As a long-time fan of the Mortal Kombat franchise, I’m both excited and apprehensive about the upcoming release of Mortal Kombat 2. The first film, despite some liberties taken with the source material, was a surprise hit at the box office and among fans, earning over $84 million and an impressive 84% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
In contrast to how the “Mortal Kombat” video game challenges players with the phrase “test your might,” the new “Mortal Kombat” movie may push fans’ endurance levels. The upcoming sequel, “Mortal Kombat 2,” is set to debut in 2021 and will introduce the much-adored character of Johnny Cage, portrayed by Karl Urban, known for his roles in “The Boys” and “Lord of the Rings.” However, as per a Screen Rant report, Lewis Tan, who played Cole Young in the original film, hinted that Urban’s interpretation of Johnny Cage might differ from what fans typically expect. Tan teased that Urban’s portrayal of Johnny Cage is indeed “really special.”
1. At San Diego Comic-Con, Tan showcased his role as Shatterstar in Marvel’s Deadpool & Wolverine. Additionally, he shared insights about Mortal Kombat 2 and the upcoming appearance of Johnny Cage, a beloved character in the game. Many fans applauded Urban’s casting as they felt he would embody the confident actor-turned-martial artist character perfectly. However, Tan emphasized that Urban’s portrayal of Johnny Cage will not be the same as what fans might anticipate. He stated:
His portrayal of Johnny Cage is quite unique and unexpected, but I can’t reveal much. However, I can say that he’s an exceptional actor, a pleasure to work with, and we shared many moments of fun and laughter on set. I find his take on the character to be something truly special.
As a dedicated Mortal Kombat gamer, I can’t help but feel uneasy about Tan’s comments. The first film already took some creative liberties with my beloved characters and plot, and leaving out Johnny Cage entirely was a major blow to many fans. We felt that Cage is an integral part of the Mortal Kombat universe, and his absence made the story incomplete for us.
Initial responses from viewers suggest relief that the movie concluded with Cole seeking Urban (Cage)’s allegiance for their struggle. However, doubts linger as to whether the character will meet fan expectations, especially since hints have been dropped about possible deviations from those expectations. Many supporters of the original character feel hesitant towards any modifications due to its significant popularity.
Urban has gained a lot of attention lately for his role as Butcher in “The Boys” on Prime Video, and he’s no stranger to accolades from fans of his previous work in the “Thor” films, J.J. Abrams’ “Star Trek” reboots, and Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings” series. Fans are eagerly anticipating his performance in “Mortal Kombat 2,” so it’s best to keep an open mind until they can witness it firsthand.
Who is in Mortal Kombat 2, and What is It About?
The filming for Mortal Kombat 2 came to an end earlier in the year, and it is predicted to hit theaters in 2025. Remarkably, the initial Mortal Kombat movie exceeded expectations at the box office last year, despite the challenges posed by the ongoing COVID pandemic. It raked in over $84 million in revenue, which was a noteworthy achievement considering its simultaneous release on HBO Max. The audience on Rotten Tomatoes rated it 84% favorably, expressing admiration for the graphic violence that had made the original 1992 video game iconic.
Director Simon McQuoid has been vague about the storyline, while earlier, screenwriter Greg Russo shared some insights. He revealed that the initial movie took place prior to the Mortal Kombat competition, with the second installment occurring during the clash between Earthrealm and Outworld warriors. A potential third film would unfold after this tournament.
In the upcoming sequel, we have several returning actors confirmed for their roles: Lewis Tan as Cole Young, Mehcad Brooks as Jax Briggs, Ludi Lin as Liu Kang, Jessica McNamee as Sonya Blade, Chin Han as Shang Tsung, and Hiroyuki Sanada as Scorpion. Joe Taslim, previously cast as Sub Zero, is set to return, although his new character hasn’t been announced yet. New additions to the cast include Adeline Rudolph as Kitana, Tati Gabrielle as Jade, Ana Thu Nguyen as Queen Sindel, Desmond Chaim as King Jerrod, and Damon Herriman portraying Quan Chi, one of the primary antagonists.
In the latest development, Martyn Ford, known for his work as a bodybuilder and acting in films like “F9: The Fast Saga,” has been announced to take on the significant part of Shao Khan in the upcoming Mortal Kombat movie. Yet, the actor portraying Baraka, another iconic character from the game, is yet to be revealed along with details about how he will be brought to life on the big screen.
Mortal Kombat 2
opens in theaters on October 24, 2025.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-07-30 02:34