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

The much-anticipated sequel, Mortal Kombat 2, is slated for release this fall, following the 2021 reboot. Enthusiasts of the franchise are buzzing with excitement and speculation about how this new installment will fare in theaters. Discussions are rife regarding the movie's budget, potential box office returns, casting choices, and even potential shifts in the release schedule. So, what's the general consensus on the internet about this sequel? Let's delve into the predictions and opinions swirling around the film. 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, played by Lewis Tan, as the new protagonist—a character designed to guide audiences through the story. However, many fans have expressed a preference for focusing on established characters from the franchise. One fan commented, "I really enjoyed the remake except for the new character they created for no reason. Hopefully he takes a backseat in this one," while 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 spotlight appears to be shifting to Johnny Cage, portrayed by Karl Urban, with fans noting his prominence in promotional materials. One Redditor pointed out, "Johnny is the main character this time 100%. Urban got top billing on the poster they released and he’s prominently featured in the first promo images." However, Urban's casting has stirred mixed reactions, with some questioning his suitability due to age. A fan remarked, "Who the hell made this thinking Karl Urban is the perfect guy for Johnny Cage?" while another noted, "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. Yet, some defended Urban, with one saying, "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 sequel's budget and potential box office performance are also hot topics. Estimates range from around $250 million to under $300 million, with one fan suggesting, "If the budget stays reasonable, that wouldn’t be too bad." Another anticipated significant streaming success, stating, "But it’ll do huge on streaming. It doesn’t need no more than a 5-6 week long theater run." The film's budget reportedly doubled from the first movie's $55 million, influenced by delays due to the SAG-AFTRA strikes, which halted filming in July 2023 before resuming in November and wrapping up by January 2024.

Mortal Kombat's Bizarre History of Movie and TV Adaptations

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Not everyone is optimistic about Mortal Kombat 2's success. One fan expressed skepticism, 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 for optimizing the release schedule include moving Zach Cregger's Weapons to late October and pushing Mortal Kombat 2 to January or February 2026. However, some fans believe Karl Urban's popularity from The Boys could boost the film's appeal, with one noting, "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 reactions, excitement for the film remains high among fans. One Redditor shared, "First one was good fun and I loved these silly action movies growing up. Looking forward to this," while 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 also circulate about a possible shift to an August release date, currently held by Paul Thomas Anderson's upcoming film One Battle After Another. One fan suggested, "That would make more sense. The PTA movie would get a Venice premiere and awards season, while Mortal Kombat gets late summer." Another agreed, stating, "MK screams August, IMO."

Regardless of differing opinions, the anticipation for Mortal Kombat 2 is palpable. As we await its release, the discussions and debates will undoubtedly continue. K.O.

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