Mortal Kombat II (film)
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Motion picture |
| Headquarters | United States , United States |
| Products | Martial arts fantasy film |
| Parent | Warner Bros. Pictures |
Mortal Kombat II is an upcoming American martial arts fantasy motion picture directed by Simon McQuoid with a screenplay by Jeremy Slater. It is adapted from the Mortal Kombat video game franchise developed by Ed Boon and John Tobias. This film acts as a continuation of Mortal Kombat (2021) and represents the fourth chapter in the Mortal Kombat cinematic series. The ensemble cast features returning performers Jessica McNamee, Josh Lawson, Ludi Lin, Mehcad Brooks, Lewis Tan, Damon Herriman (in a new role), Chin Han, Tadanobu Asano, Joe Taslim, and Hiroyuki Sanada, alongside newcomers Karl Urban, Adeline Rudolph, and Tati Gabrielle.
Following the release of the 2021 installment, producer Todd Garner, writer Greg Russo, and director McQuoid explored expanding the franchise through character-focused standalone projects centered on figures like Johnny Cage and Bi-Han, in addition to developing a direct sequel. By 2022, the sequel received official approval from Warner Bros. Pictures, with Slater assigned to write and McQuoid to direct. Principal photography commenced in June 2023 in Australia, experienced a pause in mid-July due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, resumed filming in November, and concluded in January 2024.
Warner Bros. Pictures has scheduled Mortal Kombat II for theatrical distribution on October 24, 2025.
Development
Following the April 2021 debut of Mortal Kombat, actor Joe Taslim disclosed that his contract included options for four additional films should Warner Bros. Pictures decide to continue the series. Director Simon McQuoid expressed willingness to helm a sequel provided it featured a compelling narrative. He clarified that the character Johnny Cage was omitted from the initial film due to concerns that Cage’s overpowering presence might destabilize the story’s balance but suggested that future films could explore Cage’s relationship with Kitana and incorporate more prominent female roles. Co-writer Greg Russo envisioned structuring the reboot as a trilogy encompassing pre-tournament, tournament, and post-tournament segments.
In November 2021, producer Todd Garner indicated that a sequel was in early development, which was officially confirmed by January 2022 with screenwriter Jeremy Slater attached. By May 2022, Slater affirmed Johnny Cage would appear in the sequel, though specifics about his part remained undisclosed. Slater intended for the follow-up to fully embrace the franchise’s distinctive "weirdness," aiming to surprise audiences and subvert fan expectations. He also planned to address both the praise and criticisms received by the first film. In July 2022, New Line officially approved production of the sequel with McQuoid returning as director.
Casting
In May 2023, negotiations were finalized for Tati Gabrielle to portray Jade, while discussions were underway for Karl Urban to assume the role of Cage. Reports confirmed that Jessica McNamee and Josh Lawson would reprise their roles as Sonya Blade and Kano. Later that month, Adeline Rudolph joined the cast as Kitana, reuniting with Gabrielle following their collaboration on Netflix’s Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. In June 2023, casting announcements included Martyn Ford as Shao Kahn, Desmond Chiam as King Jerrod, Ana Thu Nguyen as Queen Sindel, and Damon Herriman as Quan Chi; Herriman had previously provided the voice for Kabal in the 2021 film. Additionally, Max Huang confirmed his return portraying Kung Lao that same month.
Filming
The main photography phase commenced on June 22, 2023, at Village Roadshow Studios located in Gold Coast, Queensland, with Stephen F. Windon serving as the director of photography. Production experienced a temporary halt in July due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike but recommenced once the strike concluded in November 2023. The shooting process was officially completed by late January 2024.
Release
Warner Bros. Pictures plans to release Mortal Kombat II in theaters across the United States on October 24, 2025.
See also
External links
- Articles with short description
- American fantasy action films
- American martial arts films
- American sequel films
- 2020s English-language films
- Films affected by the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike
- Films with screenplays by Jeremy Slater
- Films produced by James Wan
- Films scored by Benjamin Wallfisch
- Live-action films based on video games
- Atomic Monster films
- Martial arts fantasy films
- Martial arts tournament films
- Mortal Kombat films
- Warner Bros. films
- Upcoming sequel films
- 2020s American films
- New Line Cinema films
- Ninja films
- Upcoming IMAX films
- Upcoming films
- Films shot at Village Roadshow Studios