Karl Urban Reveals Grueling Training for Mortal Kombat 2 Role as Johnny Cage

The highly anticipated sequel Mortal Kombat II is set for release in May 2026. Actor Karl Urban has joined the cast as the iconic fighter Johnny Cage. He recently detailed the intense preparation for what he calls his most challenging role ever. The film will see Earthrealm’s champions battle the villainous Shao Kahn.

Urban’s casting was confirmed by entertainment outlet Entertainment Weekly. He stars alongside returning actors Hiroyuki Sanada and Jessica McNamee. The sequel aims to deliver the brutal, signature action fans of the video game franchise expect.

Action Star Seeks New Challenge After “General Hospital” Season

Karl Urban is a veteran of action films and series. Despite this, he found the physical demands of Mortal Kombat II uniquely tough. He described his previous season on The Boys as lacking in action scenes. This made him eager for a physically demanding project.

The Mortal Kombat script arrived soon after. Urban told Entertainment Weekly he asked for a heavy-action movie. He joked that the production gave him exactly what he requested. The specific martial arts choreography required extreme precision and new training.

Urban undertook significant research for the Johnny Cage role. He attended karate tournaments to observe younger martial artists. He aimed to understand the character’s potential background in combat sports. This dedication highlights the film’s focus on authentic fight sequences.

Sequel Promises Elevated Stakes and Gore for 2026

The 2021 Mortal Kombat film rebooted the live-action series. It established the core characters and universe. The sequel intends to raise the stakes significantly in terms of scale and violence.

Cast member Lewis Tan previously teased the film’s intensity. He said the team pushed to create “the best fight movie of the year.” The goal is to better capture the game’s spirit of gruesome fatalities and thrilling combat. This addresses fan feedback wanting more impactful action.

Director Simon McQuoid returns to helm the second installment. He is joined by new screenwriter Jeremy Slater. Slater’s recent work includes Moon Knight. This creative shift aims to strengthen the story alongside the amplified action.

The production of Mortal Kombat 2 is betting on Karl Urban’s star power and commitment to deliver a definitive video game adaptation. Fans can expect a bigger, bloodier tournament when the film arrives next year.

Info at your fingertips

When is Mortal Kombat 2 coming out?

The movie *Mortal Kombat II* is scheduled for release in theaters on May 15, 2026. The date is set by Warner Bros. for a global theatrical launch.

Who is playing Johnny Cage in the new movie?

Actor Karl Urban plays the famous Hollywood star-turned-fighter, Johnny Cage. He is new to the film series but a well-known action star from *The Boys* and *Star Trek*.

Will the original cast return for the sequel?

Yes, several actors from the 2021 film are returning. This includes Hiroyuki Sanada as Scorpion and Jessica McNamee as Sonya Blade. They will be joined by new faces like Urban.

What is the sequel’s story about?

The plot will involve the champions of Earthrealm facing a new threat. The main villain is the powerful emperor Shao Kahn. He seeks to conquer Earthrealm through the Mortal Kombat tournament.

Why did Karl Urban take the role?

Urban said he wanted a physically demanding project after a less action-heavy season on *The Boys*. He found the *Mortal Kombat* script fortuitously and embraced the martial arts challenge.

Who is directing Mortal Kombat 2?

Simon McQuoid, who directed the 2021 *Mortal Kombat*, is returning to direct the sequel. The screenplay is written by Jeremy Slater, known for *Moon Knight*.