Mortal Kombat 2 offers a first look at several new characters joining the sequel's roster. Entertainment Weekly unveiled images of Karl Urban as Johnny Cage, Martyn Ford as Shao Kahn, and Adeline Rudolph as Kitana, alongside the returning Hiroyuki Sanada as Scorpion.
Fans have eagerly awaited Karl Urban's portrayal of the self-absorbed Hollywood star, Johnny Cage, following his appearance in an in-universe movie poster. The image showcases Urban capturing Cage's signature look—a fresh face, trademark hair, and sunglasses—in a classic martial arts pose. The background features returning cast members Ludi Lin as Liu Kang, Mehcad Brooks as Jax, and Jessica McNamee as Sonya Blade.
First Look at Mortal Kombat 2 Characters:
- Karl Urban as Johnny Cage
- Martyn Ford as Shao Kahn
- Adeline Rudolph as Kitana
- Hiroyuki Sanada returns as Scorpion
Ed Boon of NetherRealm Studios commented on Johnny Cage's role, stating, "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's 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 also teased a "ridiculously hilarious" character introduction. Director Simon McQuoid added, "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 confirmed that movie-accurate skins for Urban's Johnny Cage, Rudolph's Kitana, and Ford's Shao Kahn will be released in Mortal Kombat 1 later this year.
Damon Herriman (Better Call Saul) portrays Quan Chi, while Josh Lawson and Max Huang surprisingly reprise their roles as Kano and Kung Lao, despite their demise in the first film. Boon explained this by referencing the game's lore: "So we deal with spirits and the NetherRealm and things like that," he said. "There are ways to bring dead characters back."
Finally, Tati Gabrielle (The Last of Us Season 2) plays Jade, and Ana Thu Nguyen (NCIS: Sydney) portrays Queen Sindel. Mortal Kombat 2 is slated for release in theaters on October 24, 2025.
