Karl Urban Joins Mortal Kombat II as Johnny Cage in First Trailer Reveal

The fight just got bigger. Warner Bros. has officially dropped the first trailer for Mortal Kombat II, and it’s filled with everything fans were hoping for. Karl Urban, known for roles in The Boys and Thor: Ragnarok, makes his franchise debut as Johnny Cage, the flashy martial artist turned reluctant hero. The sequel arrives in theaters on October 24 and brings back much of the original cast along with some powerful new faces.

The trailer packs a punch. From brutal one-on-one duels to sweeping shots of the mystical Outworld, Mortal Kombat II looks ready to raise the stakes.

Who Is Johnny Cage in the Mortal Kombat Universe?

Johnny Cage is one of the most iconic characters from the original Mortal Kombat games. He’s a cocky movie star with real martial arts skills, often seen wearing sunglasses and delivering over-the-top one-liners. But beneath that ego is a fighter who proves himself again and again.

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In the 2021 film, Cage’s presence was only teased at the very end. MMA fighter Cole Young was seen heading to Hollywood to recruit him for the next fight. Now, Karl Urban brings him to life.

According to series co-creator Ed Boon, Urban’s version of Johnny Cage adds a new twist. “He’s a washed-up Hollywood guy thrown into this magical, ultra-violent thing,” Boon said. “Karl is adding his own flare to it, but I think it’ll feel fresh.”

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What’s Happening in Mortal Kombat II?

Mortal Kombat II continues where the first film left off. Earthrealm’s warriors are still recovering from the invasion led by Shang Tsung. But this time, the actual Mortal Kombat tournament is about to begin. The stakes are clear — if Earth loses, Outworld’s ruler Shao Kahn takes control.

The trailer gives us quick glimpses of brutal new fights, mystical realms, and familiar faces returning for battle. Tadanobu Asano returns as Lord Raiden, Lewis Tan as Cole Young, Mehcad Brooks as Jax, Ludi Lin as Liu Kang, Jessica McNamee as Sonya Blade, and Joe Taslim as Sub-Zero.

Newcomer Adeline Rudolph joins as Kitana, a fan-favorite warrior princess with deadly fan blades and a mysterious connection to Outworld’s royal family.

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Will Scorpion and Sub-Zero Clash Again?

One of the most intense rivalries in Mortal Kombat history is Scorpion versus Sub-Zero. That feud isn’t going anywhere in the sequel.

Hiroyuki Sanada’s Hanzo Hasashi, also known as Scorpion, may not be in the center of the action this time, but his presence is still vital. Boon explained that “he plays a different role,” one that shapes the other storylines even if he’s not part of the core team battling Shao Kahn.

The trailer shows only brief flashes of Scorpion, but it’s clear he still has unfinished business.

Why Are Fans So Hyped?

For longtime Mortal Kombat fans, this sequel is a big deal. The 2021 movie was a decent start, offering brutal fight scenes and teasing bigger things ahead. Now that the tournament is finally happening, and fan favorites like Johnny Cage and Kitana are joining the roster, the excitement has reached a whole new level.

Karl Urban brings star power and grit to the film, and the cast is stacked with talent. The blend of fantasy, action, and nostalgia is right where it needs to be.

Mortal Kombat II hits theaters October 24, and judging by this first look, the battle for Earthrealm is just getting started.