Karl Urban as Johnny Cage in Mortal Kombat 2: Internet's Reaction

The anticipation is building as fans eagerly await the release of *Mortal Kombat 2*, slated to hit theaters this fall following the 2021 reboot. With new casting announcements featuring Johnny Cage (played by Karl Urban), Kitana, Shao Kahn, and Scorpion, the excitement is palpable. Fans are already dissecting every detail, from the film's budget to potential box office returns, casting choices, and possible release date changes. So, what's the online buzz about this eagerly awaited sequel? Let's delve into the predictions and opinions swirling around the internet. Round 1, fight!

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 2021 reboot introduced Cole Young, portrayed by Lewis Tan, as the franchise's new protagonist. Cole serves as a relatable character for new viewers, navigating his mysterious predicament without prior knowledge of the Mortal Kombat universe. However, many fans express a preference for established characters to take the lead. "I really enjoyed the remake except for the new character they created for no reason. Hopefully he takes a backseat in this one," one fan commented. Another suggested a shift in focus, "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 consensus among many fans is a desire to see less of Cole and more of iconic characters. "Johnny is the main character this time 100%. Urban got top billing on the poster they released and he's prominently featured in the first promo images," a Redditor noted about Karl Urban's portrayal of Johnny Cage.

However, Urban's casting has sparked debate, particularly regarding his age. "Who the hell made this thinking Karl Urban is the perfect guy for Johnny Cage?" one fan questioned, while another remarked, "I like Karl Urban but at 49 he is miscast and doesn't have the outlandish optimistic charisma that Cage has in the lore." A third user echoed this sentiment, "I'll never understand why they thought casting a 50-year-old to be Johnny Cage was a good idea."

Alternative casting suggestions include Glen Powell, Chris Evans, Austin Butler, Jack Quaid, and The Miz. Yet, some fans defended Urban, with one stating, "Have you seen the movie yet? People said the same thing about Ledger being The Joker. While I'm not suggesting this movie or performance will be anywhere on that level, I think it's unfair to suggest Urban can't pull it off. The dude has been really good in a ton of very different roles." Another fan humorously added, "Primitive monkey brain triggers 'Karl Urban in movie, take my money.'"

Discussions also revolve around the sequel's budget and potential box office performance. A fan on the r/BoxOffice thread predicted the film could earn around $250 million. "If the budget stays reasonable, that wouldn't be too bad," another fan responded. Another fan projected even higher returns, stating, "Under $300 million. But it'll do huge on streaming. It doesn't need no more than a 5-6 week long theater run."

Mortal Kombat's Bizarre History of Movie and TV Adaptations

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In response to another Redditor's comment on the budget, one user noted, "This probably made sense when the budget was less than the first but then strike delays blew it up." Filming for *Mortal Kombat 2* was paused in July 2023 due to the SAG-AFTRA strikes, resuming in November 2023 and wrapping up by January 2024.

Some fans remain skeptical about the film'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 opined, suggesting a shift in the release schedule. "If I was WB I would push Zach Cregger’s Weapons up to late October and push this to January or February 2026." However, others believe Urban's role in *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.," one user countered.

Excitement for the film is also evident among fans. "First one was good fun and I loved these silly action movies growing up," one Redditor shared. "Looking forward to this." Another fan expressed enthusiasm, "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 added, "This sub really needs to stop underestimating Video Game Movies."

Rumors about shifting the release to August, a date currently held 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, stating, "MK screams August, IMO."

Regardless of their varied opinions, fans are buzzing with excitement for *Mortal Kombat 2*. With months to go until its release, discussions will continue to heat up. One thing is certain: the conversation around this sequel isn't slowing down anytime soon. K.O.

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