Fans of the Mortal Kombat franchise have been buzzing with excitement ever since the news broke that Karl Urban has officially been confirmed to portray the iconic Johnny Cage in the highly anticipated sequel, Mortal Kombat II. The announcement, which has sent waves through the gaming and film communities alike, comes with a promise from Urban himself: “I love this character, wait until October.” With the film slated for release on October 24, 2025, anticipation is building for what could be one of the most thrilling cinematic adaptations of the beloved video game series yet.
Karl Urban, a seasoned actor known for his versatile performances in projects like The Boys, Star Trek, and Dredd, brings a wealth of experience and charisma to the role. Johnny Cage, a fan-favorite character since the inception of the Mortal Kombat games in the early 1990s, is a Hollywood action star with a cocky attitude, flashy fighting style, and a penchant for delivering witty one-liners. Urban’s casting has been met with widespread approval, as many believe his ability to blend humor, intensity, and physicality makes him the perfect fit for the larger-than-life persona of Cage.
The journey to this confirmation has been a rollercoaster for fans. After the 2021 Mortal Kombat reboot teased Johnny Cage’s arrival with a subtle nod at the film’s end—a poster for his fictional movie Citizen Cage—speculation ran rampant about who would take on the role. Names like Ryan Reynolds and Scott Adkins were thrown into the mix by eager fans, but it was Urban’s name that ultimately surfaced as a serious contender. Reports of his involvement first emerged in mid-2023, with sources suggesting he was in talks for the part. Now, with the official confirmation, the wait for his debut as the sunglasses-wearing martial artist is finally nearing its end.
Urban’s enthusiasm for the role is palpable. His statement, “I love this character, wait until October,” hints at a deep appreciation for Johnny Cage’s unique blend of bravado and vulnerability. In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Urban elaborated on what drew him to the project. He described Cage as a “washed-up Hollywood guy thrown into this magical, ultra-violent thing,” a characterization that promises a fresh take on the fighter. Urban’s excitement is echoed by the film’s director, Simon McQuoid, who has emphasized the importance of grounding Cage’s over-the-top personality with depth and complexity. “We needed a character who was not just absolutely silly and comic-booky,” McQuoid noted, praising Urban’s ability to add layers to the role.
The first-look images of Urban as Johnny Cage, released just days ago on March 17, 2025, have only fueled the hype. Sporting a classic fighting stance and a jacket reminiscent of Cage’s signature style, Urban looks every bit the part. Alongside him, the film introduces other iconic characters like Kitana (Adeline Rudolph) and Shao Kahn (Martyn Ford), as well as the return of Hiroyuki Sanada as Scorpion. These glimpses into the sequel suggest a bigger, bolder approach compared to its predecessor, with a full-blown Mortal Kombat tournament taking center stage—a key element fans felt was missing from the 2021 film.
Behind the scenes, the creative team is equally thrilled about Urban’s involvement. Ed Boon, co-creator of the Mortal Kombat franchise and head of NetherRealm Studios, has teased that Urban’s portrayal will differ from the video game version in intriguing ways. “He’s adding his own flare to it, but I think it’ll feel fresh,” Boon said, hinting at a Johnny Cage who balances humor with a more grounded narrative arc. Early test screenings have reportedly highlighted Cage’s introduction as “ridiculously hilarious,” earning some of the biggest laughs from audiences—a promising sign for a character known for his comedic flair.
Filming for Mortal Kombat II wrapped earlier this year, with Urban himself describing the experience as “the most action-packed fun I’ve ever had on a film.” This sentiment underscores the high-energy vibe fans can expect when the movie hits theaters and IMAX locations in October. The sequel promises to deliver the brutal combat, high stakes, and larger-than-life warriors that have defined the franchise for decades, with Urban’s Johnny Cage poised to be a standout addition to the roster.
As the countdown to October 24, 2025, begins, Karl Urban’s official confirmation as Johnny Cage has cemented Mortal Kombat II as one of the year’s most anticipated releases. His love for the character and the creative team’s commitment to honoring Cage’s legacy while pushing boundaries have set the stage for an unforgettable cinematic experience. For fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the Mortal Kombat saga, Urban’s words ring true: the wait until October will be worth it.
