With the upcoming release of Warner Bros. Pictures’ Mortal Kombat II, the follow up to 2021’s Mortal Kombat, I’m taking a deep dive into who is confirmed to be returning, who is making their first appearance and just what the heck might be going on in the follow up film.
Before we dive in, why not watch the trailer for Mortal Kombat II one more time in the player below:
Now you’ve reminded yourself of all the upcoming action pick up that controller, chose your fighter and get ready for kombat!
SPOILERS AHEAD FOR MORTAL KOMBAT (2021) and MORTAL KOMBAT II (2026)
The Story So Far!
OK so the first Mortal Kombat movie dropped in 2021 at the height of the COVID outbreak which meant it was released digitally and not in theatres. The film garnered mixed results from fans and newcomers, mostly due to them introducing a completely original character called Cole Young (played by Lewis Tan), an MMA fighter and descendant of the legendary warrior Scorpion (Hiroyuki Sanada), who is unaware of his heritage. He is targeted by Sub-Zero (Joe Taslim) and the forces of Outworld, led by the sorcerer Shang Tsung (Chin Han). Cole soon learns that he is one of Earthrealm’s champions.
He joins Sonya Blade (Jessica McNamee) and Jax (Mehcad Brooks) in searching for Lord Raiden’s temple, a sanctuary for Earthrealm champions. There, he meets the established fighters Liu Kang (Ludi Lin) and Kung Lao (Max Huang), and undergoes training to unlock his “arcana”—a unique special power. Another controversial addition to the MK mythology. Prior to this, simply having characters display unique abilities was a given, not a power up. The group learns that Outworld has been repeatedly winning Mortal Kombat, and Shang Tsung intends to violate the rules and kill Earthrealm’s champions before the next tournament to ensure Outworld’s final victory and total conquest of Earth.
The climax involves the Earthrealm champions fighting off Shang Tsung’s assassins, culminating in Cole unlocking his arcana (which turns out to be protective armour) and facing Sub-Zero. In a climactic twist, Scorpion is resurrected, joining his descendant, Cole, to finally defeat Sub-Zero. With his assassins defeated, Shang Tsung retreats, vowing to return with an army.
The film ends with the surviving champions, including Sonya, Jax, Cole, Liu Kang, and Kung Lao, agreeing to recruit more fighters in preparation for the actual Mortal Kombat tournament. Cole sets off to find one specific champion: Johnny Cage.
The film delivered some amazing moments ripped straight from the games, the characters all looked how they were supposed to but by adding an original character and not actually having the tournament itself, fans were quite vocal on their disappointment.
Now before we get into what’s to be expected from the second movie, lets go over who is confirmed to be returning for the follow up and who is joining the fighting roster from the games.
Who Is Returning For Round 2?
Sonya Blade
Played by Jessica McNamee
A former U.S. Special Forces soldier, Sonya Blade has dedicated her life to tracking down and exposing the truth about Mortal Kombat and the realm of Outworld. When she first appears, she is trying to warn Jax of the danger. She ends up helping Cole Young understand the dragon mark and later unlocks her arcana, which manifests as an energy ring and helps defeat Shang Tsung’s forces. She is one of the surviving champions who agrees to prepare for the actual tournament.
Kano
Played by Josh Lawson
An Australian mercenary who possesses the dragon mark. He is initially sought out by Sonya Blade and the others to help them find Lord Raiden’s temple, as he possesses unique knowledge of the Outworld realms and the tournament itself. An opportunistic, and morally bankrupt character, he is initially dismissive of the cause. He only agrees to help in exchange for money. He eventually unlocks his arcana, which manifests as his signature laser eye. However, during the final fight, Kano betrays Earthrealm, choosing to side with Shang Tsung’s forces after successfully killing Kung Lao. He is ultimately defeated and killed by Sonya Blade so his return will be an interesting one to see. He has appeared in the latest trailer with his signature laser eye on display.
Jax
Played by Mehcad Brooks
Jax, or Major Jackson “Jax” Briggs, is a U.S. Special Forces Major and ally of Sonya Blade. Introduced early in the movie, he possesses the dragon mark but initially dismisses Sonya’s warnings about the threat. He is brutally attacked by Sub-Zero in one of the film’s most violent scenes, resulting in severe damage to his arms, which are later amputated and replaced with bionic enhancements given to him by Lord Raiden’s temple. Jax’s arcana eventually manifests as super strength, allowing him to wield his new metal arms with incredible power. He is a loyal fighter who survives the final battle and commits to helping the others for the Mortal Kombat tournament.
Cole Young
Played by Lewis Tan
Cole Young is the original character created for the 2021 film, serving as a guide to the world for the audience. He is introduced as a struggling former MMA champion who now fights in small-time matches to support his family. His life drastically changes when he is targeted by Sub-Zero and is later revealed to be a direct descendant of the legendary warrior known as Scorpion. Throughout the first movie, Cole struggles with his lack of an “arcana” power, feeling like the weakest link among the champions though it eventually manifests as protective golden armor, reflecting his motivation to protect his family. By the end of the film, he fully embraces his destiny, setting off to recruit the final fighter, Johnny Cage, for the upcoming tournament.
His addition to the first movie was a controversial one and did not land with most audiences as Mortal Kombat has a rich roster of characters to have picked from. Based on the trailers for the 2nd movie though it seems the studio is keen to lean away from Cole and focus on the known MK roster. Though with Cole returning, he will no doubt play a role in the tournament to save Earthrealm.
Liu Kang
Played by Ludi Lin
One of Earthrealm’s pre established champions, he is a fierce and highly disciplined fighter, trained in martial arts and also possessing the dragon mark. Liu Kang’s arcana is revealed to be the ability to conjure and control fire, an iconic power from the games. In the first film, he helps train Cole and the other newcomers. He is devoted to Lord Raiden and the cause of preventing Outworld’s conquest. He too survives the final battle against Shang Tsung’s forces and is preparing for the upcoming tournament.
Lord Raiden
Played by Tadanobu Asano
The protector God of Earthrealm and the overseer of the Mortal Kombat tournament, serving as the supreme leader and mentor to Earthrealm’s champions. Bearing the dragon mark, he is an ancient, powerful, and stoic deity who resides in a hidden temple sanctuary. He provides refuge and training to Cole Young, Sonya Blade, Jax, Liu Kang, and Kung Lao, preparing them for the inevitable fight against Outworld. His powers are the ability to teleport and manipulate lightning. Raiden is bound by the rules of Mortal Kombat and cannot directly participate in the fighting outside of the tournament structure, but he plays a critical role in directing and guiding his champions. He ultimately commands his champions to go and recruit more fighters, including Johnny Cage, to bolster Earthrealm’s defenses before the next tournament.
Scorpion
Played by Hiroyuki Sanada
Hanzo Hasashi, who later becomes the legendary ninja Scorpion, is introduced as a 17th-century Japanese warrior and the ancestor of lead character Cole Young. When his peaceful life is brutally shattered by the Lin Kuei assassin Bi-Han (who becomes Sub-Zero), who murders Hanzo’s wife, son, and clan. Hanzo confronts Bi-Han, only to be killed himself, but not before delivering a cryptic threat that their rivalry will continue. His soul is then dragged to the Netherrealm (basically hell). He is the original bearer of the dragon mark. Though absent for most of the movie, he is resurrected in the finale by Lord Raiden to aid his descendant, Cole Young, in defeating Sub-Zero. Wielding his iconic fiery powers and spear, Scorpion finally avenges his family’s murder, destroying Bi-Han and allowing Cole and the other champions to retreat. He then returns to the Netherrealm, but his final appearance firmly establishes him as one of Earthrealm’s most powerful and vengeful champions.
Spitting out his iconic line “get over here!” His appearance in the movie was one of the biggest highlights overall so his return will no doubt be welcome.
Shang Tsung
Played by Chin Han
The main antagonist of the 2021 film and the malevolent sorcerer and leader of the Outworld forces seeking to conquer Earthrealm. Bearing the dragon mark, he is an ancient and powerful entity who has repeatedly led Outworld to victory in the Mortal Kombat tournament, bringing them to the brink of a final, world-conquering victory. He is introduced as a manipulating and ruthless villain. Concerned that Earthrealm’s new champions might pose a legitimate threat, he disregards the tournament’s ancient rules and initiates a preemptive strike, sending his assassins (Sub-Zero, Mileena, Reiko, Kabal and eventually Kano) to kill Earthrealm’s champions before the next tournament can even begin. His primary motivation is the total takeover of Earthrealm and the ultimate satisfaction of his emperor, Shao Kahn. Despite his incredible power, his assassins are ultimately taken out, forcing him to retreat, vowing to return with an army for the next film. He is the overarching threat that drives the champions’ need to train and prepare.
Bi-Han/Sub-Zero/Noob Saibot
Played by Joe Taslim
He is the relentless and merciless original cryomancer known as Sub-Zero. Introduced in the 17th-century as a ruthless assassin from the Lin Kuei clan, Bi-Han brutally murders Hanzo Hasashi’s family and clan, kicking off the ancient, blood-fueled rivalry. As Sub-Zero, he serves as Shang Tsung’s most dangerous enforcer, bearing the dragon mark and tasked with hunting down and killing all of Earthrealm’s champions, most notably Cole Young, before the actual tournament can begin. His primary arcana is the ability to generate and manipulate ice, which he uses to create weapons, encase opponents, and teleport. He is completely focused on his mission, and incapable of mercy. He inflicts devastating injuries on Jax early in the movie and later even manages to kill Kung Lao, demonstrating his lethal threat level. In his final confrontation with Cole Young he is ultimately defeated and killed by a resurrected Scorpion, marking the end of Bi-Han’s mortal life. The character’s name is explicitly listed with his eventual transformation to Noob Saibot, which explains his return to Mortal Kombat 2.
Kung Lao
Played by Max Huang
One of Earthrealm’s pre established spiritual champions, residing at Lord Raiden’s temple alongside Liu Kang. He is an ancient ancestor of Liu Kang and bears the distinctive dragon mark. Kung Lao is depicted as a slightly more arrogant and proud fighter than his friend, often teasing Cole about his lack of an arcana. His own arcana manifests as his signature sharp-rimmed, lethal hat, which he uses with deadly precision as a thrown weapon. Kung Lao helps train Cole, Sonya, and Jax, showing what it means to be an Earthrealm champion. He proves his strength and devotion during the final battle against Shang Tsung’s forces, notably using his hat to bisect the villainess Mileena in a phenomenal fatality move. However, his life is tragically cut short when he is surprised and killed by Sub-Zero, who encases him in ice and shatters him. His death serves as a major motivational point for the surviving champions, highlighting the severity of Outworld’s threat. He is confirmed to be returning in the follow up movie though so time will tell how he will return to throw his hat into the ring.
Who Is New To the Roster?
Johnny Cage
Played by Karl Urban
Name dropped and teased at the very end of the first film, Cole Young sets off to recruit Cage for the upcoming tournament.
In the games, he is one of the original fighters, renowned for his cocky attitude, signature green energy projection (‘Shadow Kick’ and ‘Forceball’), and the ability to punch opponents in the groin.
Johnny Cage is a narcissistic yet charismatic Hollywood actor and martial artist, initially seeking out the dragon mark because he believes it will lead to a new acting role. Karl Urban’s casting suggests the film intends to lean more towards a washed up actor, rather than a younger up and coming star while keeping his comedic charisma.
Kitana
Played by Adeline Rudolph
In the games, Kitana is an iconic character, originally an assassin for Outworld who eventually defects to become a champion of Earthrealm, she is the stepdaughter of the tyrannical emperor Shao Kahn, who secretly cloned her using the blood of the Tarkatan race to create Mileena. Kitana is known for her mastery of lethal steel fans and graceful movements.
Her story usually revolves around discovering her true lineage, fighting for her kingdom and seeking vengeance against Shao Kahn.
Her role in Mortal Kombat 2 is likely still serving Outworld’s forces under Shang Tsung or Shao Kahn initially, before potentially turning against them to aid the Earthrealm champions. Based off the latest trailer, we’re likely to see this as one of the main plots of the film.
Jade
Played by Tati Gabrielle
A formidable fighter known for her agility, staff mastery, and use of deadly razorangs. Jade is introduced as Kitana’s loyal friend and bodyguard; she served Shao Kahn alongside Kitana as an assassin. Like Kitana, she eventually defects from Outworld to fight for Earthrealm after discovering the truth about Shao Kahn’s tyranny and her friend’s true parentage. Her fighting style often incorporates acrobatic maneuvers and magical abilities, including invisibility.
Given her close relationship with Kitana, Jade will be introduced alongside her, potentially as one of Outworld’s initial assassins or champions. Her role may mirror her game storyline, starting on the side of the villains before transitioning to aid the Earthrealm champions, especially if Kitana defects first.
Quan Chi
Played by Daman Herriman
Quan Chi is one of the most powerful sorcerers in the Netherrealm, serving as a significant recurring villain. He is a master of dark magic, necromancy, and manipulation, often operating as a puppet master behind the scenes. His signature abilities include summoning the undead, teleportation, and soul stealing. Crucially, he is often the one responsible for corrupting and resurrecting key figures, most notably transforming the fallen warrior Bi-Han (the original Sub-Zero) into the spectral ninja Noob Saibot, and manipulating Scorpion into seeking vengeance. He frequently forms alliances, such as the Deadly Alliance with Shang Tsung, to attempt the conquest of Earthrealm and Outworld.
Given the events of the first film, where Bi-Han/Sub-Zero was killed, Quan Chi’s role in Mortal Kombat 2 is almost certainly to bring Bi-Han back as the undead specter Noob Saibot (confirmed in the casting listing), fulfilling the tease in the first film’s ending.
As a master manipulator, he will likely serve as the supernatural force aiding Shang Tsung and potentially Shao Kahn, cementing his role as a major, high-level villain who specializes in resurrecting the dead and corrupting heroes. Based on the latest trailer, he could also be the reason Kano is brought back into the fight.
Shao Kahn
Played by Martyn Ford
The tyrannical Emperor of Outworld and the overarching main villain of the Mortal Kombat universe. In the games, he is an immensely powerful figure known for his brutality, cunning, and insatiable desire for conquest. His signature look includes his menacing skull helmet and his primary weapon, the Wrath Hammer. He has successfully conquered numerous realms and now seeks to claim Earthrealm.
He is also the adoptive father of Kitana and Mileena. The rules of Mortal Kombat state that a realm must lose ten back to back tournaments for the victor to claim it, and Shao Kahn’s forces have been consistently winning, bringing them to the brink of ultimate victory before the events of the first film.
In the upcoming movie, his appearance confirms that the sequel will escalate the threat beyond just Shang Tsung. Shao Kahn is expected to arrive as the ultimate and ongoing villain, likely leading the full Outworld army promised by Shang Tsung at the end of the first film.
He will no doubt lead the fight to Earthrealm, forcing the champions to participate in the actual Mortal Kombat tournament for the fate of the world.
Queen Sindel
Played by Ana Thu Nguyen
The former ruler of the realm of Edenia, the wife of King Jerrod, and the biological mother of Princess Kitana. Her life was tragically altered when Outworld’s Emperor Shao Kahn conquered Edenia, murdered King Jerrod, and took Sindel as his queen, forcing her to marry him and raise Kitana as his own stepdaughter. Unable to cope with the tyranny and the fate of her realm, Sindel committed suicide. However, Shao Kahn used his sorcery to resurrect her as a brainwashed, loyal, and powerful servant of Outworld, often depicted as a key enforcer and antagonist. Her powers typically involve control over sound, using her prehensile hair as a weapon, and highly acrobatic fighting.
Her role in the film alongside Shao Kahn and Kitana, she will almost certainly be introduced as a villain, either brainwashed and loyal to Shao Kahn, or as a key figure in Outworld’s army led by her “husband,” the Emperor. Her presence is tied directly to Kitana’s story arc.
Baraka
Played by CJ Bloomfield
One of the iconic fighters from the Mortal Kombat games, belonging to the nomadic, savage Tarkatan race—a mutant species with retractable blades extending from their arms and razor-sharp teeth. He is a brutal and feral warrior, often serving as a general or leader in Shao Kahn’s Outworld armies, driven by a primal urge for violence and conquest.
Already shown to be picking a fight with Johnny Cage, his inclusion in Mortal Kombat 2 will be a treat for the die hard fans but whether or not he survives his fight with Cage remains to be seen!
phew! OK now we got the exhaustive list of who is who, now we get to the final piece, just what could happen in Mortal Kombat 2?
What Might Happen in Mortal Kombat II?
OK so we don’t have a full synopsis of what is going down in the second movie, but what has been confirmed is the Tournament is actually happening. We will be seeing it unfold on the big screen (unlike the first movie) and I fully expect it to be glorious!
We can see from the trailers, that a few match ups have already been decided, along with some pretty faithful recreations from known stages through the games history. A brief shot shows each side looks to have 5 contenders each which should lead to at least 5 battles taking place!
But with a possible third movie on it’s way, we could see the Tournament get knocked off course by a currently unseen force. If this was to be the case, then the likely candidate could be Shinnok.
Shinnok is one of the Mortal Kombat lores biggest and baddest antagonists. His usual angle tends to be his desire for complete rulership over all the realms. He can take on the skill set of any other combatant (sometimes even their appearance) and is extremely manipulative.
If they were to take this angle, it could be he manipulates both the Outrealm and Earthrealm to merge them and weaken them for an attack from the Netherrealm where Shinnok rules over. Entirely speculative but not out of the realm of possible if they’re expanding this into a trilogy of films or beyond.
In the latest trailer, we can even see a brief glimpse of an amulet being used which is strongly suggested to be the Amulet of Shinnok, a very powerful and very dangerous artifact within the Mortal Kombat lore that can steal and store souls.
Ultimately, Mortal Kombat fans are clearly going to be in for a treat when Mortal Kombat II drops later this year in theatres and we’re able to see fan favourite characters get torn to shreds on the big screen! Be sure to check in for our review on the film when it drops in May 2026!
