Karl Urban's Johnny Cage Reveal in Mortal Kombat 2 Sparks Online Frenzy

The highly anticipated sequel to the 2021 Mortal Kombat reboot, titled *Mortal Kombat 2*, is set to hit theaters this fall. Following the success of the first film, fans are eagerly dissecting every detail—from the budget and potential box office performance to the casting and release date. With new looks at characters like Johnny Cage, Shao Kahn, and Kitana, the excitement is palpable. Let's explore the online buzz and predictions surrounding this sequel. Get ready for the ultimate showdown!

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

The 2021 reboot introduced Cole Young, portrayed by Lewis Tan, as a newcomer to the Mortal Kombat universe. Cole served as a relatable entry point for new fans but has sparked debate among long-time enthusiasts who prefer established characters to take center stage. "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 expressed. Another hinted at a shift in focus, saying, "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."

The announcement that Karl Urban will portray Johnny Cage has stirred mixed reactions. Some fans are thrilled, while others question his suitability due to age concerns. "Who the hell made this thinking Karl Urban is the perfect guy for Johnny Cage?" one fan questioned, while another added, "I like Karl Urban but at 49 he is miscast and doesn't have the outlandish optimistic charisma that Cage has in the lore." Suggestions for alternative actors like Glen Powell, Chris Evans, Austin Butler, Jack Quaid, or The Miz surfaced, but Urban's defenders are quick to point out his versatility and past successes. "Have you seen the movie yet? People said the same thing about Ledger being The Joker," a fan argued, while another humorously stated, "Primitive monkey brain triggers 'Karl Urban in movie, take my money.'"

The budget and box office potential of *Mortal Kombat 2* are hot topics among fans. A Redditor speculated that the film could gross around $250 million, with another suggesting, "If the budget stays reasonable, that wouldn’t be too bad." Optimism about streaming success was also noted, with one fan predicting, "Under $300 million. But 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

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Production delays due to the SAG-AFTRA strikes in July 2023 caused some concern, but filming resumed in November 2023 and wrapped up by January 2024. Despite these setbacks, some fans remain skeptical about the film's success. "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," one fan commented, suggesting a potential shift in the release calendar. "If I was WB I would push Zach Cregger’s Weapons up to late October and push this to January or February 2026." However, others believe Karl Urban's popularity from The Boys could boost the film's appeal. "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.," a fan countered.

Despite the mixed reactions, many fans are genuinely excited for *Mortal Kombat 2*. "First one was good fun and I loved these silly action movies growing up," one Redditor shared. "Looking forward to this." Another enthusiast exclaimed, "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 pointed out the growing success of video game adaptations, stating, "This sub really needs to stop underestimating Video Game Movies."

There's also chatter about a possible release date swap, moving *Mortal Kombat 2* to August, a slot currently held by Paul Thomas Anderson’s *One Battle After Another*. "That would make more sense," a user suggested. "The PTA movie would get a Venice premiere and awards season, while Mortal Kombat gets late summer." Another fan agreed, saying, "MK screams August, IMO."

As we await the release of *Mortal Kombat 2*, the anticipation and debate among fans continue to fuel the conversation. Whether you're skeptical or excited, one thing is certain: this sequel is set to be a major talking point until its premiere. Get ready for the next round!

What do you think about Mortal Kombat 2? Let us know in the comments!