Fans of the iconic fighting game series have been eagerly awaiting news on the sequel to the 2021 Mortal Kombat film, and now, they've been treated to a first look at several new characters set to appear in Mortal Kombat 2. Entertainment Weekly has unveiled images of Karl Urban as Johnny Cage, Martyn Ford as Shao Kahn, and Adeline Rudolph as Kitana, alongside the return of Hiroyuki Sanada as Scorpion.
The casting of Karl Urban, known for his role as Billy Butcher in The Boys, as the egocentric Hollywood star Johnny Cage has been a topic of much speculation among fans. A recent image released shows Urban in a fresh-faced portrayal of Cage, complete with the character's signature hair and sunglasses, striking a classic martial arts pose. In the background, we can spot Ludi Lin as Liu Kang, Mehcad Brooks as Jax, and Jessica McNamee as Sonya Blade.
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
Via: https://t.co/1CHXzLhFGK#MortalKombat2 pic.twitter.com/7ifeMHzhC6
— Shinobi602 (@shinobi602) March 17, 2025
Entertainment Weekly also shared insights from Ed Boon, co-creator of the Mortal Kombat series and a key figure at NetherRealm Studios, regarding Johnny Cage's role in the sequel. "His integration into the Mortal Kombat story and universe is a big part of what this movie explores," Boon stated. He highlighted that Urban's portrayal of Cage brings a fresh take to the character, describing him as a "washed-up Hollywood guy thrown into this magical, ultra-violent thing." Boon teased a "ridiculously hilarious" introduction for Cage, while director Simon McQuoid emphasized the balance they aimed to strike with the character, ensuring he has depth beyond mere comic relief.
In addition to the new characters, Entertainment Weekly confirmed that movie-accurate skins for Urban's Johnny Cage, Rudolph's Kitana, and Ford's Shao Kahn will be available in the video game Mortal Kombat 1 later this year.
The sequel also sees the return of some characters who met their demise in the first film. Damon Herriman will play Quan Chi, while Josh Lawson and Max Huang reprise their roles as Kano and Kung Lao, respectively. Ed Boon explained that the lore of the Mortal Kombat games, which often involves spirits and the NetherRealm, allows for the return of deceased characters.
Rounding out the cast are Tati Gabrielle as Jade and Ana Thu Nguyen as Queen Sindel. Mortal Kombat 2 is set to hit theaters on October 24, 2025, promising fans an exciting continuation of the brutal and thrilling saga.
