Mortal Kombat 2 Writer Likens Fan Excitement to Avengers: Endgame

Screenwriter and producer Jeremy Slater has praised Mortal Kombat 2, calling it “much funnier and grander” than its predecessor.

In a discussion with ComicBook.com, Slater shared insights on fitting 20 iconic fighters into Mortal Kombat 2, set for release on Oct 24, 2025, with Karl Urban starring as Johnny Cage.

“Balancing these large-scale stories to avoid sprawling, multi-hour epics is always a challenge, so we carefully trimmed elements to focus on the emotional narrative and the story that resonates with audiences,” Slater said.

“We ensured the key moments—fights, fatalities, surprises, and deaths—hit hard and deliver the satisfaction fans expect. I believe we succeeded. The stunt team was top-notch, and the actors were outstanding. This film is far funnier and more expansive than the first,” he added.

Slater also spoke about test screenings, noting that Mortal Kombat fans reacted with the same fervor he felt watching Avengers: Endgame.

“I can’t wait for audiences to experience this film,” he said. “It’s been ready for some time, and we’ve been waiting for the perfect release window. At test screenings packed with Mortal Kombat fans, their reactions mirrored my own to Avengers: Endgame. They were cheering, leaping from their seats, and loving every joke. It’s one of the highlights of my career. That’s why we do this.”

Meet the Cast of Mortal Kombat 2

In March, fans got a first glimpse of new characters in Mortal Kombat 2, including Martyn Ford as Shao Kahn, Adeline Rudolph as Kitana, and the returning Hiroyuki Sanada as Scorpion.

Fans of Mortal Kombat had been eager to see how Karl Urban, known for playing Billy Butcher in The Boys, would portray the self-absorbed Hollywood star Johnny Cage in live-action, especially after his image appeared in an in-universe poster for a Cage movie.

In Mortal Kombat 2, Urban sports Cage’s signature hair and sunglasses, striking a classic martial arts pose. In the background, Ludi Lin appears as Liu Kang, Mehcad Brooks as Jax, and Jessica McNamee as Sonya Blade.

NetherRealm’s Ed Boon, a Mortal Kombat developer, commented on Johnny Cage’s role in the sequel: “His integration into the Mortal Kombat universe is a key focus of this film. He’s a faded Hollywood star thrust into this mystical, ultra-violent world. Karl brings a unique flair to the role, distinct from our games, but it feels fresh and exciting.”

Boon teased a “wildly entertaining” introduction for Johnny Cage. Director Simon McQuoid added: “We aimed for a character who wasn’t just a cartoonish figure. Casting Karl Urban brought depth, preventing the role from becoming too light or disposable.”

Meanwhile, Damon Herriman (Better Man) stars as Quan Chi in Mortal Kombat 2, with Josh Lawson and Max Huang unexpectedly returning as Kano and Kung Lao, characters who perished in the first film. How is this possible? Boon explained that the Mortal Kombat video game lore, known for its flexible approach to character mortality, allows for such returns: “We explore spirits and the NetherRealm, opening doors to bring back deceased characters.”

Additionally, Tati Gabrielle (The Last of Us Season 2) portrays Jade, and Ana Thu Nguyen (NCIS: Sydney) plays Queen Sindel.