It seems that live-action movies are trending nowadays, as Live-action Minecraft, Moana, and some other big names in the works. Recent news confirms that a sequel to Warner Bros.’ 2021 live-action Mortal Kombat is in the works, and Mortal Kombat 2 updates are appearing quickly now that the film is in development. The Mortal Kombat movie universe seems to be building towards more, and the upcoming Mortal Kombat sequel is expected to feature other gaming characters. Mortal Kombat 2 will feature live-action debuts for Johnny Cage, Shao Kahn, and Sindel. These announcements hint at a storyline that delves further into the unexpectedly rich history of the Mortal Kombat beat-em-up franchise.
The third live-action adaptation of the video game series was Mortal Kombat in 2021; Mortal Kombat 2 will be a straight sequel. In keeping with a largely authentic rendition of the game that brings legendary characters to life and expands the storyline by introducing new characters like Cole Young (Lewis Tan), the 2021 Mortal Kombat movie lived up to the promised R-rating. Mortal Kombat 2 is anticipated to build upon the successful beginning that the Mortal Kombat film franchise experienced with the live-action premieres of Sub Zero, Scorpion, and other characters.
Updates on Mortal Kombat 2
After several months with no significant updates, Hiroyuki Sanada has revealed Scorpion’s upcoming role in Mortal Kombat 2. In the much-awaited sequel, the actor who portrayed the boxer stated above in the previous movie hinted at the extent of his comeback. Sanada hinted that Scorpion would also have a somewhat more minor role in the follow-up, alluding to his very tiny role in the first film.
“Yes, exactly, he was a bookend,” responds Sanada. Ten minutes, ten minutes, ten minutes. [Giggles] I was there, but it depends on how it’s edited. With most of the cast from the first film and maybe four or five significant new characters, it was a terrific reunion on set. It was nice to work with the same director and costume designer. We began filming in the Australian Gold Coast immediately following the strike and have now finished all of them.”
When Will the Mortal Kombat 2 Film Be Released?
Although there isn’t an official release date for Mortal Kombat 2, the movie’s production has started. Producer Todd Garner shared a message on X, a platform that was formerly known as Twitter, on June 22, 2023, stating, “Off we go!:”
And… that’s a wrap… pic.twitter.com/GrWoMJurA8
— Todd Garner (@Todd_Garner) January 21, 2024
The film was being shot in Queensland, Australia (as Garner has previously indicated). Still, the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike in Hollywood caused the production to be suspended before it could proceed.
Some had questioned if Mortal Kombat 2, a truly international production (actors signing Australian contracts instead of SAG ones), would be protected from the strikes due to its Australian production site.
The production was stopped to support the entire industry or because it used SAG actors. According to Caire Pullen, the Australian Writers’ Guild executive director, “it’s safe to say that SAG-AFTRA joining the WGA on strike does make the issues more acute for screen workers all over the world,” in an interview with Screen Daily.
Will Mortal Kombat 2 feature Johnny Cage?
Several have questioned whether the legendary MK character Johnny Cage will appear in the follow-up to his absence from the Mortal Kombat (MK) movie of 2021.
After the first movie, when protagonist Cole Young was on his way to sign up, the action movie star and martial artist Cage was first hinted at. Writer Jeremy Slater provided the character in Mortal Kombat 2 with the first indication of his existence. Slater discussed the initial movie tease in an interview with ComicBook.com, saying, “I think if he weren’t included in the sequel at all, it would feel extraordinary.”
From there, it was discovered that Karl Urban, star of The Boys and The Lord of the Rings, would play the renowned part. Ed Boon, the developer of Mortal Kombat, shared a photo of the actor online with the message, “Heeeeeeeeeere’s JOHHNY!”
Who Are the Mortal Kombat 2 Cast Members?
Given that the Mortal Kombat games are renowned for having extensive and diverse casts of fighters, the primary inquiries regarding Mortal Kombat 2 will inevitably center on the new characters joining the cast. Karl Urban’s casting as martial artist and movie actor Johnny Cage, who debuted in the 1992 Mortal Kombat game, is arguably the most significant addition. Urban’s most well-known roles are those of Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy in the J.J. Abrams Star Trek universe and Éomer in The Lord of the Rings.
As it was reported that Baraka had been added to the Mortal Kombat 2 cast, the enthusiasm surrounding the casting news skyrocketed. Serving the Outworld, Baraka is a Tarkatan with enormous blades on his forearm and razor-sharp teeth. CJ Bloomfield is set to portray the much-awaited new character.
There will be a Mortal Kombat tournament, while the details of the sequel are still mostly up in the air. Co-creator of the Mortal Kombat video game franchise Ed Boon is deeply involved in both the production and the narrative. Boon contributed creatively to both the live-action follow-up and the animated series. Boon’s contributions to the tale will surely go further into the lore because he is a game expert.
