Summary
- Mortal Kombat 2 will likely focus on Johnny Cage's character arc, making him a central figure in the film.
- Johnny Cage and Cole Young could easily be foils, setting up a surprising heroic conflict in Mortal Kombat 2.
- The sequel could introduce a different Sub-Zero and reveal Scorpion's bargain with Quan Chi.
The story for Mortal Kombat 2 has been largely kept under wraps, there have been some clues scattered throughout interviews and behind-the-scenes pictures that give eagle-eyed fans some ideas about the film.
Casting confirmations and set photos tease Mortal Kombat 2's characters and story, implying which kind of direction the film will take. There are numerous classic narratives from the games that could come into play in the new film, while also allowing for some major characters who perished in the prior film another chance in the spotlight. Given the history of the franchise and the facts that have been confirmed about the film, here are ten theories about what Mortal Kombat 2's story will be about.
Mortal Kombat 2's Outworld Champion Roster (As We Know It)
After 2021's Mortal Kombat killed almost all of Outworld's champions, who could represent Shao Kahn's realm in the sequel? Here's every option.
10 Johnny Cage's Character Arc Will Be A Major Factor Of The Film
Karl Urban's Johnny Cage Will Likely Be At The Heart of Mortal Kombat 2
Given the casting of Karl Urban in the role and pictures taken from filming, Mortal Kombat 2 will likely focus heavily on Johnny Cage's story. In the Mortal Kombat franchise, Johnny's development from an ego-driven self-centered fighter to a genuine hero is one of the underlying character-driven plotlines of multiple titles. 2023's Mortal Kombat 1 reinforced this, with the rebooted universe focusing heavily on Cage and his development. The film seems to be following suit, given the clear prominence of Cage in Mortal Kombat's final moments. Cage's green color scheme has also appeared in the logo for the film, implying his importance.
Karl Urban being cast as Johnny Cage suggests that the role will be a beefy one in Mortal Kombat 2. There's little reason to cast an actor as big as Urban in a minor role, so his presence in Mortal Kombat 2 suggests Johnny will be a central part of the film. It makes sense, too, given Johnny Cage's relatively straightforward story. The movie star famous for playing action heroes being forced to be an action hero is a well-trodden path for blockbuster films, and it would make perfect sense as Cage's plot in Mortal Kombat 2.
9 Johnny Cage & Cole Young Will Be Foils To One Another In Mortal Kombat 2
Cage & Cole Could Make For A Perfect Contrast
Johnny Cage's likely prominence in Mortal Kombat 2 sets up the character as an interesting contrast to the central protagonist of Mortal Kombat. Created for the new film adaptation of the franchise, Lewis Tan's Cole Young proved his mettle in 2021's Mortal Kombat. However, pairing Cole with Johnny Cage invites plenty of natural conflict. The two are both skilled human fighters, who used their similar abilities to chart very different paths for themselves. While Young fought in relative obscurity, Cage became a global movie star.
In most versions of the franchise (and likely in Mortal Kombat 2 as well), Cage is portrayed as a womanizer with few concrete connections in his life. All of this sets up Cage and Cole to be natural foils to one another, which could easily be one of Mortal Kombat 2's central conflicts. Pairing the two up on the same team of fighters will force them together, and highlighting their differences could add tension to the film.
8 Mortal Kombat 2 Will Focus On The Actual Fighting Tournament
Why The First Film Didn't Actually Have The Titular Fighting Tournament
While Mortal Kombat largely focused on Raiden preparing Earthrealm's champions for a very important iteration of the Mortal Kombat tournament, the actual titular tournament wasn't featured in the film. Instead, Mortal Kombat ended with the assembled heroes still preparing for the battle to determine Earth's fate. It may seem strange at first glance that Mortal Kombat didn't actually feature the titular fighting tournament. However, Mortal Kombat co-writer Greg Russo may have already revealed that the tournament will be a major factor in the new film.
During an interview with Collider after the release of the first Mortal Kombat, Russo revealed that rebooted Mortal Kombat films were internally written as a potential trilogy, with the second film dealing directly with the tournament. Given the build-up to the event in the first movie, this would make sense. It'd also be an exciting chance to raise the stakes of the first film and justify the challenges faced by the heroes by giving them a chance to finally take part in Mortal Kombat.
Mortal Kombat 2 Tease Sets Up More Of The Scorpion You Really Want
Mortal Kombat 2 screenwriter Jeremy Slater has commented on writing the sequel, and he may have hinted at the full use of Scorpion's famed Fatality.
7 Most Of Mortal Kombat 2 Won't Take Place On Earth
New Settings & Stages For Mortal Kombat 2's Fights
Much of Mortal Kombat took place on Earth, highlighting the origins and grounded elements of Earthrealm's champions. Therefore, it would make sense to bring the heroes to a new location for the sequel. This, coupled with casting announcements and set photos, implies that much of the film will occur in different locations. The presence of Desmond Chiam and Ana Thu Nguyen as King Jerrod and Queen Sindel suggests the film will explore the politics of Outworld. This could also be an easy way to highlight the danger of Shao Kahn, and tease the fate of Earth if the heroes don't succeed.
Set-photos imply Shao Kahn's throne room and the hellish Netherealms will appear in the film, further suggesting a visit to classic Mortal Kombat settings that aren't on Earth. The potential inclusion of these locations makes sense from a storytelling perspective, as it will likely help keep the film from feeling repetitive after the grounded locations of the prior film. Introducing other realms could also be an easy way for Mortal Kombat 2 to lay the groundwork for future films to take place in these settings, depending on the success of the film.
6 Mortal Kombat 2 Will Introduce A Different Sub-Zero
Just Because Sub-Zero Died Doesn't Mean He's Gone For Good
Sub-Zero is one of the Mortal Kombat franchise's most recognizable faces, even if that face is usually hidden behind a mask. The game series has had two different Sub-Zeros, which could allow Sub-Zero to return to Mortal Kombat 2. Although Bi-Han was the original Sub-Zero, his more noble brother Kuai Liang eventually assumed the role and became a hero. While the villainous Bi-Han was dispatched by the end of Mortal Kombat, it wouldn't be surprising to see a new iteration of the character appear in Mortal Kombat 2.
Although Kuai Liang was Bi-Han's brother in the original series, he could be reimagined as a descendant in the new take on the franchise. This would make him a direct contrast to Cole, given his own blood connection to Scorpion. This could allow the film series to further showcase the Scorpion/Sub-Zero rivalry. It could even set the stage for the two warring clans to put aside their differences for the greater good, given Kuai Liang's more heroic nature in the original games.
5 Mortal Kombat 2 Will Reveal Scorpion's Bargain With Quan Chi
Quan Chi Is One Of Mortal Kombat's Most Resilient Villains For A Reason
Damon Herriman has been confirmed to appear in Mortal Kombat 2 as the villainous sorcerer, Quan Chi, who is a perfect potential villain for Mortal Kombat 2. Quan Chi has a deep history in the original Mortal Kombat franchise, with his nefarious schemes playing a major role in the backstory of characters like Scorpion. Quan Chi's connection to Scorpion would make for a dark and fitting element for Mortal Kombat 2, explaining how the revenant warrior was able to escape the afterlife in Mortal Kombat.
This could even be used as a way for Scorpion to be pitted against the heroes, as his bargain with Quan Chi left the warrior forced to adhere to Quan Chi's demands. Quan Chi's powers make him a unique threat to the heroes, and his control over Scorpion would give the forces of Outworld a deadly and familiar champion to utilize in their battle against Raiden's champions. Quan Chi helped transform Bi-Han into the deadly Noob Saibot in the games, potentially making him a key player in bringing back the villainous Sub-Zero for a rematch.
4 Shang Tsung Will Use Kung Lao's Spirit Against Earthrealm
Shang Tsung's True Might, Explained
Despite the mortal peril that inherently comes with the Mortal Kombat franchise, most of Earthrealm's heroes actually escaped the events of the first film alive. In fact, the only heroic character in the present-day who died in the first film was Kung Lao. After saving Cole from certain death, Kung Lao was caught by Shang Tsung and had his soul drained. Chin Han has been confirmed to reprise his role as Shang from the first film, as has Max Huang as Kung Lao.
Shang Tsung's ability to draw upon the abilities and powers of his victims in the original games will likely be used to justify his corruption of Kung Lao's abilities and appearance in Mortal Kombat 2. Pitting the heroes against a Shang Tsung version of Kung Lao would make for a compelling duel, especially if Cole or Liu Kang were the ones to face off against him. It also allows Huang to showcase his combat skills again, which is always an exciting prospect.
Mortal Kombat 2 Can Deliver On Annihilation’s Failed Premise
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3 Mortal Kombat 2 Will Turn Baraka Into A Tragic Hero
The Most Recent Baraka Could Mean A Reinvention For The Character
Set-photos have confirmed that Baraka will appear in Mortal Kombat 2, with CJ. Bloomfield is confirmed to be playing the character. Baraka is one of the more fearsome looking fighters in the Mortal Kombat franchise. In the past, most versions of the character have been portrayed as a ruthless killer and basic villain for the heroes to dispatch during the battles of the Mortal Kombat fighting tournament. However, 2023's Mortal Kombat 1 introduced a unique subversion of this tradition by giving Baraka a more sympathetic backstory and motivation.
The character's mutation was now the result of a dangerous virus outbreak. Baraka quickly allied with the heroes, becoming one of that storyline's most surprisingly effective heroes. Seeing Baraka in the film at all will be exciting for fans of the original games, given the character's dangerous qualities and capabilities in combat. It would be particularly exciting to see the character take on a more heroic angle, however, and it could give the film's take on Baraka a bit more unique energy than the basic iteration of the character.
2 Mortal Kombat 2 Will Feature A Love Story For Liu Kang
Liu Kang's Love Story Has Transcended Timelines
One of the casting announcements for Mortal Kombat 2 confirmed that Adeline Rudolph will appear in the film as Kitana. A princess from the realm of Edenia in the Outworld, Kitana debuted in the second Mortal Kombat game before becoming a consistent hero of the franchise. She was even referenced in an easter egg in Mortal Kombat. Notably, Kitana became Liu Kang's romantic interest in the series, with their love story even continuing after the universal reboot that plays out in Mortal Kombat 1.
Kitana's presence in Mortal Kombat 2 could set the stage for that kind of story to be brought to the big screen, and could give Ludi Lin's Liu Kang an emotional plot to play with. With a large cast of characters to share screen time with, Liu Kang and Kitana having a love story could be a quick way to give them a unique plotline compared to the rest of the characters, who are far more driven by their roles in the fighting tournament than on any emotional connections.
1 Mortal Kombat 2 Will Turn Shao Kahn Into The Franchise's Thanos
How Mortal Kombat 2 Could Set Up A Sequel
The conquering despot behind much of Mortal Kombat's inherent conflicts, Shao Kahn is one of the franchise's most dangerous figures. The character will appear in Mortal Kombat 2, played by Martyn Ford. On-set photos imply that scenes in the film will take place within his throne room, highlighting his power and authority within the universe. However, there's a chance that Shao Kahn won't be a huge physical threat in Mortal Kombat 2.
During his interview with Collider, Greg Russo implied there was a third story in his head for the series, which would explore the events that followed the Mortal Kombat tournament. If that's the case, then the story of Mortal Kombat 2 might want to leave Shao Kahn largely untouched. This way, the character can have a more dramatic and dangerous role in the aftermath of the tournament. In this sense, Shao Kahn could become the Thanos of the Mortal Kombat series, an overarching threat built up in prior films before proving his true dangerous potential against the heroes in follow-ups to Mortal Kombat 2.
Source: Collider
Mortal Kombat 2
- Release Date
- October 24, 2025
- Director
- Simon McQuoid
- Writers
- Jeremy Slater
- Prequel(s)
- Mortal Kombat
- Franchise(s)
- Mortal Kombat
Cast
Johnny Cage
Adeline RudolphKitana
Jessica McNameeSonya Blade
Josh LawsonKano
The sequel to the Mortal Kombat 2021 film franchise reboot, Mortal Kombat 2, will follow the original cast and new faces as they prepare for the Mortal Kombat tournament. Cole Young and his allies will continue training and enlisting new warriors to prepare for the contest between Earthrealm and Outworld, which will determine the fate of humanity.
- Studio(s)
- Atomic Monster Productions, Broken Road Productions, New Line Cinema
