Fans of the iconic fighting game series are in for a treat as Mortal Kombat 2 has unveiled a first look at several new characters set to grace the screen in the upcoming movie sequel. Entertainment Weekly has shared captivating images of Karl Urban as the flamboyant Johnny Cage, Martyn Ford as the formidable Shao Kahn, and Adeline Rudolph as the elegant Kitana, alongside the return of Hiroyuki Sanada reprising his role as Scorpion.
The anticipation around Karl Urban's portrayal of Johnny Cage, known for his role as Billy Butcher in The Boys, has been high, especially after his image appeared on an in-universe poster for a Cage movie. The newly released image showcases a fresh-faced Urban sporting Cage's signature hairstyle and sunglasses, striking a classic martial arts pose. In the background, we catch glimpses of Ludi Lin as Liu Kang, Mehcad Brooks as Jax, and Jessica McNamee as Sonya Blade, adding to the excitement.
First looks at Johnny Cage, Shao Khan, Kitana, and Scorpion in Mortal Kombat 2 film:
Karl Urban ➡️ Johnny Cage
Martyn Ford ➡️ Shao Kahn
Adeline Rudolph ➡️ Kitana
Hiroyuki Sanada reprises as Scorpion
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#MortalKombat2 pic.twitter.com/7ifeMHzhC6
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Entertainment Weekly also featured a quote from Ed Boon, the co-creator of the Mortal Kombat series at NetherRealm Studios, discussing Johnny Cage's role in the sequel. "His integration into the Mortal Kombat story and universe is a big part of what this movie explores," Boon stated. He highlighted that Urban's portrayal of Cage brings a fresh take to the character, describing him as a "washed-up Hollywood guy thrown into this magical, ultra-violent thing." Boon teased a "ridiculously hilarious" introduction for Cage, while director Simon McQuoid emphasized the depth Urban brings to the role, ensuring the character doesn't become too light or throwaway.
In exciting news for gamers, Entertainment Weekly confirmed that movie-accurate skins for Urban's Johnny Cage, Rudolph's Kitana, and Ford's Shao Kahn will be available in Mortal Kombat 1 later this year, bridging the gap between the film and the game.
Adding to the roster, Damon Herriman will portray Quan Chi, while Josh Lawson and Max Huang make a surprising return as Kano and Kung Lao, respectively, despite their characters' demise in the first film. Boon explained that the lore of the Mortal Kombat games, which often bends the rules of life and death, allows for such comebacks: "So we deal with spirits and the NetherRealm and things like that," he said. "There are ways to bring dead characters back."
Rounding out the cast, Tati Gabrielle will play Jade, and Ana Thu Nguyen will portray Queen Sindel. Mortal Kombat 2 is slated to hit theaters on October 24, 2025, promising fans an exhilarating continuation of the saga.
