Mortal Kombat 2 has unveiled a first look at several new characters set to appear in the upcoming sequel.
Entertainment Weekly has released images featuring Karl Urban as Johnny Cage, Martyn Ford as Shao Kahn, Adeline Rudolph as Kitana, and returning star Hiroyuki Sanada reprising his role as Scorpion.
Fans have been curious about how Karl Urban, best known for his role as Billy Butcher in The Boys, would embody the fan-favorite, self-obsessed Hollywood star in live-action form, following a glimpse in an in-universe film poster.
The revealed image shows a fresh-faced Urban donning Cage’s signature hairstyle and sunglasses, striking a classic martial arts stance. In the background, Ludi Lin as Liu Kang, Mehcad Brooks as Jax, and Jessica McNamee as Sonya Blade can be seen.
First looks at Johnny Cage, Shao Khan, Kitana and Scorpion in Mortal Kombat 2 film:
— Shinobi602 (@shinobi602) March 17, 2025
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
Entertainment Weekly also shared insights from Mortal Kombat developer NetherRealm's Ed Boon on Johnny Cage's role in the new film.
"Integrating him into the Mortal Kombat storyline and universe is a key focus of this movie,” Boon stated.
"He's a washed-up Hollywood actor thrust into this magical, intensely violent world. Karl's take on Johnny Cage is somewhat different from the games. He brings his own flair to the character, offering something that feels both fresh and novel."
Boon hinted that Johnny Cage’s introduction will be “ridiculously hilarious.” Director Simon McQuoid elaborated: "We aimed to create a character who isn’t just a comic caricature. The role could easily become too light or cheesy if overdone, but casting Karl Urban allowed us to add real depth."
Entertainment Weekly confirmed that movie-accurate skins for Urban's Johnny Cage, Rudolph's Kitana, and Ford's Shao Kahn will be added to Mortal Kombat 1 later this year.
In other casting news, Damon Herriman (Better Man) will portray Quan Chi, while Josh Lawson and Max Huang make surprising returns as Kano and Kung Lao—characters who seemingly died in the first film. So how are they back? Boon pointed to the Mortal Kombat game lore, where characters frequently cross between life and death: "We explore spirits, the NetherRealm, and similar concepts," he explained. "It allows us to bring deceased characters back in believable ways."
Additionally, Tati Gabrielle (The Last of Us Season 2) stars as Jade, and Ana Thu Nguyen (NCIS: Sydney) takes on the role of Queen Sindel. Mortal Kombat 2 arrives in theaters on October 24, 2025.
