Mortal Kombat 2 Test Screenings Elicit Endgame-Level Reactions

Screenwriter and producer Jeremy Slater has praised Mortal Kombat 2, calling it "significantly funnier and more ambitious" than the first film.

In an interview with ComicBook.com, Slater spoke about incorporating a roster of 20 well-known fighters into Mortal Kombat 2, scheduled for release on October 24, 2025, featuring Karl Urban as Johnny Cage.

"It’s very easy for these films to become sprawling, three-to-four-hour epics, so you must be selective in trimming content, focusing on the emotional core of the story and what the audience truly cares about," Slater explained.

"Then, you ensure the pivotal moments—the fights, fatalities, surprises, and character deaths—truly deliver and satisfy fan expectations. I believe we succeeded. We had the industry’s top stunt team on this project, and the actors are phenomenal. The movie is far funnier and grander in scale than the first."

Slater also discussed attending test screenings filled with Mortal Kombat fans, who he said reacted to the film "the same way I reacted to Avengers: Endgame."

"I’m incredibly excited for audiences to see this movie," he said. "It’s been completed for some time, and we’ve been waiting for the ideal release window. Being at those test screenings, surrounded by Mortal Kombat fans, and witnessing their reactions—cheering and leaping from their seats—was unforgettable. Every joke lands, and they loved it. It’s one of the highlights of my career and exactly why I work in this industry."

Meet the Cast of Mortal Kombat 2

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In March, fans received a first glimpse of several new characters joining Mortal Kombat 2, including Martyn Ford as Shao Kahn and Adeline Rudolph as Kitana, alongside the return of Hiroyuki Sanada as Scorpion.

Fans had been curious about how Karl Urban, known for playing Billy Butcher in The Boys, would portray Mortal Kombat’s beloved, egocentric Hollywood star in live-action, especially after an in-universe poster for a Cage movie teased his appearance.

In Mortal Kombat 2, a fresh-faced Urban sports Cage's signature hairstyle and sunglasses while striking a classic martial arts pose. The background reveals Ludi Lin as Liu Kang, Mehcad Brooks as Jax, and Jessica McNamee as Sonya Blade.

Ed Boon from Mortal Kombat developer NetherRealm commented on Johnny Cage’s role in the sequel: "How he fits into the Mortal Kombat story and universe is a major focus of this film. He’s a washed-up Hollywood actor thrust into this magical, ultra-violent world. Karl’s portrayal brings a distinct flavor—it’s different from our games in some aspects, but it feels fresh and adds a novel touch."

Boon teased a "ridiculously hilarious" introduction for Johnny Cage. Director Simon McQuoid added: "We aimed for a character with depth, not just a purely silly, comic-book figure. It was easy to make him too light and dismissive if we overdid the cheese. Casting Karl Urban allowed us to give the character greater substance."

Meanwhile, Damon Herriman (Better Man) portrays Quan Chi in Mortal Kombat 2, while Josh Lawson and Max Huang surprisingly return as Kano and Kung Lao, characters who died in the first film. How is this possible? Boon pointed to the established lore of the Mortal Kombat video games, which are known for their flexible approach to character mortality. "We explore spirits, the NetherRealm, and similar concepts," he said. "There are always ways to bring deceased characters back."

Finally, Tati Gabrielle (The Last of Us Season 2) plays Jade, and Ana Thu Nguyen (NCIS: Sydney) takes on the role of Queen Sindel.