*cracks knuckles*
Okay...this is my prediction.
*...ahhhhhhh...uhh-ahh-ahh, uhh-ahh-ahh, uhh-ahh-ahhahhahhahhahhahh, ahhahhahhahhahhahhllrighty thennnnnnn...*
6 new characters, not counting DLC or unplayable big bad.
24 that already exist.
10 that weren't in the last game.
14 that were.
I predict only 3 of the 8 new characters from MKX come back: Kotal Kahn, Erron Black, and Cassie Cage.
Jacqui gets knocked up, Takeda dies, Kung Jin dies, D'Vorah's gone (maybe to return one day), Ferra/Torr's gone.
That's 3 of the 14.
The other 11 will be... *ohhhhhhhhmmmm* ...Kung Lao, Kenshi, Kitana, Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Kano, Liu, Ermac, Reptile, Raiden, Kano.
And from the MKDA/Deception stories, taking into account who's alive and who's dead, these are my Top 10 Characters That Need To Come Back:
10. Taven. If only because he's essential to the story arc, but he could also turn out awesome.
9. Shang Tsung. Because there's no fucking way he isn't out there somewhere.
8. Nightwolf. His soul finds redemption and cleansing in the Netherrealm and he returns to save Ermac after he's attacked by Shang Tsung (like in his MKX ending).
7. Shujinko. Because the Kamidogu and the 6 realms have been not just hinted at but all but woven into the background and concepts and so on of MKX and MK9 (remember the backgrounds of the Challenge Tower?) and I feel like he's inevitable/gonna be the Impostor Shinnok of MK11.
6. Havik. Chaosrealm. 'Nuff said.
5. Hotaru. Seido needs a leader.
4. Fujin. BECAUSE HE DESERVES IT DAMMIT.
3. Kabal. Don't call it a comeback. #BlackDragonBoyz
2. Daegon. The leader of the Red Dragon finally gets some major play.
1. Ashrah. a redeemed Oni with a holy sword. This has confusing yet satisfying story written all over it.