Earlier this week we took part in a global press conference featuring the cast and crew of Mortal Kombat II ahead of the film’s world premiere. We spent an hour talking about bringing a full-on tournament to life in sequel to the 2021 Mortal Kombat which released to much fanfare back during the pandemic.
All the journalists present were itching to speak to Karl Urban and ask about taking on the role of Johnny Cage, a character legendary amongst gamers who was heavily teased at the end of the first movie. The first question thrown his way was on prep to play Johnny and how it may have differed from previous roles like Butcher in The Boys and Bones in Star Trek.
Well, I got to say, coming into Mortal Kombat II was hands down the most challenging physical undertaking that I’ve ever embarked on. The skill set required was definitely an exponential learning curve that I have never encountered. I’d be lying to say that I didn’t feel a little bit terrified. I mean, you’re stepping into a movie with martial artists who are accomplished like Ludi [Lin] and Max [Huang] and Lewis [Tan]. They are all so fantastic at what they do. But we didn’t waste a minute.
I remember landing in Brisbane and getting driven straight to a stunt rehearsal session. I still had my bags and I was like okay here we go. But I think all of us really recognised the importance to get it right.
Later in the conference Urban was asked about working with the returning Josh Lawson as Kano, a character Johnny has a long history with in the games.
We benefited greatly from a fantastic script written by Jeremy Slater. But then also Simon [McQuoid] very graciously encouraged us to improvise. They gave us a lot of runway and we used it. Working with Josh, who is just supremely adept at improvising and just comes up with the funniest shit all the time, it forces you as an actor not only to be in the moment but to also up your game. I think some of the most fun that I had on this movie was sparring with this guy.
Urban also joked about his family’s reaction to the news he had been cast as such a fan-favourite character.
When I got cast I sad to my two sons, who I actually played the game with which was my introduction to the world of Mortal Kombat, I said ‘hey guys, I’m going to be Johnny Cage!’ and they were like ‘oh. Big fan base. Don’t fuck it up.’
So right from the get go from my own family I felt the pressure. But you know when you’re in that situation all you can do is just channel all of your energy away from those fears and anxieties and just focus it on work.
Watch out for more coverage from the Mortal Kombat II press conference later this week. If you missed our question with writer Jeremy Slater you can read it right here.
Karl Urban stars as Johnny Cage, alongside Adeline Rudolph, Jessica McNamee, Josh Lawson, Ludi Lin, Mehcad Brooks, Tati Gabrielle, Lewis Tan, Damon Herriman, with Chin Han, Tadanobu Asano as Lord Raiden, Joe Taslim as Bi-Han, and Hiroyuki Sanada as Hanzo Hasashi and Scorpion.
Director Simon McQuoid returns to helm the follow up to his explosive 2021 cinematic adventure, from a screenplay by Jeremy Slater, based on the videogame created by Ed Boon and John Tobias. The film is produced by Todd Garner, James Wan, Toby Emmerich, E. Bennett Walsh and McQuoid, and executive produced by Michael Clear, Judson Scott, Slater and Lawrence Kasanoff.
Joining McQuoid behind the camera are director of photography Stephen F. Windon, production designer Yohei Taneda, editor Stuart Levy and costume designer Cappi Ireland, with casting by Rich Delia and music by Benjamin Wallfisch.
New Line Cinema Presents an Atomic Monster/Broken Road Production, a Fireside Films Production, Mortal Kombat II. The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.
Mortal Kombat II will be released in the UK on May 8, 2026 by Warner Bros. Pictures.
