Mortal Kombat 2 creators explain Karl Urban’s choice for Johnny Cage

After the first footage from the sequel to the fighting game adaptation was released, the film’s team shared additional details about the project. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, director Simon McQuoid explained why Karl Urban was chosen for the role of Johnny Cage, despite the skeptical reaction of fans.

According to the director, one of the main tasks was to create an image that would not look overly comical or caricatured. He noted that excessive frivolity could harm the perception of the character, and Urban gave him depth and seriousness, while preserving the spirit of the original.

Ed Boon, one of the creators of Mortal Kombat, also agrees with the choice of the actor. He emphasized that the appearance of Johnny Cage in the film corresponds to the key themes of the film. In this version, Cage is presented as a fading Hollywood star who finds himself in a world of magic and cruelty, which allows for a fresh look at the character. In his opinion, Urban brought something new to the image that should make the hero more interesting.

Despite the creators’ confidence, the final opinion on the choice of actor will be formed only after the premiere on October 24, 2025, when viewers will be able to evaluate his performance for themselves.