We still have a short wait before the theatrical release of Mortal Kombat II, but in newly released preview images from the movie sequel, we have a toasty new look at franchise icons renewing their rivalry on the big screen. All this plus an interview with Johnny Cage actor Karl Urban! Take a look:
It seems the fourth season of The Boys was key to delivering Urban to Mortal Kombat II. In a new preview feature for Entertainment Weekly, the actor explained storylines for his character left him looking for "heavy-action" in new roles: "I didn't really have much action that season.... I had fuel in the tank. I just wasn't satiated." Cage stands along his fellow Earthrealm fighters in new images [below], which also features an exciting preview of the battle between Shao Kahn (Martyn Ford) and Liu Kang (Ludi Lin).
The MK sequel came at the right time for Urban, but it wasn't easy. "I asked for a heavy-action content movie, and for my sins, they gave me one." Urban describes it as the "most challenging role" he's ever performed in -- no small feat for a career spanning four decades, and roles in blockbusters like The Lord of the Rings, The Bourne Supremacy, The Chronicles of Riddick, and Thor: Ragnarok. Johnny Cage's iconic fighting prowess pushed the New Zealand actor further: "It's the martial arts. The form and the style of martial arts is so specific, and the choreography, at times, is so definitive in its movement, and there's a precision of execution for it to look good. It was a huge challenge."
Mortal Kombat II is currently scheduled for theatrical release May 8th, 2026 after being pushed back from a 2025 release. The martial arts fantasy blockbuster will arrive as parent company, Warner Bros, navigates on-going developments surrounding a prospective purchase by Netflix.
[Related Article: Shang Tsung Actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa Passes Away]
What do you think of the new previews? Will you be there opening night? Check out the official trailer, special featurette, and more preview images from EW. Find and discuss more movie news in the Media & Merchandise category!
