Karl Urban's Johnny Cage Reveal in Mortal Kombat 2 Sparks Online Frenzy

The anticipation for the upcoming Mortal Kombat 2 movie is palpable among fans, set to hit theaters this fall following the 2021 reboot. The sequel has sparked a whirlwind of discussions across the internet, from budget and box office predictions to casting choices and release date speculations. Let's delve into the collective thoughts and predictions surrounding this eagerly awaited film.

Ed Boon, the iconic creator of Mortal Kombat, recently shared a thrilling first look at the movie on Twitter, showcasing new shots of characters like Johnny Cage (played by Karl Urban), Kitana, Shao Kahn, and Scorpion. This glimpse has set the fanbase ablaze with excitement and analysis.

One of the hot topics is the franchise's new main character, Cole Young, introduced in the 2021 reboot. Played by Lewis Tan, Cole serves as a player insert, navigating through the story's exposition. However, many fans express a preference for the sequel to shift focus to established characters. "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. Another hinted at a change in the lead, saying, "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 casting of Karl Urban as Johnny Cage has stirred mixed reactions. Some fans question the choice, citing Urban's age and perceived mismatch with the character's traditional charisma. "Who the hell made this thinking Karl Urban is the perfect guy for Johnny Cage?" one fan questioned, while another remarked, "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 actors like Glen Powell, Chris Evans, Austin Butler, Jack Quaid, or The Miz were floated. However, Urban's defenders argue that his versatility across various roles indicates he could pull off the character effectively. "Have you seen the movie yet? People said the same thing about Ledger being The Joker," a fan retorted, suggesting Urban's potential to surprise.

The film's budget and its potential box office performance are also under scrutiny. A fan on the r/BoxOffice subreddit predicted the movie could bring in around $250 million, with another suggesting a potential of under $300 million, emphasizing its streaming potential. "If the budget stays reasonable, that wouldn’t be too bad," one fan noted. However, production delays due to the SAG-AFTRA strikes in 2023 may have increased costs, leading some to worry about the film's financial viability.

Mortal Kombat's Bizarre History of Movie and TV Adaptations

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While some fans are skeptical about the film's success, citing the mixed reception of the first movie and the unusual late October release date, others are more optimistic. "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," one fan said, suggesting a potential rescheduling to early 2026 for better performance. Conversely, others believe Karl Urban's popularity from The Boys could boost the movie's appeal. "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.," a fan countered.

Excitement is evident among fans who enjoyed the first film's action-packed, albeit corny, style. "First one was good fun and I loved these silly action movies growing up," one Redditor shared. "Looking forward to this." Another echoed, "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 not underestimate video game movies, reflecting a broader trend of successful adaptations.

Rumors of a potential move to August, swapping dates with Paul Thomas Anderson's One Battle After Another, are also circulating. "That would make more sense," one fan noted, suggesting an optimal release strategy for both films.

As we count down the months until Mortal Kombat 2's release, the fanbase remains engaged and vocal, ready to see how this sequel will fare. Whether it's the casting, the budget, or the release date, the conversation around Mortal Kombat 2 is far from over. K.O.

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