Come later this year, it will finally be time to run to the top of a rooftop and screamMortal Kombat! Following a modestly successful reboot with the 2021 film,the saga is continuing withMortal Kombat II, which will finally bring the pivotal tournament from the games to the big screen once more. Not only that, but the sequel is introducing a huge number of major characters who were absent in the last installment, including the fearsome Shao Kahn (Martyn Ford), the acrobatic Kitana (Adeline Rudolph), and most importantly of all, the famously cocky Johnny Cage (Karl Urban).
Since the video game franchise’s inception, Johnny Cage has always been a fan favorite for his Hollywood actor-star persona and his occasional tendency to break the fourth wall.The recently released trailer forMortal Kombat IImakes clear that not only is the beloved character returning to the big screen for the first time sinceMortal Kombat: Annihilation, but it also seems to imply that he’s the main character. That’s great news for fans of the character, but could also be the sign of an incoming fatality for the 2021 film’s central character, Cole Young (Lewis Tan).
Lewis Tan’s Cole Young Was a Controversial Addition to ‘Mortal Kombat’ 2021
Mortal Kombat2021 was one of the first major hits to emerge from the post-pandemic era and was clearly a success, but it was not without its critics. One decision that perplexed both critics and fans wasthe inclusion of Cole Young, who, unlike his fellow “kombatants,” was not a character who originated from the games. In a franchise that is so well-known for its diverse cast of characters, the decision to invent a completely new (and frankly somewhat generic) one baffled audiences.DeadpoolandCobra Kaistar Lewis Tan himself isn’t the issue, as his background in martial arts and stuntwork makes him a no-brainer addition to the franchise.
Another point of controversy inMortal Kombat2021 was the way in which the characters get their powers, originating from a birthmark in the shape of theMortal Kombatlogo. Somewhat fittingly enough,Cole Young had the most divisive power, with the ability to grow an indestructible suit of armor. In a franchise that prides itself on violence and brutality, having a character be practically invulnerable doesn’t really seem consistent with the series' primary ethos.
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‘Mortal Kombat 2’ will premiere in 2025.
Johnny Cage’s Inclusion in ‘Mortal Kombat II’ Seems Like a Direct Response to Criticism of the Previous Movie
The end of the firstMortal Kombatsees Cole embark on a search to find more fighters for the titular Mortal Kombat tournament, with a poster from one of Johnny Cage’s movies strongly implying the fan-favorite character would be one of them. As alluded to earlier, Johnny Cage is the focal point of the new trailer, with nearly everything told from his perspective. Trailers and marketing, of course, aren’t always indicative of the final product, but the fact that quite literally everything we’ve seen so far is looking at things from Johnny’s point of view, he might be the new series lead. It’s a move that makes sense given he’s played by a recognizable star withThe Boys' Karl Urban, but what exactly does this mean for Cole?
Cole does indeed appear in the trailer forMortal Kombat II, but only for a true blink-and-you’ll-miss-it-moment. It’s still a little too early to jump to conclusions, as the marketing campaign forMortal Kombat IIis only just beginning. However, in many cases, when a character isn’t frequently present in marketing, it usually means they’ll have a more minor role in the film, or they’re going to be killed off entirely. Some prior examples of the latter includeJoel (Pedro Pascal) inThe Last of UsSeason 2and Duke (Channing Tatum) inG.I. Joe: Retaliation.
In a franchise where big character deaths are practically omnipresent (even if they usually get revived later), killing off a major character like Cole would be a big swing. Would it be the right move in the context of the sequel?That depends entirely on how Johnny Cage fits into the overall narrative ofMortal Kombat II, and how Cole’s death is ultimately handled if it really does happen.
Mortal Kombat IIhits theaters on June 29, 2025.
Mortal Kombat II
