BEWARE! SPOILERS AHEAD!
Fans stepping onto the Empire Stage at New York Comic Con didn’t just get a sneak peek at Mortal Kombat II, they were immediately transformed into Johnny Cage, as each attendee was given a pair of signature sunglasses that matches the hero’s snarky and overly-confident character. It was one of the coolest giveaways of the weekend and it set the tone for a panel that delivered knockout reveals, heartfelt cast moments, and one seriously wild exclusive clip.
The panel was led by none other than Ed Boon, the legendary co-creator of the Mortal Kombat video game series, who brought both nostalgia and energy, trading stories with the cast and crew, while teasing the audience with potential spoilers for the upcoming film.
Johnny Cage vs. Baraka
Director Simon McQuoid wasted no time showing fans what’s in store this May, unveiling a never-before-seen fight scene between Johnny Cage (Karl Urban) and Baraka (CJ Bloomfield).
In the clip, Earthrealm’s champions—Liu Kang (Ludi Lin), Jax (Mehcad Brooks), and Sonya Blade (Jessica McNamee)—are trying to recruit Baraka to their cause in Outworld’s brewing war against Shao Kahn. The blade-armed Tarkatan isn’t having it, scoffing at the idea and dismissing the heroes for lacking an army strong enough to take on his emperor.
That’s when Johnny Cage steps in to “negotiate” with sarcasm and bravado, and somehow ends up reluctantly fighting Baraka himself. The results are exactly what fans hoped for: violent, hilarious, and over-the-top in all the right ways.
Baraka slashes, bites, and hurls Cage across his lair, leading to a moment of unexpected comedy when Johnny stumbles into Baraka’s home and encounters his monstrous-looking children—two mini-Barakas who immediately give up Cage’s hiding spot after he reacts with visible disgust at their appearance.
After taking an absolute beating, Johnny somehow turns things around using his signature move: the crowd-pleasing “nutcracker” punch, delivered while doing a full split. The scene included everything fans wanted from Urban’s take on Cage: ego, humor, and undeniable charisma.
Enter the Outworld
Mortal Kombat II takes the franchise deeper into its mythos, fully immersing the story in Outworld. The plot follows Earthrealm’s champions as they are once again drawn into a deadly tournament orchestrated by Shao Kahn (Martyn Ford), the towering six-foot-eight emperor of Outworld, who seeks to dominate both realms. Ford revealed that bringing Kahn to life required an intense transformation process, spending four to five hours in makeup each day. “It was one hell of a challenge,” Ford admitted, but later added, “I felt it was important to give this elegance and grandeur to Shao Kahn. I wanted to give him that power that he deserves and needed.”
Returning fighters Liu Kang, Sonya, and Jax are joined by new allies—and enemies—including Kitana (Adeline Rudolph) and the mysterious Jade (Tati Gabrielle), whose relationship is complicated as both characters struggle with their own personal loyalties and responsibilities. It is implied that their emotional bond plays a significant role in the film’s overall story. Fans at the panel can’t help but speculate that their friendship might lead to a heartbreaking showdown later in the tournament.
Rudolph and Gabrielle, who previously co-starred in The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, spoke warmly about reuniting. “It was a dream come true,” said Rudolph. “It felt like I could look across the set and look Addie in the eyes and she knew what I was trying to say to her and I knew what she was trying to say to me,” added Gabrielle.
The cast also includes returning favorites Cole Young (Lewis Tan), Lord Raiden (Tadanobu Asano), Kung Lao (Max Huang), Kano (Josh Lawson), Scorpion (Hiroyuki Sanada), and Bi-Haan, now reborn as the vengeful wraith Noob Saibot (Joe Taslim), with a darker, more sinister design. You will remember that Taslim’s Sub-Zero perished at the end of the first film. Boon will even make a surprise cameo appearance in the film as Ed the Bartender.
Also appearing in the film will be the villainous Sindel (Ana Thu Nguyen) and Quan Chi (Damon Herriman), along with shapeshifting sorcerer Shang Tsung (Chin Han), the primary antagonist of the first film, who is expected to serve his master, Shao Kahn, in the sequel.
Johnny Cage’s Comeback
In the film’s early moments, Johnny Cage isn’t the A-list hero he once was. He’s a broken, brooding man who is washed-up, forgotten, and bitter about the world moving on without him. Cage is pulled back into the spotlight when Raiden and Sonya recruit him to join their fight for Earthrealm.
Urban, best known for his roles in The Boys, Star Trek and Dredd, said he was drawn to the idea of a flawed Cage. “The world has forgotten who Johnny Cage is,” Urban shared. “Initially, he is a character who doesn’t run towards danger; he is running in the opposite direction, but through the course of the movie, you will see Johnny Cage transform into a true champion of Earthrealm - a hero who is involuntarily launched into this insane, epic, action adventure.”
Mortal Kombat III Confirmed
The biggest surprise of the panel came from screenwriter Jeremy Slater (Moon Knight), who revealed that Mortal Kombat III is already in development and was given the green light to keep building this universe.
“Make sure they know there’s an audience for this movie because we want to keep making them for you guys,” Slater encouraged the crowd.
Judging from the audience’s reaction, Earthrealm’s defenders have nothing to worry about.
Mortal Kombat II hits theaters on May 15, 2026, in all movie formats, including IMAX. Don’t forget to bring your shades!
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