As video game projects are gathering some steam in Hollywood, New Line Cinema has been pushing forward with a follow-up to 2021’s “Mortal Kombat” reboot with a new sequel. And much of the surviving characters return in the next film alongside the new incarnation of fan-favorite Johnny Cage, as teased at the end of the first installment. But while there has been some lobbying from fans to see their favorite comedic action stars take a swing at the role, it looks like the studio has finally settled on an actor.
READ MORE: ‘Moon Knight’ Writer Jeremy Slater Picked To Script ‘Mortal Kombat’ Sequel
The Wrap reports that Kiwi actor Karl Urban is now in final talks to play Cage in “Mortal Kombat 2.” Urban is no stranger to genre projects as he leads Amazon’s hit series “The Boys,” but his resume is much larger than that. He also played a role in the Peter Jackson-directed “Lord of The Rings” trilogy, led Alex Garland‘s underrated “Dredd” reboot, had a brief role as the Asgardian Skurge in Marvel‘s “Thor: Ragnarok,” and played Dr. “Bones” McCoy in a trilogy of “Star Trek” films at Paramount. Plus, Urban’s comedic chops becoming his noted calling card means this casting should be a great relief for fans.
Of course, the films are based on the iconic arcade game that was first introduced back in 1992 and helped raise the mature/violent video game genre to new heights. Paul W.S. Anderson directed the successful 1995 feature film that featured actor Linden Ashby in the Cage role. For those not familiar with the fighter, Johnny Cage was loosely based on Belgian action star Jean Claude Van Damme, but eventually developed his own personality as a brash self-promoting Hollywood diva with a smart-mouth element not unlike Deadpool or Lobo, making him comedic relief at times. In the video games, Cage and fellow heroic character Sonya Blade have a daughter together named Cassie.
Director Simon McQuoid returns to helm the upcoming sequel with a script penned by “Moon Knight” scribe Jeremy Slater. James Wan also produces again. There’s still not an official release date for “Mortal Kombat 2,” but with casting underway, that likely won’t be too far behind.