The buzz around the upcoming "Mortal Kombat 2" movie, slated for a fall release, is palpable among fans following the 2021 reboot. The sequel has sparked widespread discussion regarding its budget, potential box office performance, casting choices, and possible release date shifts. Let's delve into the online chatter and see what fans are predicting and hoping for from this eagerly anticipated film.
For those of you who might have missed it. Here is a first look at the Mortal Kombat 2 movie!
— Ed Boon (@noobde) March 17, 2025
Includes shots of Johnny Cage (Karl Urban) Kitana, Shao Kahn and Scorpion! https://t.co/RenOSjHNg0 pic.twitter.com/4uoTdxQfdE
The 2021 reboot introduced Cole Young, portrayed by Lewis Tan, as a new main character. While Cole serves as a relatable entry point into the Mortal Kombat universe, many fans are vocal about their preference for established characters to take the spotlight. "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 commented, reflecting a common sentiment. Another fan 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."
Johnny Cage, played by Karl Urban, is set to be the new focal point, with fans noting his prominent billing on promotional materials. However, Urban's casting has stirred mixed reactions due to his age. "Who the hell made this thinking Karl Urban is the perfect guy for Johnny Cage?" one fan questioned, while another expressed, "I like Karl Urban but at 49 he is miscast and doesn't have the outlandish optimistic charisma that Cage has in the lore." Suggestions for alternative casting included Glen Powell, Chris Evans, Austin Butler, Jack Quaid, and The Miz. Yet, some fans defended Urban, citing his versatility and past performances, with one saying, "Have you seen the movie yet? People said the same thing about Ledger being The Joker. While I’m not suggesting this movie or performance will be anywhere on that level, I think it's unfair to suggest Urban can't pull it off."
The sequel's budget and potential box office earnings are also hot topics. Fans on r/BoxOffice speculated the film might gross around $250 million, with one saying, "If the budget stays reasonable, that wouldn’t be too bad." Another predicted a slightly higher figure, "Under $300 million. But it’ll do huge on streaming. It doesn’t need no more than a 5-6 week long theater run." The film's budget was reportedly affected by the SAG-AFTRA strikes, which delayed production from July 2023 to November 2023, wrapping up by January 2024.
Mortal Kombat's Bizarre History of Movie and TV Adaptations
While some fans are optimistic about the sequel's performance, others are skeptical. "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," one fan remarked, suggesting a strategic shift in the release calendar. "If I was WB I would push Zach Cregger’s Weapons up to late October and push this to January or February 2026." Conversely, some believe Karl Urban's popularity from "The Boys" could boost the film's appeal, with one user stating, "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."
Excitement for the film remains high among some fans. "First one was good fun and I loved these silly action movies growing up," one Redditor shared. "Looking forward to this." Another fan added, "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." A third fan urged, "This sub really needs to stop underestimating Video Game Movies."
There's also talk of a potential release date change to August, currently held by Paul Thomas Anderson’s "One Battle After Another." "That would make more sense," one user noted. "The PTA movie would get a Venice premiere and awards season, while Mortal Kombat gets late summer." Another fan agreed, saying, "MK screams August, IMO."
As the release date approaches, fans continue to speculate and debate about "Mortal Kombat 2." Regardless of their opinions, the anticipation is clear. We'll keep the conversation going until the movie hits the screens. K.O.
What do you think about Mortal Kombat 2? Let us know in the comments!
