In a move that's sure to frustrate some fans: Mortal Kombat II -- the live-action theatrical sequel to the 2021 cinematic franchise reboot -- has officially pushed back its release to next year. The shock move delays the theatrical release over six months, but the reasons for the change may not be negative. Read on for details:

Deadline reports that the change in date, announced with a cutting image of Kung Lao's hat posted to social media, may be to exploit massive interest shown in the official trailer, with a less crowded theatrical window. May 15th shifts the sequel to a release period that produced positive results for Warner Brothers with 2025's Final Destination reboot.

Slightly less convincing is Deadline's assertion that moving the martial arts fantasy film away from the week before Halloween, as well as competing films from 20th Century Studios (Springsteen Deliver Me From Nowhere) and Paramount (Regretting You), alleviates pressure from a crowded market.

Despite mixed impressions from die hard fans, those close to the film sequel have been positive about early cuts. After attending a screening with cast members, Ed Boon posted enthusiastically to Bluesky: "October kan’t GET OVER HERE soon enough!!" The trailer posted to Warner Bros official YouTube has garnered over 11 million views since releasing mid-July, with over 364,000 Like reactions.

[Related Article: Mortal Kombat II Reveals Cast with 16 Character Movie Posters]

Despite his untimely death in the first movie, Max Huang will return as Kung Lao in the sequel alongside Joe Taslim as Noob Saibot. You can preview the villain's new guise and Baraka in official screenshots.

Are you disappointed in the delay? Are you hopeful that success awaits in Mortal Kombat II's May release? Leave your thoughts in the comments below and tell us if you'll be in theatres when the movie finally drops. Go deeper into discussion in the Media & Merchandise category!