MORTAL KOMBAT 2 Stills Reveal First Look At Shao Kahn, Kitana, And More; Sequel's Plot Finally Revealed

MORTAL KOMBAT 2 Stills Reveal First Look At Shao Kahn, Kitana, And More; Sequel's Plot Finally Revealed

The first stills from Mortal Kombat 2 have been released, highlighting Karl Urban as Johnny Cage, Hiroyuki Sanada as Scorpion, Martyn Ford as Shao Kahn, and Adeline Rudolph as Kitana. Read on for details!

By JoshWilding - Mar 17, 2025 01:03 PM EST
Filed Under: Mortal Kombat
Source: EW (via GameFragger.com)

Mortal Kombat was released in 2021 and, despite premiering on HBO Max at the same time it arrived in theaters (a result of the pandemic), it was considered a hit with a bigger-than-expected $84.4 million worldwide. 

The sequel finally arrives in theaters later this year and Entertainment Weekly (via GameFragger.com) has shared a first look at several of Mortal Kombat 2's leads. Among them are Karl Urban as Johnny Cage, Hiroyuki Sanada as Scorpion, Martyn Ford as Shao Kahn, and Adeline Rudolph as Kitana.

Ed Boon, Mortal Kombat co-creator and head of NetherRealm Studios, told the site, "You finally get to see Johnny Cage. His integration into the Mortal Kombat story and universe is a big part of what this movie explores. He's a washed-up Hollywood guy thrown into this magical, ultra-violent thing."

"Karl, his depiction of Johnny Cage is different than our games in some ways," he continued. "He's adding his own flare to it, but I think it'll feel fresh. There's like a novelty factor in there."

Urban's Johnny will be Mortal Kombat 2's lead character, with director Simon McQuoid explaining, "We wanted a character that wasn't just completely silly, comic book...It's a character that could instantly go there and become too light and throwaway if we were to lean too much into the kind of cheese. The casting of Karl Urban for that role allowed that character to have more depth."

After being teased in the first movie, the site has confirmed that this follow-up will finally deliver the Mortal Kombat tournament fans have been waiting years to see in live-action.

As you might expect, the stakes are high, because if Earthrealm loses its 10th consecutive tournament against Outworld, then Shao Kahn will invade Earth and conquer the planet. 

"They keep score throughout the movie," Boon teased. "There's a visual representation of who is winning. It's not just a tournament for the sake of a tournament. There are huge consequences, so you really are keeping score. And there are a lot of twists in it that keep you on your toes."

Mortal Kombat 2's new additions include Adeline Rudolph (Hellboy: The Crooked Man) as Kitana, Martyn Ford (House of David) as Shao Kahn, and the return of Josh Lawson as Kano, even though his character died in the previous movie. Max Huang is back as Kung Lao too, while Damon Herriman (Better Man) plays Quan Chi.

Scorpion and Sub-Zero's beef will continue but isn't set to be as central to the story this time. "He's certainly making appearances that are significant and necessary for the progress of other storylines," Boon says of the returning Hanzo Hasashi. "He plays a different role. He's not part of the 'Super Friends' trying to defeat Shao Kahn, but his appearance is key and it is very essential for certain parts."

Mortal Kombat 2 arrives in theaters on October 24. 

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thunderpun573
thunderpun573 - 3/17/2025, 1:08 PM
First one definitely wasn’t good but I had fun watching it. About all you can ask for with these movies. I’ll probably check it out
NonPlayerC
NonPlayerC - 3/17/2025, 1:09 PM
@thunderpun573 - hey I say if you had fun watching it, that's all that matters
slickrickdesigns
slickrickdesigns - 3/17/2025, 1:14 PM
@thunderpun573 - that’s called Good Enough.
WruceBayne
WruceBayne - 3/17/2025, 2:04 PM
@thunderpun573 - the first one was like The Fast & Furious movies, they aren’t very good but they are an entertaining watch.
McMurdo
McMurdo - 3/17/2025, 2:39 PM
@thunderpun573 - hopefully this one levels up hard. Jeremy Slater wrote the sequel so there's hope.
MakeAmericaGrea
MakeAmericaGrea - 3/17/2025, 3:11 PM
@thunderpun573 -

The '90s duology is good.
UncleHarm1
UncleHarm1 - 3/17/2025, 3:41 PM
@slickrickdesigns - Your comment is word for word my review of the new Captain America lol
thunderpun573
thunderpun573 - 3/17/2025, 3:58 PM
@NonPlayerC - yeah I mean it certainly wasn’t Citizen Kane. Critically it had lots of flaws and was objectively not good, but the action scenes were pretty fun. Fun movie to smoke a joint and vibe to
TheNewYorker
TheNewYorker - 3/17/2025, 5:47 PM
It “wasnt good” but this person enjoyed watching it. LOL People are so [frick]ing weird 🤭
NonPlayerC
NonPlayerC - 3/17/2025, 1:10 PM
I don't think ive ever not enjoyed something with Karl urban. Curious how he'll portray cage but im sure it will be an enjoyable watch
HammerLegFoot
HammerLegFoot - 3/17/2025, 1:10 PM
Wait so did they get rid of generic guy that nobody liked from the first one?
NonPlayerC
NonPlayerC - 3/17/2025, 1:11 PM
@HammerLegFoot - hopefully it'll start out with someone using a fatality on him

slickrickdesigns
slickrickdesigns - 3/17/2025, 1:17 PM
@HammerLegFoot - you mean Scorpion Junior Junior Junior Junior? He definitely was the shoe horn character they didn’t know which Mortal Kombat character he could fit.
TheVisionary25
TheVisionary25 - 3/17/2025, 1:34 PM
@HammerLegFoot - nope , he’s still there though no longer the lead it seems.
BlackStar25
BlackStar25 - 3/17/2025, 1:39 PM
@TheVisionary25 - If he isn't the lead, who is?
HammerLegFoot
HammerLegFoot - 3/17/2025, 1:43 PM
@BlackStar25 - Did you read the article?
TheVisionary25
TheVisionary25 - 3/17/2025, 1:49 PM
@BlackStar25 - it seems to be Johnny Cage.
Arthorious
Arthorious - 3/17/2025, 1:55 PM
@slickrickdesigns - that man literally had plot armor to keep him in the fight
slickrickdesigns
slickrickdesigns - 3/17/2025, 2:22 PM
@Arthorious - literally! 😂
bkmeijer1
bkmeijer1 - 3/17/2025, 2:45 PM
@HammerLegFoot - would be interesting if Cage is the one that beats him and takes his Arkana mark (or whatever it was called that gave you powers in this universe).

That said, I don't kind Cole staying around. I think Tan showed in Cobra Kai he can actually act the tough guy, so with better material he can be likeable I think.
BlackStar25
BlackStar25 - 3/17/2025, 3:23 PM
@HammerLegFoot - Read? Article?

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DianaGohan
DianaGohan - 3/17/2025, 4:07 PM
@slickrickdesigns - Actually Lewis Tan's Cole Young was an important character when it comes to the making of the 2021 Mortal Kombat film... I don't mean in terms of the plot or narrative or grand lore of Mortal Kombat narrative, I mean in terms of that film coming out. See one of the producers of the film (possibly Todd Garner I'm not sure on that one) though wanting to make a MK film wanted it to be PG-13 still having the believe that would make the most money. Simon McQuoid the director was adamant on an R rating since though the PG-13 1995 movie has it's fans and there is more to MK then just gore... it IS a really important part of that franchise and it would feel wrong to have another movie without it. But due to PG-13 movies having more chances of making money the producer didn't want to make it an R but eventually was persuaded to do so under ONE condition; they got to insert a new character not from the games made up entirely for the movies as the main character to the flick he would have the rights to. Thus technically getting something out of the movie even if it bombed. Thus Cole Young who yeah isn't an awful mary sue esque character like say Alice from the Resident Evil movies but really his purpose is just a producer insert for credit. Because even the "audience insert character to explain the plot" you could do with sooooooooooo many other Mortal Kombat characters. Like really that should be Johnny Cage's role but I guess the director was like "okay we'll do this Cole Young crap just so I can make a second movie that focuses on Cage and like the characters most people care about."

So yeah honestly though Cole isn't horrendous I would also appreciate seeing him quickly bite the dust in the second movie so we can you know focus on the actual MK characters from the series. Seriously Mortal Kombat is not a franchise lacking in characters to focus on and introduce to entice fans in.
Wahhvacado
Wahhvacado - 3/17/2025, 1:12 PM
Looking forward to this. The first wasn't as good as the original but Kano was amazing

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slickrickdesigns
slickrickdesigns - 3/17/2025, 1:19 PM
@Wahhvacado - not gonna lie… I liked Kano. But, I actually think Karl Urban would’ve made a great Kano if they had him in the first one.
Wahhvacado
Wahhvacado - 3/17/2025, 3:14 PM
@slickrickdesigns - I could see Karl Urban do well. To me Josh Lawson did great and I have no notes on his performance
IAmAHoot
IAmAHoot - 3/17/2025, 1:13 PM
Still just hoping there's more vibrant color in this movie; the first had a really dull palette.
1stDalek
1stDalek - 3/17/2025, 3:44 PM
@IAmAHoot - Going by the Kitana picture, I wouldn't keep my hopes up.
slickrickdesigns
slickrickdesigns - 3/17/2025, 1:14 PM
It’ll be interesting to see how Jonny Cage does as a martial artist. It’s hard to imagine Carl Urban doing Jonny Cage style fighting. Like… will he do his classic split and nut punch???
I sure hope so!
PatientXero
PatientXero - 3/17/2025, 1:14 PM
What happened to the other “lead” guy? First one wasn’t ver good at all. It was actually pretty dreadful
MaxPaint
MaxPaint - 3/17/2025, 1:19 PM
First movie was so bad, I can't believe its getting a sequel.
THEKENDOMAN
THEKENDOMAN - 3/17/2025, 1:25 PM
Finally.

No further comment until I see a trailer.

Which from the looks do things should be around the corner.

For [frick]s sake


DocSpock
DocSpock - 3/17/2025, 1:25 PM

I hope all the dozens of people who go see this really enjoy it.

SATW42
SATW42 - 3/17/2025, 1:26 PM
he still just looks like Efron to me.
Order66
Order66 - 3/17/2025, 1:30 PM
Cage is supposed to be one of the best martial artists in the world. I don’t see that from Karl lol
BruceWayng
BruceWayng - 3/17/2025, 1:30 PM
Love Karl Urban but he’s definitely an odd choice for Cage. Plus he’s waaay too old.

Then again Scorpion is in his 60’s…

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harryba11zack
harryba11zack - 3/17/2025, 1:33 PM
hope the early leaks are false.
GodHercules20
GodHercules20 - 3/17/2025, 1:37 PM
Fighting games in live action all sucked so far

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marvel72
marvel72 - 3/17/2025, 2:27 PM
@GodHercules20 - Remake Street fighter 2 and Tekken.
DarthAlgar
DarthAlgar - 3/17/2025, 2:45 PM
@GodHercules20 - Street Fighter is fantastic for what it is.
BlackStar25
BlackStar25 - 3/17/2025, 1:44 PM
Enjoyed the first despite it being pretty meh. Hopefully they improve this go around
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