Mortal Kombat fans have eagerly awaited the return of one of the franchise’s most beloved characters, Johnny Cage. After being noticeably absent from the 2021 Mortal Kombat reboot, Cage is set to make his comeback in the upcoming sequel, but with a twist that might surprise long-time fans.

A New Perspective on Johnny Cage

Johnny Cage, the brash action movie star and martial artist, has been a central figure in the Mortal Kombat franchise, often standing alongside characters like Raiden and Liu Kang. However, Mortal Kombat 2 is set to reintroduce Cage in a way that deviates from what fans might expect. Karl Urban, known for his roles in The Boys and Dredd, will portray Cage, bringing a fresh interpretation to the iconic character.

In a recent interview with Screen Rant at the 2024 San Diego Comic-Con, Mortal Kombat star Lewis Tan, who plays Cole Young, hinted at the changes fans can expect. Tan described Urban’s take on Johnny Cage as “unique” and “interesting,” suggesting that the portrayal will differ from the classic image of the character seen in video games. “I think it’s really unique, it’s maybe different from what people are expecting,” Tan said. He praised Urban’s talent and experience, noting that the actor brings something special to the role.

Behind the Scenes and What’s to Come

Mortal Kombat 2 wrapped up filming earlier this year, with Urban sharing a celebratory photo on social media in January. The snapshot featured Urban and his co-stars marking the final day of filming, with Urban expressing his excitement about the project. “That’s a picture wrap for me & Johnny Cage in Mortal Kombat 2! Massive thanks to our incredible crew, cast, and phenomenal stunt team. Hands down the most action-packed fun I’ve ever had on a film! Can’t wait for y’all to see it,” Urban wrote.

The production also faced challenges, including delays due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Despite these hurdles, filming resumed in November, with Urban posting another update featuring co-stars Ludi Lin, Mehcad Brooks, Adeline Rudolph, and CJ Bloomfield.

Anticipation for Mortal Kombat 2

The 2021 Mortal Kombat reboot surprised fans with its significant changes to the franchise’s storyline, such as introducing Cole Young, a character not present in the original games, while omitting Johnny Cage. However, the upcoming sequel’s inclusion of Cage has reignited excitement among fans.

Karl Urban’s portrayal of Johnny Cage remains shrouded in mystery, and it’s unclear just how different his version will be from the classic character. The Mortal Kombat franchise has seen multiple reboots, with characters often staying true to their original personas. Yet, live-action adaptations frequently bring changes, and Urban’s take on Cage is expected to add a new layer to the character.

Mortal Kombat 2 is slated for release on October 24, 2025, and with a mix of returning and new characters, it promises to be a must-watch for fans of the franchise.

Final Thoughts

With a fresh take on Johnny Cage and the introduction of new characters, Mortal Kombat 2 is shaping up to be an exciting continuation of the 2021 reboot. As fans eagerly await its release, the unique portrayal of Cage by Karl Urban will undoubtedly be one of the most anticipated elements of the film.

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