The excitement is palpable: *Mortal Kombat 2*, the eagerly awaited sequel to the 2021 reboot, is set to hit theaters this fall. Fans are abuzz with anticipation and curiosity about how this next installment will fare, scrutinizing everything from the budget and box office potential to casting choices and possible release date shifts. Let's explore the internet's collective thoughts and predictions about the upcoming *Mortal Kombat 2*. 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, played by Lewis Tan, as the franchise's new protagonist. Cole serves as a relatable entry point for viewers, navigating his mysterious destiny, but many fans are vocal about preferring 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 expressed. 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 fanbase seems thrilled about the prospect of Johnny Cage, portrayed by Karl Urban, stepping into the spotlight. "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. However, Urban's casting has sparked some 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 added, "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. Yet, some fans defended Urban's choice, citing his versatility and past performances.
Discussions around the film's budget and potential box office performance are also rampant. One fan on r/BoxOffice estimated that *Mortal Kombat 2* would bring in around $250 million, with another suggesting, "If the budget stays reasonable, that wouldn’t be too bad." Another optimistic fan predicted earnings "under $300 million," emphasizing the film's potential success on streaming platforms after a brief theatrical run.
Mortal Kombat's Bizarre History of Movie and TV Adaptations
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The film's budget was reportedly impacted by the SAG-AFTRA strikes, which delayed filming from July 2023 until it resumed in November 2023, concluding in January 2024. "This probably made sense when the budget was less than the first but then strike delays blew it up," a fan remarked.
Despite the enthusiasm, 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 opined, suggesting a calendar shift might be beneficial. "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 Karl Urban's popularity from *The Boys* could boost the film's performance. "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.," a fan countered.
Excitement for the film remains high among many fans. "First one was good fun and I loved these silly action movies growing up," one Redditor shared. "Looking forward to this." Another fan 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 emphasized, "This sub really needs to stop underestimating Video Game Movies."
Rumors about a potential release date swap to August, currently reserved for Paul Thomas Anderson’s *One Battle After Another*, are also circulating. "That would make more sense," one user suggested. "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 differing opinions, it's clear that *Mortal Kombat 2* has stirred up a passionate conversation among fans. As we eagerly await its release, the anticipation and debate will undoubtedly continue. K.O.
What do you think about Mortal Kombat 2? Let us know in the comments!