The anticipation is high for the upcoming *Mortal Kombat 2* movie, set to hit theaters this fall. Following the 2021 reboot, fans are buzzing with excitement and curiosity about how this sequel will perform at the box office and whether it will live up to their expectations. Discussions have been rampant, focusing on the film's budget, potential earnings, casting choices, and possible release date changes. Let's delve into what the online community is saying about *Mortal Kombat 2*.
For those of you who might have missed it. Here is a first look at the Mortal Kombat 2 movie!
Includes shots of Johnny Cage (Karl Urban) Kitana, Shao Kahn and Scorpion! https://t.co/RenOSjHNg0 pic.twitter.com/4uoTdxQfdE
— Ed Boon (@noobde) March 17, 2025
One of the hot topics is the franchise's new protagonist, Cole Young, introduced in the 2021 reboot and played by Lewis Tan. Cole, a character unfamiliar with the Mortal Kombat universe, served as a vehicle for exposition in the reboot. However, many fans express a preference for focusing on established characters. "I really enjoyed the remake except for the new character they created for no reason. Hopefully he takes a backseat in this one," one fan commented. Another hinted at a shift in focus, suggesting that Johnny Cage, portrayed by Karl Urban, might be the new main character, stating, "He isn't the main character anymore, Johnny is. [OK] I'm not sure if it's Johnny but a lot of leaks have said he isn't the MC anymore."
Karl Urban's casting as Johnny Cage has stirred some controversy, especially regarding his age. "Who the hell made this thinking Karl Urban is the perfect guy for Johnny Cage?" one fan questioned, while another noted, "I like Karl Urban but at 49 he is miscast and doesn't have the outlandish optimistic charisma that Cage has in the lore." Some fans suggested alternative actors like Glen Powell, Chris Evans, Austin Butler, Jack Quaid, or The Miz. However, Urban's defenders argue that he has a versatile track record and could surprise audiences, with one fan comparing it to Heath Ledger's casting as The Joker: "Have you seen the movie yet? People said the same thing about Ledger being The Joker. While I’m not suggesting this movie or performance will be anywhere on that level, I think it's unfair to suggest Urban can't pull it off. The dude has been really good in a ton of very different roles."
Financial aspects of the sequel are also under scrutiny. On a r/BoxOffice thread, one fan predicted that *Mortal Kombat 2* could earn around $250 million, suggesting that "If the budget stays reasonable, that wouldn’t be too bad." Another fan estimated the film's return at under $300 million, adding that "it’ll do huge on streaming. It doesn’t need no more than a 5-6 week long theater run."
Mortal Kombat's Bizarre History of Movie and TV Adaptations
10 Images
Budget discussions were influenced by the SAG-AFTRA strikes that delayed filming in July 2023, resuming in November 2023 and concluding by January 2024. One user noted, "This probably made sense when the budget was less than the first but then strike delays blew it up."
Some fans are skeptical about the sequel's success, with one expressing, "Feel like this might bomb honestly. First one wasn’t even well received and I doubt people will be rushing out to see this sequel. Also weird late October release date." Suggestions for adjusting the release calendar included moving it to January or February 2026. However, others believe Karl Urban's popularity from *The Boys* could boost the film's performance: "I think you’re underestimating how big The Boys is, it has 55 million international viewers. I think the movie will do solid even outside the U.S."
Despite mixed opinions, many fans are genuinely excited about the film. "First one was good fun and I loved these silly action movies growing up," one fan shared. "Looking forward to this." Another added, "F—k me but I’m excited for it. I liked the first one. It was corny but it’s Mortal Kombat which isn’t high art." A third fan emphasized the potential of video game movies, stating, "This sub really needs to stop underestimating Video Game Movies."
Rumors about shifting the release date to August, currently held by Paul Thomas Anderson's *One Battle After Another*, have also surfaced. "That would make more sense," one fan remarked. "The PTA movie would get a Venice premiere and awards season, while Mortal Kombat gets late summer." Another agreed, stating, "MK screams August, IMO."
As the release date approaches, fans remain highly engaged with *Mortal Kombat 2*. The debates and discussions will undoubtedly continue until the movie's premiere. One thing is clear: the excitement for this sequel is palpable. K.O.
What do you think about Mortal Kombat 2? Let us know in the comments!
