"Johnny Cage, Shao Khan, Kitana Revealed in Mortal Kombat 2 Film"

Fans of the Mortal Kombat franchise are in for a treat as the sequel, Mortal Kombat 2, has unveiled the first looks at several new characters. Entertainment Weekly has released images showcasing Karl Urban as the charismatic Johnny Cage, Martyn Ford as the imposing Shao Kahn, and Adeline Rudolph as the graceful Kitana, alongside the return of Hiroyuki Sanada as Scorpion. These first looks have sparked excitement and anticipation among the fanbase, eager to see how these iconic characters will be portrayed on the big screen.

Karl Urban, known for his role as Billy Butcher in The Boys, steps into the shoes of Johnny Cage, the egocentric Hollywood star beloved by Mortal Kombat enthusiasts. A promotional image released shows Urban in a quintessential martial arts pose, sporting Cage's signature hairstyle and sunglasses. The background features returning cast members Ludi Lin as Liu Kang, Mehcad Brooks as Jax, and Jessica McNamee as Sonya Blade, setting the stage for an action-packed sequel.

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, co-creator of the Mortal Kombat series, shared his thoughts 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 stated. He emphasized the unique take on the character by Urban, describing it as adding a fresh perspective while retaining the essence of Cage. Boon hinted at a "ridiculously hilarious" introduction for the character, promising a blend of humor and depth.

Director Simon McQuoid elaborated on the casting choice, noting that Urban's portrayal allows for a more nuanced depiction of Johnny Cage. "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," McQuoid explained.

In addition to the new cast, Entertainment Weekly confirmed that movie-accurate skins for Urban's Johnny Cage, Rudolph's Kitana, and Ford's Shao Kahn will be available in the video game Mortal Kombat 1 later this year, bridging the gap between the film and gaming worlds.

The sequel also sees the return of some unexpected characters. Damon Herriman joins the cast as Quan Chi, while Josh Lawson and Max Huang reprise their roles as Kano and Kung Lao, respectively, despite their demise in the first film. Boon addressed this by referencing the franchise's lore, which often involves spirits and the NetherRealm, allowing for the return of deceased characters.

New additions to the cast include Tati Gabrielle as Jade and Ana Thu Nguyen as Queen Sindel, adding more depth to the roster of fighters. Mortal Kombat 2 is set to hit theaters on October 24, 2025, promising an explosive continuation of the beloved series.