The Internet Reacts to Mortal Kombat 2's Reveal of Karl Urban's Johnny Cage

Mortal Kombat 2, the movie adaptation hitting theaters this fall, is already generating significant buzz. Following the 2021 reboot, anticipation is high, fueled by discussions surrounding its budget, potential box office returns, casting choices (including first looks at Johnny Cage, Shao Kahn, and Kitana), and even possible release date shifts. Let's delve into the online chatter and predictions surrounding this highly anticipated sequel.

First, a look at the initial reaction to the film's first look:

For those of you who might have missed it. Here is a first look at the Mortal Kombat 2 movie!

Includes shots of Johnny Cage (Karl Urban) Kitana, Shao Kahn and Scorpion! https://t.co/RenOSjHNg0 pic.twitter.com/4uoTdxQfdE

— Ed Boon (@noobde) March 17, 2025

A major point of contention among fans centers on the role of Cole Young, the original film's protagonist. Many viewers felt his character, a somewhat generic player-insert designed for exposition, detracted from the established franchise characters. Several comments express a preference for returning to more familiar faces. One fan stated, “I really enjoyed the remake except for the new character they created for no reason. Hopefully he takes a backseat in this one,” while another hinted (with spoilers redacted) that "He isn't the main character anymore, Johnny is."

The shift in focus to Johnny Cage, portrayed by Karl Urban, is a welcome change for many. A Redditor confidently declared, “Johnny is the main character this time 100%. Urban got top billing on the poster they released and he’s prominently featured in the first promo images.”

However, Urban's casting has also sparked debate, particularly concerning his age. Comments such as “Who the hell made this thinking Karl Urban is the perfect guy for Johnny Cage?” and “at 49 he is miscast and doesn't have the outlandish optimistic charisma that Cage has in the lore,” highlight concerns about his suitability for the role. Alternative casting suggestions included Glen Powell, Chris Evans, Austin Butler, Jack Quaid, and The Miz. Conversely, some fans defended Urban, drawing parallels to Heath Ledger's casting as the Joker and emphasizing his versatility as an actor. One humorous comment simply stated: “Primitive monkey brain triggers ‘Karl Urban in movie, take my money.’”

Box office predictions vary widely. One r/BoxOffice thread suggested a $250 million gross, with others estimating figures ranging up to $300 million, with the additional expectation of strong streaming performance. One user commented, “But it’ll do huge on streaming. It doesn’t need no more than a 5-6 week long theater run.”

The impact of production delays due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike is also a factor in the conversation. One Redditor noted, “This probably made sense when the budget was less than the first but then strike delays blew it up,” referencing the increased costs associated with the production halt.

Despite the mixed opinions, some skepticism remains regarding the film's overall success. One fan expressed concern that the film might "bomb," citing the lukewarm reception of the first movie and questioning the late October release date. Conversely, others believe Urban's popularity from The Boys will contribute to the film's success.

Ultimately, many fans express excitement for the film regardless of their concerns. Comments such as “First one was good fun and I loved these silly action movies growing up,” and “F—k me but I’m excited for it. I liked the first one. It was corny but it’s Mortal Kombat which isn’t high art,” demonstrate a significant level of anticipation.

Rumors of a potential release date shift to August, currently occupied by Paul Thomas Anderson's One Battle After Another, are also circulating. The potential benefits of such a move were discussed, with some believing August would be a more suitable release window for the film.

In conclusion, while opinions vary widely, the excitement surrounding Mortal Kombat 2 is undeniable. The coming months will reveal if the film lives up to the hype. What are your thoughts? Share in the comments!

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