The Internet Reacts to Mortal Kombat 2's Reveal of Karl Urban's Johnny Cage

Excitement is brewing among fans as the release of the "Mortal Kombat 2" movie approaches this fall. Following the 2021 reboot, anticipation is high, and discussions are rife about its potential success, cast choices, and release strategies. The internet is abuzz with opinions and predictions, so let's delve into what fans are saying about this eagerly awaited sequel. Round 1, fight!

Here's a first look at the "Mortal Kombat 2" movie, showcasing Johnny Cage (played by Karl Urban), Kitana, Shao Kahn, and Scorpion:

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 new main character introduced in the 2021 reboot, Cole Young, portrayed by Lewis Tan, has sparked debate among fans. Designed as a relatable protagonist who learns about his destiny alongside the audience, some fans feel he detracts from the focus on established characters. "I really enjoyed the remake except for the new character they created for no reason. Hopefully he takes a backseat in this one," expressed one fan. Another hinted at a shift in focus, stating, "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 casting of Karl Urban as Johnny Cage has been a significant topic of discussion. While some fans are thrilled, others question the choice, particularly regarding his age. "Who the hell made this thinking Karl Urban is the perfect guy for Johnny Cage?" one fan remarked, while another said, "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 casting included Glen Powell, Chris Evans, Austin Butler, Jack Quaid, and The Miz. However, Urban's defenders argue, "Have you seen the movie yet? People said the same thing about Ledger being The Joker... it's unfair to suggest Urban can't pull it off."

Budget and box office potential are also hot topics. On a r/BoxOffice thread, one fan predicted that "Mortal Kombat 2" would bring in around $250 million. "If the budget stays reasonable, that wouldn’t be too bad," another fan replied. Some fans are optimistic, suggesting it could earn "under $300 million but it’ll do huge on streaming."

Mortal Kombat's Bizarre History of Movie and TV Adaptations

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The film's budget faced challenges due to the SAG-AFTRA strikes, which delayed production from July 2023 to November 2023, finishing in January 2024. Some fans are skeptical about the sequel'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 to maximize its potential. "If I was WB I would push Zach Cregger’s Weapons up to late October and push this to January or February 2026." Yet, 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."

Despite the debates, many fans remain enthusiastic about "Mortal Kombat 2." "First one was good fun and I loved these silly action movies growing up," one fan shared. Another added, "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 rising success of video game movies, stating, "This sub really needs to stop underestimating Video Game Movies."

Rumors about shifting the movie's release to August, currently occupied by Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another," are also circulating. "That would make more sense," one user noted. "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 the release date approaches, fans are clearly passionate about "Mortal Kombat 2." Whether they're skeptical, hopeful, or just plain excited, the conversation will continue until we see what the movie brings to the table. K.O.

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