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

The much-anticipated sequel, *Mortal Kombat 2*, is set to hit theaters this fall, following the 2021 reboot that reignited fans' interest in the iconic franchise. Excitement is building as fans eagerly dissect every detail, from the film's budget and potential box office performance to the casting of key characters such as Johnny Cage, Shao Kahn, and Kitana, whose first looks were recently unveiled. So, what's the buzz on the internet about this sequel? Let's delve into the predictions and opinions swirling around. Round 1, fight!

For those of you who might have missed it, here is a first look at the *Mortal Kombat 2* movie! It 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 significant debate. Cole, a newcomer to the *Mortal Kombat* universe, serves as a relatable figure for audiences but has not been universally embraced. Many fans express a desire to shift the focus to 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," one fan remarked. Another hinted at a change in the protagonist, 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 casting of Karl Urban as Johnny Cage has generated mixed reactions. While some fans celebrate Urban's inclusion, others question the choice due to 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 actors included Glen Powell, Chris Evans, Austin Butler, Jack Quaid, and The Miz. However, supporters of Urban's casting argue that his versatility and previous roles indicate he could excel in the part. "Have you seen the movie yet? People said the same thing about Ledger being The Joker," a fan countered, defending Urban's potential.

The film's budget and box office prospects are also hot topics. One fan estimated that *Mortal Kombat 2* could earn around $250 million, with another suggesting it could reach under $300 million and perform well on streaming platforms. "If the budget stays reasonable, that wouldn’t be too bad," a fan noted. However, the film's production faced delays due to the SAG-AFTRA strikes, which may have impacted its budget.

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Despite the optimism, 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 expressed, suggesting a potential shift in the release calendar. "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 that 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 argued.

Excitement for the film remains high among many fans. "First one was good fun and I loved these silly action movies growing up. Looking forward to this," one Redditor 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 emphasized the potential of video game movies, saying, "This sub really needs to stop underestimating Video Game Movies."

Rumors are also circulating about a possible shift 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 the release date approaches, the fervor surrounding *Mortal Kombat 2* continues to grow. Whether fans are hopeful, skeptical, or simply excited, one thing is clear: the conversation around this sequel is far from over. K.O.

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