Mortal Kombat 2 offers a first look at several new characters joining the sequel's fight. Entertainment Weekly unveiled images of Karl Urban as Johnny Cage, Martyn Ford as Shao Kahn, and Adeline Rudolph as Kitana, alongside the returning Hiroyuki Sanada as Scorpion.
Fans have eagerly anticipated Karl Urban's portrayal of the self-absorbed Hollywood star, Johnny Cage, following his appearance on an in-universe movie poster. The image shows Urban embodying Cage's signature look: a fresh-faced appearance, trademark hair, sunglasses, and a classic martial arts pose. The background features Ludi Lin as Liu Kang, Mehcad Brooks as Jax, and Jessica McNamee as Sonya Blade.
First looks at Johnny Cage, Shao Kahn, Kitana and Scorpion in the 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
NetherRealm's Ed Boon commented on Johnny Cage's inclusion: "His integration into the Mortal Kombat story and universe is a big part of what this movie explores. He's a washed-up Hollywood guy thrown into this magical, ultra-violent thing. Karl's depiction is different from the games; he's adding his own flair, but it'll feel fresh. There's a novelty factor." Boon teased a "ridiculously hilarious" character introduction. Director Simon McQuoid added, "We wanted a character that wasn't just completely silly… It's a character that could instantly go there and become too light and throwaway if we were to lean too much into the cheese. Karl Urban's casting allowed for more depth."
Movie-accurate skins for Urban's Johnny Cage, Rudolph's Kitana, and Ford's Shao Kahn are coming to Mortal Kombat 1 later this year.
Damon Herriman (Better Man) plays Quan Chi, while Josh Lawson and Max Huang surprisingly return as Kano and Kung Lao, despite their demise in the first film. Boon explained this using existing video game lore: "We deal with spirits and the NetherRealm… There are ways to bring dead characters back."
Tati Gabrielle (The Last of Us Season 2) plays Jade, and Ana Thu Nguyen (NCIS: Sydney) portrays Queen Sindel. Mortal Kombat 2 hits theaters October 24, 2025.
