Karl Urban Reveals Training for Johnny Cage in ‘Mortal Kombat II’

A new look at the highly anticipated sequel Mortal Kombat II has surfaced, courtesy of Entertainment Weekly, offering insights into Karl Urban’s preparation for his role as the iconic Johnny Cage. Urban, a newcomer to the film franchise, discussed how his experience on The Boys influenced his decision to join the cast and the intense training required for the part. The film is scheduled to hit theaters in May 2026 and will see the champions of Earthrealm facing off against the classic villain Shao Kahn.

Casting and Character Insights

Karl Urban joins returning stars Hiroyuki Sanada as Scorpion and a supporting cast including Adeline Rudolph, Ludi Lin, Jessica McNamee, Martyn Ford, and Josh Lawson. Urban revealed that his relatively action-light Season 4 of The Boys left him eager for a physical role, and the Mortal Kombat script arrived at the perfect time. He described the role as “the most challenging” of his career, citing the need for precise martial arts execution.

Intense Martial Arts Preparation

To authentically portray Johnny Cage, Urban immersed himself in the world of martial arts. “I went to karate tournaments and looked at the younger generation of martial artists coming through to see what it was like growing up in that environment, as I imagine Johnny Cage had done when he was a kid,” the actor explained. He emphasized that the specific choreography and definitive movements required a high level of precision to look convincing on screen.

Sequel Ambitions and Creative Team

Director Simon McQuoid returns to helm the sequel, which is being penned by new screenwriter Jeremy Slater (Moon Knight, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire). Star Lewis Tan has already teased that the sequel will be “worse” in terms of violence, with the goal of creating “the best fight movie of the year.” The production aims to elevate the action and gore that fans of the video game series expect, addressing critiques of the first film’s underwhelming fight sequences.

What’s After the Movie?

If you’re looking forward to Mortal Kombat II and want to stay updated on all things film, from casting news and trailers to detailed box office analysis, check out What’s After the Movie. Our site offers a comprehensive collection of movie information, including spoiler-free summaries, industry news, and much more for passionate fans.