Like pretty much every other major project that was shooting at the time, New Line's Mortal Kombat sequel was forced to pause filming due to the recent SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes, but star Karl Urban has now confirmed that production is back on with a new Instagram photo.
The shot features a clean-shaven Urban, who will play fan-favorite martial artist and Hollywood star Johnny Cage, with blond highlights alongside some of his cast mates, including Ludi Lin and Mehcad Brooks, who will reprise their respective roles as Liu Kang and Jax Briggs.
The sequel will also see the debut of some new heroes and villains from the long-running video game series.
Martyn Ford (Red Sonja) will play villainous Outworld emperor Shao Kahn, Desmond Chiam (Joy Ride) will take on the role of Edenian King Jerrod, Ana Thu Nguyen (Suka) is on board as Queen Sindel, and Damon Herriman (Once Upon a Time In Hollywood) will portray Netherrealm demon Quan Chi.
They join fellow new additions Tati Gabrielle and Adeline Rudolph (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina) as Jade and Kitana, respectively.
It's also been confirmed that pretty much all of the main characters - even the ones that were (seemingly) killed off - from the first movie will return, with Lewis Tan back as Cole Young, Jessica McNamee as Sonya Blade, Josh Lawson as Kano, Tadanobu Asano as Lord Raiden, Mehcad Brooks as Jax, Ludi Lin as Liu Kang, Chin Han as Shang Tsung, Joe Taslim as Bi-Han and Sub-Zero, Hiroyuki Sanada as Hanzo Hasashi and Scorpion, and Max Huang as Kung Lao.
The reboot didn't exactly achieve a flawless victory at the box office, but it performed well enough - especially as one of the first major Covid-era releases - to warrant a sequel. Reviews weren't great (54% on Rotten Tomatoes), but a lot of fans of the notoriously gruesome games seemed to embrace it. Will be actually get to see these fighters take part in the titular tournament this time? Let's bloody hope so!
Check out the photo below, and keep an eye out for updates as shooting continues.
"Hunted by the fearsome warrior Sub-Zero, MMA fighter Cole Young finds sanctuary at the temple of Lord Raiden. Training with experienced fighters Liu Kang, Kung Lao and the rogue mercenary Kano, Cole prepares to stand with Earth's greatest champions to take on the enemies from Outworld in a high-stakes battle for the universe."
Simon McQuoid is back in the director's chair, this time working from a from Jeremy Slater. James Wan is producing alongside McQuoid, Todd Garner, Michael Clear, and E. Bennett Walsh.
The Mortal Kombat sequel hasn't been given an official release date.