The recently released Mortal Kombat 2 movie trailer has fans buzzing with excitement, particularly because it signals a major shift in Warner Bros’ sequel — Johnny Cage is poised to take center stage as the main protagonist.
In the 2021 Mortal Kombat film, the cocky Hollywood star-turned-Earthrealm defender was notably absent, with original character Cole Young (Lewis Tan) leading the charge against Shang Tsung. Johnny Cage, however, was teased in a post-credits scene, setting the stage for his eventual introduction in the follow-up.
Johnny Cage’s Debut in Mortal Kombat 2
The trailer kicks off with Johnny Cage, played by Star Trek and The Boys star Karl Urban, sitting in a bar while a fan praises his classic movies. Soon, Cage is recruited by Raiden and allies to join the fight against the new main villain, Shao Khan. Initially reluctant, citing his lack of supernatural powers compared to other Kombatants, Johnny quickly proves his worth in a fierce battle against Baraka — showing off his signature martial arts skills and charismatic bravado.
Classic Kombatants Return
Mortal Kombat 2 also expands the live-action roster, bringing back fan favorites like Kitana, Jade, and Quan Chi. The towering Shao Khan steps up as the main antagonist, raising the stakes for Earthrealm’s defenders. With Johnny Cage reporting for duty, the sequel promises a perfect blend of nostalgia and fresh storytelling.
What This Means for the Franchise
By making Johnny Cage the focal point, Warner Bros is embracing a fan-favorite character who was absent from the first film’s main cast, potentially energizing longtime fans and new viewers alike. Karl Urban’s portrayal, combined with the addition of classic Kombatants and a powerful villain, sets Mortal Kombat 2 up for a thrilling ride when it hits theaters on October 24.