Excitement is building as the release of the Mortal Kombat 2 movie approaches this fall. Following the 2021 reboot, fans are eagerly anticipating how this sequel will perform at the box office and if it will live up to their expectations. Discussions are rife about the film's budget, potential earnings, casting choices, and even potential shifts in the release date. Let's explore the buzz surrounding Mortal Kombat 2 and delve into the predictions and opinions circulating online. Ready? Round 1, fight!

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

The 2021 reboot introduced Cole Young, portrayed by Lewis Tan, as a new protagonist. While Cole served as a relatable entry point for new viewers, many fans feel he overshadowed the established characters of the franchise. "I really enjoyed the remake except for the new character they created for no reason. Hopefully he takes a backseat in this one," one fan expressed. Another hinted at a shift in focus, stating, "He isn't the main character anymore, Johnny is. [OK] I'm not sure if it's Johnny but a lot of leaks have said he isn't the MC anymore." The sentiment is clear: fans are eager to see iconic characters like Johnny Cage take the spotlight, with Karl Urban's casting in this role sparking significant discussion.

Karl Urban's portrayal of Johnny Cage has been a hot topic. While some fans are thrilled, others question the casting choice due to Urban's age. "Who the hell made this thinking Karl Urban is the perfect guy for Johnny Cage?" one fan questioned, while another commented, "I like Karl Urban but at 49 he is miscast and doesn't have the outlandish optimistic charisma that Cage has in the lore." Alternative casting suggestions included names like Glen Powell, Chris Evans, Austin Butler, Jack Quaid, and The Miz. However, Urban's defenders argue that his versatility as an actor could make him a fitting choice. "Have you seen the movie yet? People said the same thing about Ledger being The Joker," one fan countered, suggesting that it's premature to judge Urban's performance.

The financial aspect of Mortal Kombat 2 is also under scrutiny. Fans on r/BoxOffice speculated on the film's potential earnings, with one predicting it "would bring in around $250 million." Another suggested that "under $300 million but it’ll do huge on streaming," indicating a strong digital performance post-theatrical release. The film's budget has also been a point of discussion, with some fans noting that "strike delays blew it up," referencing the SAG-AFTRA strikes that paused production in July 2023 before resuming in November and concluding in January 2024.

Mortal Kombat's Bizarre History of Movie and TV Adaptations

10 Images

Not everyone is optimistic about the sequel's success. One fan voiced concerns, stating, "Feel like this might bomb honestly. First one wasn’t even well received and I doubt people will be rushing out to see this sequel. Also weird late October release date." Suggestions for a better release strategy included shifting the film to January or February 2026 to maximize its potential. However, some fans believe Karl Urban's popularity from The Boys could boost the movie's performance, with one noting, "I think you’re underestimating how big The Boys is, it has 55 million international viewers. I think the movie will do solid even outside the U.S."

Despite the mixed reactions, many fans are excited about Mortal Kombat 2. "First one was good fun and I loved these silly action movies growing up," one Redditor shared. Another echoed the sentiment, "F—k me but I’m excited for it. I liked the first one. It was corny but it’s Mortal Kombat which isn’t high art." There's also a call to "stop underestimating Video Game Movies," suggesting a growing appreciation for this genre.

Rumors of a potential release date swap with Paul Thomas Anderson's One Battle After Another have also surfaced. "That would make more sense," one user noted, suggesting that moving Mortal Kombat 2 to August would be beneficial. "The PTA movie would get a Venice premiere and awards season, while Mortal Kombat gets late summer." Another fan agreed, stating, "MK screams August, IMO."

As anticipation builds, it's clear that Mortal Kombat 2 has sparked a flurry of discussions and debates among fans. With months to go before its release, the conversation will undoubtedly continue to grow. K.O.

What do you think about Mortal Kombat 2? Let us know in the comments!