Johnny Cage, Shao Khan, Kitana Unveiled in Mortal Kombat 2 Film

Fans of the iconic fighting game series have been treated to an exciting preview of new characters set to grace the screen in the upcoming sequel, Mortal Kombat 2. Entertainment Weekly recently unveiled images showcasing Karl Urban stepping into the shoes of the flamboyant Johnny Cage, Martyn Ford embodying the formidable Shao Kahn, and Adeline Rudolph bringing to life the elegant Kitana, alongside the return of Hiroyuki Sanada as the fiery Scorpion.

The anticipation surrounding Karl Urban's portrayal of Johnny Cage, the egocentric Hollywood star known from the games, reached new heights after his image appeared in an in-universe poster. The released image captures Urban donning Cage's signature hairstyle and sunglasses, striking a classic martial arts pose. In the background, familiar faces from the first film, including Ludi Lin as Liu Kang, Mehcad Brooks as Jax, and Jessica McNamee as Sonya Blade, can be seen.

First looks at Johnny Cage, Shao Khan, Kitana and Scorpion in Mortal Kombat 2 film:

Karl Urban ➡️ Johnny Cage

Martyn Ford ➡️ Shao Kahn

Adeline Rudolph ➡️ Kitana

Hiroyuki Sanada reprises as Scorpion

Via: https://t.co/1CHXzLhFGK

#MortalKombat2 pic.twitter.com/7ifeMHzhC6

— Shinobi602 (@shinobi602) March 17, 2025

Ed Boon, the creative force behind the Mortal Kombat games at NetherRealm Studios, shared insights on Johnny Cage's role in the sequel. "His integration into the Mortal Kombat story and universe is a big part of what this movie explores," Boon stated. He highlighted Urban's unique take on the character, describing it as a fresh and novel interpretation. "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's adding his own flare to it, but I think it'll feel fresh. There's like a novelty factor in there."

Boon teased a "ridiculously hilarious" introduction for Johnny Cage, while director Simon McQuoid emphasized the balance they aimed to strike with the character. "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."

Entertainment Weekly also confirmed that movie-accurate skins for Urban's Johnny Cage, Rudolph's Kitana, and Ford's Shao Kahn will be available in Mortal Kombat 1 later this year, much to the delight of gamers.

In a surprising twist, Damon Herriman will portray Quan Chi, while Josh Lawson and Max Huang reprise their roles as Kano and Kung Lao, despite their characters' demise in the first film. Boon explained this creative decision by referencing the game's lore, which often brings characters back through supernatural means. "So we deal with spirits and the NetherRealm and things like that," he said. "There are ways to bring dead characters back."

Rounding out the cast, Tati Gabrielle will play Jade, and Ana Thu Nguyen will take on the role of Queen Sindel. Mortal Kombat 2 is set to hit theaters on October 24, 2025, promising fans an exhilarating continuation of the saga.