Fans of the iconic fighting game franchise can now feast their eyes on the first look at several new characters set to electrify the screen in the upcoming sequel, Mortal Kombat 2. Entertainment Weekly has unveiled exclusive images of Karl Urban as the charismatic Johnny Cage, Martyn Ford embodying the fearsome Shao Kahn, and Adeline Rudolph as the elegant Kitana. Returning to reprise his role is Hiroyuki Sanada as the iconic Scorpion.
The anticipation around Karl Urban's portrayal of Johnny Cage, known for his role as Billy Butcher in The Boys, had been palpable among the fanbase. Urban's depiction of the egocentric Hollywood star in a martial arts pose, complete with Cage's signature hair and sunglasses, has finally been revealed. The image also features Ludi Lin as Liu Kang, Mehcad Brooks as Jax, and Jessica McNamee as Sonya Blade in the background, adding to the excitement.
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
#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, on 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 remarked. He further elaborated on Urban's take on the character, noting, "He's a washed-up Hollywood guy thrown into this magical, ultra-violent thing. Karl, his depiction of Johnny Cage is different than our games in some ways. He's adding his own flare to it, but I think it'll feel fresh. There's like a novelty factor in there."
Boon hinted at a "ridiculously hilarious" introduction for Johnny Cage, while director Simon McQuoid emphasized the balance they sought with the 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."
Additionally, Entertainment Weekly 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.
In a surprising twist, Damon Herriman will portray Quan Chi, and Josh Lawson and Max Huang will return as Kano and Kung Lao, respectively, despite their characters' demise in the first film. Boon explained this resurrection by referencing the series' lore, stating, "So we deal with spirits and the NetherRealm and things like that. There are ways to bring dead characters back."
Completing the cast are Tati Gabrielle as Jade and Ana Thu Nguyen as Queen Sindel. Mortal Kombat 2 is slated to hit theaters on October 24, 2025, promising a thrilling continuation of the saga.
