The buzz around the upcoming "Mortal Kombat 2" movie is palpable as fans eagerly await its release this fall. Following the 2021 reboot, anticipation is high for how this sequel will perform at the box office and resonate with audiences. From analyzing its budget and potential earnings to discussing casting choices and release date speculations, the online community is deeply engaged. Let's delve into what the internet is saying about the "Mortal Kombat" sequel.

For those of you who might have missed it. Here is a first look at the Mortal Kombat 2 movie!

Includes shots of Johnny Cage (Karl Urban) Kitana, Shao Kahn and Scorpion! https://t.co/RenOSjHNg0 pic.twitter.com/4uoTdxQfdE

— Ed Boon (@noobde) March 17, 2025

A significant point of discussion among fans is the franchise's new protagonist, Cole Young, introduced in the 2021 reboot and played by Lewis Tan. While Cole served as a relatable character for newcomers, many fans prefer seeing established characters take the spotlight. "I really enjoyed the remake except for the new character they created for no reason. Hopefully he takes a backseat in this one," one fan expressed. Another added, "He isn't the main character anymore, Johnny is. [OK] I'm not sure if it's Johnny but a lot of leaks have said he isn't the MC anymore."

The casting of Karl Urban as Johnny Cage has stirred mixed reactions. Some fans question the choice, citing Urban's age and perceived mismatch with the character's energetic persona. "Who the hell made this thinking Karl Urban is the perfect guy for Johnny Cage?" one fan queried, while another noted, "I like Karl Urban but at 49 he is miscast and doesn't have the outlandish optimistic charisma that Cage has in the lore." Alternatives suggested for Johnny Cage included Glen Powell, Chris Evans, Austin Butler, Jack Quaid, and The Miz. However, supporters of Urban's casting argue that it's premature to judge his performance. "Have you seen the movie yet? People said the same thing about Ledger being The Joker," a fan countered, suggesting Urban's versatility across various roles.

Financial aspects of "Mortal Kombat 2" have also been hotly debated. Estimates on r/BoxOffice suggest the film could earn around $250 million, with one fan commenting, "If the budget stays reasonable, that wouldn’t be too bad." Another predicted even higher returns, stating, "Under $300 million, but it’ll do huge on streaming. It doesn’t need no more than a 5-6 week long theater run." Budget concerns were raised due to delays caused by the SAG-AFTRA strikes, which halted filming in July 2023 before resuming in November and concluding by January 2024.

Mortal Kombat's Bizarre History of Movie and TV Adaptations

Not everyone is optimistic about the sequel's success. "Feel like this might bomb honestly. First one wasn’t even well received and I doubt people will be rushing out to see this sequel. Also weird late October release date," a fan remarked, suggesting a potential shift in the release calendar to maximize potential. "If I was WB I would push Zach Cregger’s Weapons up to late October and push this to January or February 2026." Others believe that Urban's involvement in "The Boys" could boost the film's appeal. "I think you’re underestimating how big The Boys is, it has 55 million international viewers. I think the movie will do solid even outside the U.S.," one user responded.

Despite varied opinions, excitement for "Mortal Kombat 2" remains high. "First one was good fun and I loved these silly action movies growing up," one fan shared. "Looking forward to this." Another added, "F—k me but I’m excited for it. I liked the first one. It was corny but it’s Mortal Kombat which isn’t high art." A third fan emphasized the growing acceptance of video game movies, stating, "This sub really needs to stop underestimating Video Game Movies."

Rumors are circulating about a possible shift in the release date to August, currently held by Paul Thomas Anderson’s upcoming film "One Battle After Another." "That would make more sense," one user noted. "The PTA movie would get a Venice premiere and awards season, while Mortal Kombat gets late summer." Another fan agreed, saying, "MK screams August, IMO."

As we await the release of "Mortal Kombat 2," the fanbase remains fervently engaged in discussions and speculations. The film's reception will be a topic of interest for months to come, but one thing is clear: the excitement surrounding it is undeniable. K.O.