly suggests it is Injustice 3. Boon has previously expressed enthusiasm for returning to the Injustice universe, stating he has plenty of ideas for a third entry. The studio’s release pattern supports this direction. Between 2013 and 2019, NetherRealm alternated between Mortal Kombat and Injustice titles. After releasing Mortal Kombat 1 in 2023, the natural next step would be an Injustice game, ending a nearly decade-long wait for DC fans since Injustice 2 in 2017.

James Gunn’s DC Gaming Vision

DC Studios CEO James Gunn met with NetherRealm shortly after taking over the DC Universe, though those talks did not yield concrete plans. Leaks from over a year ago suggested Gunn’s vision involved celebrating DC’s history across multiversal elements, such as Michael Keaton’s Batman fighting Arkham Asylum’s Joker or Clayface from the animated series teaming up with Bane from Batman & Robin. The discussions reportedly aimed to maintain the ferocious tone of the Injustice series while incorporating broader DC lore. However, these early plans were reportedly shelved after Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav intervened, forcing NetherRealm to rush out Mortal Kombat 1 instead. The current status of Gunn’s involvement with Injustice 3 remains unclear.

Timeline and Release Window

Given NetherRealm’s typical three-to-four-year development cycle, Injustice 3 could be announced before the end of 2025 and potentially release as early as 2027. The gap between Mortal Kombat 11 (2019) and Mortal Kombat 1 (2023) was four years, suggesting a similar interval between MK1 and the next NetherRealm title. With nearly three years since the studio’s last release, significant groundwork is likely complete. The leak also comes as NetherRealm prepares for the Mortal Kombat 2 movie, set to hit theaters on May 8, 2025. The film, a sequel to the 2021 reboot, will feature a cameo from Ed Boon himself, thrusting the studio back into the spotlight.

Fan Reactions and Controversies

The leak has sparked mixed reactions among fans. Some express excitement, with one commenter saying they have been asking for this and are a huge DC fan. Others voice disappointment, criticizing the evil Superman narrative and the gear system in Injustice 2. One fan lamented the loss of Kevin Conroy, the iconic voice of Batman who passed away in 2022, and questioned whether Injustice 3 can make up for the long wait. Critics also point to continuity issues in the Injustice universe, such as the return of Green Arrow and Black Canary, Swamp Thing escaping hell, and Doctor Fate losing to Brainiac. The debate highlights the challenge NetherRealm faces in satisfying a divided fanbase while honoring DC lore.

What Comes Next

With the cat out of the bag, all eyes are on NetherRealm and Warner Bros. Games for an official confirmation. The studio has not commented on the leak, but the resume evidence is difficult to dismiss. If the pattern holds, an announcement could come within months. Beyond Injustice 3, the artist’s resume also confirms development of Hogwarts Legacy 2, which Warner Bros. had previously indicated it would pursue. The two unannounced projects remain a mystery. For now, the fighting game community waits for NetherRealm to break its silence.

The bottom line

• Injustice 3 is in active development at NetherRealm Studios, confirmed by a Warner Bros. artist’s resume.
• Ed Boon had planned the project since at least 2021, aligning with the studio’s alternating release pattern.
• James Gunn’s early multiversal DC gaming vision was shelved after David Zaslav’s intervention.
• A 2027 release is plausible based on NetherRealm’s typical development cycle.
• Fan reactions are polarized, with praise for the franchise’s return and criticism of its narrative and mechanics.
• Official confirmation from NetherRealm is expected soon, possibly before the end of 2025.