Mortal Kombat 2's Delay Means Warner Bros. Can Set Up The Perfect Halloween Release

Mortal Kombat II‘s release date change is very disappointing, but it could lead to a wildly successful Warner Bros. movie getting re-released in theaters this Halloween. For years, fans have been eagerly waiting for the release of Mortal Kombat II, which will introduce many popular characters from the video game series and feature a tournament between Earthrealm and Outworld.

The long wait for the sequel was almost at an end, but Warner Bros. unexpectedly delayed Mortal Kombat II‘s release. Now, instead of hitting theaters on October 24, the film will be released on May 15, 2026. The move took many by surprise, and even seems somewhat questionable, but Warner Bros. clearly thinks it will perform better if it’s released as an early summer blockbuster.

There are still many exciting movies releasing in October. Tron: Ares, Black Phone 2, and Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere are three of the biggest. Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein will also release in theaters in October before its Netflix premiere in early November. However, with Mortal Kombat II‘s delay, there’s quite a gap in the calendar, which is why Warner Bros. should re-release Sinners.

Warner Bros. Can Re-Release Sinners In Theaters For Halloween

Sinners' Smoke and Stack side by side, both played by Michael B. Jordan — Sinners’ Smoke and Stack side by side, both played by Michael B. Jordan

Originally, Mortal Kombat II would have taken up most IMAX screens. However, because of its delay, a different movie will have to play on these screens instead. Looking at the slate of movies releasing in October, there are several options to solve this problem.

Tron: Ares, which releases on October 10, could use the screens that were originally meant for Mortal Kombat II to extend its IMAX run. Alternatively, Frankenstein could now receive an IMAX release. Even though it is a Netflix movie, it will get a brief theatrical run, and fans would rejoice if del Toro’s newest movie could be watched on an IMAX screen.

These are both solid options, but since Warner Bros. is the distributor for Mortal Kombat II, the company could instead choose to give Sinners, one of its other movies, an IMAX re-release. After all, Sinners was filmed for IMAX and blew audiences away when it was initially released in April of this year.

Ryan Coogler’s movie is one of the most critically acclaimed films of the year and also broke numerous box office records. Throughout its theatrical run, Sinners managed to gross $366 million at the worldwide box office (via Box Office Mojo). Many agree that watching Sinners in IMAX was an unforgettable experience, so it would be smart for Warner Bros. to re-release the vampire film just in time for Halloween.

In addition to it being a horror movie, a Halloween re-release also makes perfect sense for Sinners since it would help generate even more buzz about the film as awards season ramps up. It is already expected to be nominated for Best Picture and other major awards, but a re-release would ensure that Academy voters don’t forget about it.

Even though Mortal Kombat II‘s delay is extremely disappointing for fans of the fighting series, it could actually end up being a blessing for Sinners if Warner Bros. seizes this opportunity.