The anticipation for the upcoming "Mortal Kombat 2" movie, slated for a fall release, is palpable among fans following the 2021 reboot. Discussions are rife about various aspects of the film, including its budget, potential box office performance, casting choices, and possible release date changes. Let's delve into the internet's collective thoughts and predictions about this eagerly awaited sequel. 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 new main character. However, many fans have expressed a preference for focusing on established franchise characters. "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 hinted at a shift in the narrative, saying, "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 spotlight is now on Johnny Cage, with Karl Urban taking on the role. Fans are divided on this casting choice, particularly regarding Urban's age. "Who the hell made this thinking Karl Urban is the perfect guy for Johnny Cage?" questioned one fan, while another stated, "I like Karl Urban but at 49 he is miscast and doesn't have the outlandish optimistic charisma that Cage has in the lore." Some suggested alternative actors like Glen Powell, Chris Evans, Austin Butler, Jack Quaid, or The Miz. Yet, others defended Urban, pointing out his versatility in roles: "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."
The financial aspect of the sequel is another hot topic. On a r/BoxOffice thread, one fan estimated that "Mortal Kombat 2" would bring in around $250 million at the box office. "If the budget stays reasonable, that wouldn’t be too bad," another replied, while a third predicted a slightly higher return, emphasizing its potential on streaming platforms: "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
10 Images
The film's budget reportedly doubled from the first film's $55 million due to delays caused by the SAG-AFTRA strikes, which halted filming in July 2023 but resumed in November 2023, wrapping up by January 2024. Some fans are skeptical about its success, with one saying, "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." Suggestions have been made to adjust the release schedule for better performance, such as moving "Zach Cregger’s Weapons" to late October and delaying "Mortal Kombat 2" to January or February 2026. However, others believe Karl Urban's popularity from "The Boys" could boost its 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 varied opinions, there's excitement among fans. "First one was good fun and I loved these silly action movies growing up," one Redditor shared. "Looking forward to this." 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 noted, "This sub really needs to stop underestimating Video Game Movies."
There's also buzz about a potential change in the release date to August, currently held by Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another." "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."
As we await the release of "Mortal Kombat 2," the discussions and debates among fans highlight the high level of engagement and anticipation. Regardless of the varied opinions, one thing is clear: the conversation around this film will continue until its premiere. K.O.
What do you think about Mortal Kombat 2? Let us know in the comments!
