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Karl Urban Calls Johnny Cage His Toughest Role in Mortal Kombat II

Urban credits the role’s exacting martial-arts choreography and research-driven preparation for pushing him beyond any prior project.

Overview

  • Karl Urban says portraying Johnny Cage demanded unprecedented precision in form and choreography, making it the most challenging role of his career.
  • He prepared by training intensively and observing real karate tournaments to ground the character’s fighting background.
  • Director Simon McQuoid returns to helm the sequel from a script by Jeremy Slater, continuing the creative team from the 2021 film.
  • Promotional footage highlights a Johnny Cage versus Kitana showdown that contrasts their styles and weaves in physical comedy without undercutting the stakes.
  • The ensemble includes Adeline Rudolph, Ludi Lin, Jessica McNamee, Josh Lawson, Mehcad Brooks, and Lewis Tan, with a theatrical release set for May 8, 2026.