The anticipation for the upcoming "Mortal Kombat 2" movie is palpable among fans, especially after the 2021 reboot set the stage for a new era of the franchise. Scheduled for release this fall, the sequel has already sparked a whirlwind of discussions online regarding its budget, casting choices, and potential box office performance. Let's delve into the internet's reactions and predictions about this eagerly awaited film.
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
One of the hottest topics among fans is the shift in the main character from the 2021 reboot's Cole Young, played by Lewis Tan, to the iconic Johnny Cage, portrayed by Karl Urban in the sequel. Many fans expressed their dissatisfaction with Cole's role in the first film, with one stating, "I really enjoyed the remake except for the new character they created for no reason. Hopefully he takes a backseat in this one." Others echoed this sentiment, with some suggesting that Johnny Cage will take the lead based on promotional materials and leaks, as noted by a Redditor: "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, Karl Urban's casting as Johnny Cage has stirred mixed reactions, particularly regarding his age. Critics argue that at 49, Urban may not embody the youthful, charismatic essence of Cage as depicted in the game's lore. "Who the hell made this thinking Karl Urban is the perfect guy for Johnny Cage?" one fan questioned, while another suggested, "I like Karl Urban but at 49 he is miscast and doesn't have the outlandish optimistic charisma that Cage has in the lore." Some fans proposed alternative actors like Glen Powell, Chris Evans, Austin Butler, Jack Quaid, or The Miz, who might fit the role better. Despite the criticism, Urban's defenders argue that his versatility as an actor could still make him a fitting Johnny Cage, drawing parallels to Heath Ledger's surprising success as The Joker.
The sequel's budget and its potential box office performance have also been hot topics. Discussions on r/BoxOffice suggest that the film could bring in around $250 million, with some fans believing it could reach under $300 million and perform well on streaming platforms. However, the budget for "Mortal Kombat 2" reportedly doubled from the first film's $55 million due to delays caused by the SAG-AFTRA strikes in 2023. Not everyone is optimistic about its success, with some predicting it might not meet expectations due to the mixed reception of the first film and a late October release date.
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The potential release date of "Mortal Kombat 2" has also been debated. Some fans suggest moving it to August, currently reserved for Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another," arguing that this would be a better fit for the film's target audience and allow the PTA movie to capitalize on awards season. "That would make more sense," one user noted, while another added, "MK screams August, IMO."
Despite the varied opinions, excitement for "Mortal Kombat 2" remains high among fans. Many are eager to see how the sequel builds on the first film's foundation, with some expressing their love for the franchise's action-packed, albeit corny, style. As we await the film's release, one thing is certain: the conversation around "Mortal Kombat 2" will continue to be as intense and engaging as the battles within the game itself. K.O.
What do you think about Mortal Kombat 2? Let us know in the comments!
