"Mortal Kombat 2 Movie Unveils Johnny Cage, Shao Khan, Kitana"

Fans of the iconic fighting game series can finally get a glimpse of the new characters set to appear in the eagerly awaited sequel, Mortal Kombat 2. Entertainment Weekly has unveiled captivating images showcasing Karl Urban as Johnny Cage, Martyn Ford as Shao Kahn, and Adeline Rudolph as Kitana, with the return of Hiroyuki Sanada reprising his role as Scorpion.

The casting of Karl Urban, known for his role as Billy Butcher in The Boys, as the egocentric Hollywood star Johnny Cage has been a topic of great interest among fans. A newly released image showcases Urban in a quintessential martial arts pose, complete with Johnny Cage's signature hairstyle and sunglasses. In the background, familiar faces from the first film, including Ludi Lin as Liu Kang, Mehcad Brooks as Jax, and Jessica McNamee as Sonya Blade, can be seen.

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

Via: https://t.co/1CHXzLhFGK#MortalKombat2 pic.twitter.com/7ifeMHzhC6 — Shinobi602 (@shinobi602) March 17, 2025

Ed Boon, the creative force behind Mortal Kombat at NetherRealm Studios, shared insights on Johnny Cage's role in the sequel with Entertainment Weekly. "His integration into the Mortal Kombat story and universe is a big part of what this movie explores," Boon remarked. He described Johnny Cage as a "washed-up Hollywood guy thrown into this magical, ultra-violent thing," noting that Karl Urban brings a unique flair to the character, making it feel fresh and novel.

Boon teased a "ridiculously hilarious" introduction for Johnny Cage, while director Simon McQuoid emphasized the importance of balancing humor with depth. "We wanted a character that wasn't just completely silly, comic book... The casting of Karl Urban for that role allowed that character to have more depth," McQuoid stated.

Entertainment Weekly also 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, offering fans a chance to experience these iconic looks in the game.

In a surprising twist, Damon Herriman will portray Quan Chi, while Josh Lawson and Max Huang will reprise their roles as Kano and Kung Lao, despite their characters' demise in the first film. Boon explained this creative decision by referencing the flexible lore of the Mortal Kombat universe, which allows for the return of characters through the use of spirits and the NetherRealm.

Completing the new cast additions, Tati Gabrielle will play Jade, and Ana Thu Nguyen will take on the role of Queen Sindel. Mortal Kombat 2 is set to hit theaters on October 24, 2025, promising an exhilarating continuation of the saga.