Fans of the iconic fighting game franchise are in for a treat as Mortal Kombat 2 has unveiled a thrilling first look at several new characters joining the sequel. Entertainment Weekly has shared exclusive images of Karl Urban stepping into the shoes of Johnny Cage, Martyn Ford embodying the menacing Shao Kahn, and Adeline Rudolph portraying the graceful Kitana. Alongside these new additions, the beloved Hiroyuki Sanada returns to his role as Scorpion, delighting fans with his reprisal.
The anticipation around Karl Urban's portrayal of Johnny Cage, a character known for his egocentric Hollywood charm, has been palpable since his image appeared on an in-universe poster. The newly released image showcases a fresh-faced Urban donning Cage’s signature hairstyle and sunglasses, striking a classic martial arts pose. In the backdrop, we catch glimpses of returning characters portrayed by Ludi Lin as Liu Kang, Mehcad Brooks as Jax, and Jessica McNamee as Sonya Blade, adding continuity to the saga.
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— Shinobi602 (@shinobi602) March 17, 2025
Ed Boon, the mastermind behind Mortal Kombat at NetherRealm Studios, shared his insights on Johnny Cage's role in the sequel with Entertainment Weekly. "His integration into the Mortal Kombat story and universe is a big part of what this movie explores," Boon stated. He elaborated on how Cage, portrayed as a washed-up Hollywood star, navigates the magical and ultra-violent world of Mortal Kombat. Boon praised Urban's unique take on the character, adding that it brings a fresh and novel dimension to the film. "Expect a 'ridiculously hilarious' character introduction for Johnny Cage," Boon teased.
Director Simon McQuoid emphasized the importance of balancing humor with depth in Johnny Cage's character. "We wanted a character that wasn't just completely silly, comic book… It's a character that could instantly go there and become too light and throwaway if we were to lean too much into the kind of cheese. The casting of Karl Urban for that role allowed that character to have more depth," McQuoid explained.
Entertainment Weekly also 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 excitement, Damon Herriman, known for his role in Better Man, will take on the role of Quan Chi, while Josh Lawson and Max Huang make a surprising return as Kano and Kung Lao, respectively. Despite their demise in the first movie, Boon hinted at the flexibility of the Mortal Kombat lore, stating, "So we deal with spirits and the NetherRealm and things like that. There are ways to bring dead characters back."
Completing the roster of new characters, Tati Gabrielle, who will appear in The Last of Us Season 2, plays Jade, and Ana Thu Nguyen from NCIS: Sydney portrays Queen Sindel. Mortal Kombat 2 is slated to hit theaters on October 24, 2025, promising an explosive continuation of the beloved franchise.
