Mortal Kombat 2 Screenings Dubbed Endgame-Level by Writer

Screenwriter and producer Jeremy Slater has praised Mortal Kombat 2, calling it "funnier and more ambitious" than its predecessor.

In a chat with ComicBook.com, Slater revealed how Mortal Kombat 2 balances its massive roster of 20 fighters ahead of its October 24, 2025 release, featuring Karl Urban as Johnny Cage.

"These films could easily stretch into four-hour epics, so we prioritized emotional storytelling while trimming excess," Slater explained.

"Every fight sequence, fatality, and story beat had to deliver maximum impact. We assembled Hollywood's top stunt team and cast phenomenal actors. The result surpasses the first film in scale and humor."

Slater described electrifying test screenings where Mortal Kombat fans erupted like audiences did during Avengers: Endgame.

"Seeing fans leap from their seats, cheering every joke and fight—it's why I work in this industry," he shared. "After perfecting the film, we've waited patiently for the ideal release window."

Meet the Mortal Kombat 2 Fighter Roster

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March finally revealed newcomers like Martyn Ford's Shao Kahn and Adeline Rudolph's Kitana, joining returning favorite Hiroyuki Sanada as Scorpion.

Fans speculated about Karl Urban's live-action portrayal of Johnny Cage after glimpsing his character poster—The Boys star now embodies Cage's trademark look complete with sunglasses and martial arts swagger.

Behind Urban, we spot Ludi Lin as Liu Kang, Mehcad Brooks as Jax, and Jessica McNamee reprising Sonya Blade.

NetherRealm's Ed Boon teased Cage's unique interpretation: "Karl brings fresh energy to this washed-up Hollywood star dragged into Mortal Kombat's brutal world. His version feels novel while honoring the games."

Prepare for Cage's "hilariously over-the-top" entrance, per Boon. Director Simon McQuoid emphasized balancing humor with depth: "Karl prevents Cage from becoming pure comic relief—there's real substance beneath the bravado."

Damon Herriman (Better Man) embodies dark sorcerer Quan Chi, while Josh Lawson and Max Huang surprisingly return as deceased fighters Kano and Kung Lao—made possible by Mortal Kombat's signature supernatural lore.

"The NetherRealm allows fallen warriors to return," Boon confirmed, with Tati Gabrielle and Ana Thu Nguyen completing the cast as Jade and Queen Sindel.