2021’s Mortal Kombat was not one of my favorite Warner Bros. Discovery films of the past few years, but there is reason to believe that the upcoming sequel, Mortal Kombat 2, might be much better thanks to the inclusion of one iconic character. With the ending of Mortal Kombat changing the power scale in the series thanks to the unlocking of arcanas, it seems that the sequel may go even bigger than its predecessor. This is an excellent promise for the quality of the sequel, which carries a bigger budget and many audience hopes.
Video game movies have been hard to crack in the modern climate. A Minecraft Movie‘s global box office has been incredible, but even the critical reception has slowed down repeat attendance in the weeks since its release. Still, there is great fervor and anticipation for the next big video game adaptation. With the first Mortal Kombat having been released simultaneously on Max and in theaters, the next installment, as a theatrical exclusive, feels like something big, new, and fresh. The addition of one notable character also helps a great deal.
Karl Urban’s Johnny Cage Casting Is The Main Reason I’m Excited For Mortal Kombat 2
Urban’s Casting Is A Strange Yet Inspired Choice
Karl Urban is playing Johnny Cage in Mortal Kombat 2, and that’s all that I need to get excited about the upcoming film. Johnny is one of the most beloved characters in the video games and was teased with a poster in the first film. The character is inspired by Jean-Claude Van Damme and is a washed-up actor who has turned to fighting as a way to stay relevant. This setup for the charismatic character is unusual, and I’m excited to see how it’s pulled off in the new film.
From Billy Butcher and Dredd to “Bones” McCoy, the actor has approached each of his roles with unique and satisfying complexity.
Notably, Urban isn’t a common fancast for Johnny Cage. In the games, the character resembles Scott Eastwood and acts more like Ryan Reynolds, two performers who are distinctly different from Urban. However, Urban has a unique edge and style that he has brought to all kinds of adapted characters. From Billy Butcher and Dredd to “Bones” McCoy, the actor has approached each of his roles with unique and satisfying complexity.
His turn as Johnny Cage will likely be very different from the role that Linden Ashby played in the 1995 film. Instead, Urban has a very unusual charm with a roughness, as seen regularly in The Boys in recent years. Still, there is no denying that he has great range and could pull something unusual out of the character. While a very unexpected casting, I can’t wait to see what Karl Urban does with the character when Mortal Kombat 2 releases later this year.
I Believe Karl Urban’s Johnny Cage Will Help Mortal Kombat 2 Surpᴀss The First Movie
The Star And Character Bring Some Important Weight To The Sequel
The first Mortal Kombat did not connect deeply with most audiences. There was an appreciation for some of the fan service and designs, especially with characters like Cole Young and the fights between Scorpion and Sub-Zero. While some of the violence and action were praised, issues included the pH๏τography and pacing. There was also significant criticism concerning how the film did not feature the тιтular tournament itself. The first film only grossed a total of $84 million, however, and it seems that there is great room for the sequel to outpace its predecessor.
If Mortal Kombat 2 learns from the first film’s mistakes, there is great potential for the sequel to surpᴀss the first film in terms of quality.
I’m certain that Mortal Kombat 2 will find greater success than the first film, with Urban’s Johnny Cage being the key factor. The actor may not be the biggest star in the world, but he has created an excellent career. I also believe that any theatrical exclusivity window will allow this sequel to surpᴀss the first film’s box office and cultural impact.
If Mortal Kombat 2 learns from the first film’s mistakes, there is great potential for the sequel to surpᴀss the first film in terms of quality. Video game movie adaptations have shown that they do not need to be perfect films to connect with audiences. Instead, they must tell serviceable narratives with enough familiar connections to and love for the source material. With this in mind, Mortal Kombat 2 does not have the highest bar to clear, and will hopefully be able to do so when it is released.
The first Mortal Kombat wasn’t great, but it did set up an interesting world. Bringing in a character like Johnny Cage was necessary for the film’s sequel, but casting Urban is such an inspired choice that I can’t help but be excited for Mortal Kombat 2. Seeing how his character fits into this setting and how his abilities play into the incredible fights that make up the film are promising features for the upcoming sequel.
Mortal Kombat 2 will be released in theaters on October 24, 2025.
