The recently unveiled trailer for Mortal Kombat 2 suggests that Warner Bros. intends to position Johnny Cage as the main protagonist in the sequel. The character, a confident movie star and Earthrealm defender, was notably absent from the 2021 Mortal Kombat film, which introduced original character Cole Young, played by Lewis Tan, as the new face in the conflict against the villainous Shang Tsung and his forces.
Although Cage was referenced in a post-credits scene to set the stage for the sequel, excitement builds as fans anticipate its release on October 24. In this upcoming installment, Mortal Kombat 2 is set to introduce a host of classic fighters into its live-action universe.
Notably, the formidable Shao Kahn will serve as the primary antagonist, with familiar characters like Kitana, Jade, and Quan Chi also making an appearance. Karl Urban, known for roles in Star Trek and The Boys, will portray Johnny Cage, marking an interesting transition as he steps into the shoes of a character who transforms from a self-absorbed actor into a genuine hero.
The focus of the recent trailer is squarely on Johnny Cage. It opens with him in a bar where a fan enthusiastically discusses his favorite films featuring the character.
Cage’s initial reluctance to engage in the battles—given his lack of special powers—sets the stage for his character development. However, he soon finds himself facing off against Baraka, demonstrating impressive martial arts skills.
Viewers of the trailer may feel that Johnny Cage has taken center stage over Cole Young, who appears only briefly and without any dialogue. Although trailers can sometimes misrepresent the final product, it hints that Cage will face off against Shao Kahn.
The trailer closes with a dramatic shot of the Outworld tyrant advancing on Cage, who is ready for battle. Additionally, it delights longtime fans with thrilling moments, including Scorpion executing a Fatality on Noob Saibot.
Meanwhile, many fans may be relieved to see Cage become the primary focus, especially given the polarized reception of Cole Young in the previous film.