The excitement for the upcoming "Mortal Kombat 2" movie, slated for a fall release, is palpable among fans following the 2021 reboot. As anticipation builds, discussions are swirling around the film's budget, potential box office performance, casting choices, and release date. Let's delve into the online buzz and see what fans are predicting and discussing about this eagerly awaited sequel.
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 a new character unfamiliar with the Mortal Kombat universe. While some fans appreciated this newcomer as a fresh perspective, others are vocal about their preference for established characters taking the spotlight. One fan expressed, “I really enjoyed the remake except for the new character they created for no reason. Hopefully he takes a backseat in this one.” 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 casting of Karl Urban as Johnny Cage has stirred mixed reactions. While some fans are thrilled, others question the decision, citing his age as a mismatch for the character's youthful energy. One fan remarked, “Who the hell made this thinking Karl Urban is the perfect guy for Johnny Cage?” 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. However, Urban's defenders argue that his versatility in various roles could make him a fitting choice for Johnny Cage.
Financial speculation is also rife, with fans estimating the sequel's potential box office earnings. One fan on a r/BoxOffice thread predicted, “It would bring in around $250 million,” with another noting, “If the budget stays reasonable, that wouldn’t be too bad.” Others believe the film could exceed $300 million, particularly with strong streaming performance.
Mortal Kombat's Bizarre History of Movie and TV Adaptations
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The production of "Mortal Kombat 2" was not without its challenges, having been halted due to the SAG-AFTRA strikes in July 2023, but resumed and completed filming by January 2024. This delay has led to speculation about the film's budget and its impact on the final product.
Some fans express skepticism about the sequel's success, with one stating, “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 for a more strategic release date include moving it to August or delaying it to early 2026. Conversely, others believe Karl Urban's popularity from "The Boys" could bolster the film's appeal, with one fan pointing out, “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 the mixed opinions, enthusiasm for "Mortal Kombat 2" remains high. Fans reminisce about their love for the franchise's action-packed, campy style, with one saying, “First one was good fun and I loved these silly action movies growing up. Looking forward to this.” Another fan shared, “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.” There's a call to appreciate video game movies more, as one fan noted, “This sub really needs to stop underestimating Video Game Movies.”
Rumors are also circulating about a potential shift in the release date to August, currently held by Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another." Fans believe this could be a strategic move, with one stating, “That would make more sense. The PTA movie would get a Venice premiere and awards season, while Mortal Kombat gets late summer.” Another added, “MK screams August, IMO.”
As we count down the months until "Mortal Kombat 2" hits the screens, the fanbase remains engaged and vocal, eagerly discussing every aspect of the film. Whether it will meet the high expectations set by its predecessor remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the conversation around "Mortal Kombat 2" is far from over. K.O.
What do you think about Mortal Kombat 2? Let us know in the comments!
