Mortal Kombat 2: The first trailer is just around the corner!
The sequel opens in cinemas on 24 October 2025
Time for a good beating: After "Mortal Kombat" satisfied fans in 2021, the sequel is due this year – and the first trailer for "Mortal Kombat 2" is already within reach!
The plot of "Mortal Kombat 2": The battle between Earthrealm and Outworld
The first film ended with Shang Tsung losing a fierce duel against Cole Young and his allies. But the dark sorcerer swore revenge and announced that he would return with an entire army. So another, even bigger battle is inevitable. To face up to the threat, Cole Young sets out in search of new champions. At the top of his list is the legendary Hollywood star Johnny Cage, who he wants to win over for his team in Los Angeles.
While the first part mainly set the stage for the conflict between Earthrealm and Outworld, "Mortal Kombat 2" finally brings the iconic tournament to the big screen. In addition, Shao Kahn, the tyrannical ruler of Outworld, will play a central role for the first time. If Earthrealm loses, the conquest of Earth is imminent – so the stakes are higher than ever. The battles will be more brutal, the consequences more severe. According to Mortal Kombat creator Ed Boon, there will even be a visual scoreboard to further heighten the tension.
Johnny Cage finally takes to the stage
After the end of the first film had already given a clear indication of this, it is now official: Johnny Cage, one of the most iconic characters in the video game series, will finally make his grand entrance in "Mortal Kombat 2". The self-absorbed but deeply loyal Hollywood star will be embodied by Karl Urban, known from "The Boys".
Director Simon McQuoid emphasized that it was a particular challenge to portray the character credibly:
"We wanted a character that wasn't just completely silly, comic book... It's a character that could instantly go there and become too light and throwaway if we were to lean too much into the kind of cheese. The casting of Karl Urban for that role allowed that character to have more depth."
Johnny Cage is notorious for his humor, big mouth and exaggerated ego – traits that could easily tip over into the ridiculous. But in the course of the plot, he develops into one of Earth's most important protectors.
Return of familiar heroes and new faces
In addition to Johnny Cage, many familiar characters return: Lewis Tan ( "Shadow and Bone", "Deadpool 2" ) once again takes on the role of Cole Young. Jessica McNamee (Sonya Blade), Josh Lawson (Kano), Tadanobu Asano (Raiden), Hiroyuki Sanada (Scorpion) and "The Raid" star Joe Taslim (Sub-Zero) are also back.
Another exciting innovation in "Mortal Kombat 2" is the greater presence of female fighters. In addition to Sonya Blade and Kitana, Jade, played by Tati Gabrielle, and Queen Sindel also come to the fore this time.
Behind the camera, much remains unchanged: Director Simon McQuoid, who previously directed the first installment, takes over again. The screenplay was written by Jeremy Slater ( "Moon Knight", "The Umbrella Academy" ) in collaboration with Ed Boon. The film is being produced by James Wan and Michael Clear with their company Atomic Monster.
Big plans for the future of the series
If "Mortal Kombat 2" is a success, fans can look forward to an entire saga. Sub-Zero actor Joe Taslim revealed in a podcast for Variety magazine that he has signed on for a total of four more films. Although this is no guarantee that all the sequels will actually be made, it shows that Warner Bros. has ambitious plans for the franchise. Director McQuoid has already announced that the sequel will be even bigger and more epic:
"We go to lots of different realms, so that in itself gives the film a very distinct and varied visual approach."
Filming completed - start date set
Filming for "Mortal Kombat 2" took place on the Australian Gold Coast and has already been completed. However, sufficient time has been set aside for the elaborate post-production to take the action spectacle to a new visual level. The planned release date is October 24, 2025.
