Mortal Kombat movie fans will have to wait a little longer for the highly anticipated sequel. Warner Bros. has officially pushed back the Mortal Kombat 2 release date from October 24, 2025, to May 15, 2026, according to Deadline.
First Look at Johnny Cage
The delay came not long after fans got their first significant look at the film’s trailer, which revealed Karl Urban as Johnny Cage. His portrayal quickly became a hot topic as viewers saw him navigate the fatal tournament and face off against competitors wielding supernatural powers.
Why the Delay?
While no exact reason was given, moving Mortal Kombat 2 into the summer blockbuster window makes strategic sense. Historically, action films thrive during this period as schools let out and audiences flock to theaters. The film will open one week before Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu, releasing on May 22, 2026, but otherwise faces minimal competition until mid-June.
Aiming Higher Than the Original
The first Mortal Kombat (2021) earned mixed critical reviews but was a hit with audiences, grossing $84.4 million on a $55 million budget and setting records as HBO Max’s most successful film launch at the time. With Mortal Kombat 2 reportedly carrying a larger $68 million budget, it will need an even stronger performance to satisfy expectations.
Trailer Success Sets the Tone
Signs point to huge anticipation. The Mortal Kombat 2 Red Band trailer smashed records, drawing nearly 107 million views within 24 hours. For comparison, the first film’s trailer reached only 47 million in the same time frame. This viral success could indicate massive box office potential once the movie finally arrives.
Although the delay may disappoint fans, the shift to May 2026 could prove a winning strategy. With momentum from its record-breaking trailer and a prime summer slot, Mortal Kombat 2 is positioned to become one of the year’s most explosive blockbusters.