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Lewis Tan has hinted that Johnny Cage in Mortal Kombat 2 may deviate from the original video game character. Karl Urban’s unique take on Johnny Cage could surprise audiences and bring a fresh feel to the sequel. Despite initial criticism, the success of 2021’s Mortal Kombat justifies a sequel with new faces and challenges.
At San Diego Comic-Con, Mortal Kombat 2 star Lewis Tan hinted that Karl Urban’s Johnny Cage may be significantly different from the original game. When the 2021 Mortal Kombat reboot was first released, it initially drew some backlash due to its omission of the character of Cage, who has been a staple of the game series since the original release in 1992. Instead, the 2021 reboot will feature an entirely new character, Cole Young, played by Tan, who will be seen attempting to recruit a Hollywood action star at the film’s conclusion.
Speaking to Screen Rant at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, Tan revealed that fans may be in for some more surprises when it comes to Urban’s portrayal of Johnny Cage in Mortal Kombat 2. While admitting that he couldn’t reveal any details, Tan said that his new co-star has a fun and unique take on the iconic Mortal Kombat character that may be quite different from what audiences are expecting. Check out what he had to say below:
He brings a really interesting interpretation to Johnny Cage. I can’t say too much about it, but personally, he’s a great guy, we had a lot of fun on set, we laughed a lot, and I love the way he’s playing this character. It’s very unique and maybe not what people expect, but I think he’s a really good actor. He’s been around for a long time, he’s played a lot of great roles, he’s been in a lot of great series himself. So he’s used to this kind of thing, so he brings something really special.
Can Mortal Kombat 2 afford to get Johnny Cage wrong?
The decision to leave him out of the first film has already drawn a fair amount of criticism.
However, Tan’s comments suggest that the urban version of Johnny Cage may be significantly different from the video game character, so Mortal Kombat 2 may risk further alienating the series’ existing fanbase.
Despite its mixed reviews at the time of its release, 2021’s Mortal Kombat managed to gross $84.4 million at the box office worldwide against an initial budget of $55 million during a time when cinema attendance was limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, its initial streaming release set a new record for viewership on HBO Max and even earned the dubious distinction of being the most pirated film of 2021.
Related: 8 new Mortal Kombat 2 characters coming to the video game explained
At least eight characters from the Mortal Kombat fighting game series will be joining Mortal Kombat 2. Here’s a look at who they are:
Given this widespread interest, it’s not surprising that Warner Bros. is pursuing a sequel to Mortal Kombat, despite criticism surrounding the decision to feature Cole Young rather than one of the series’ original fighters. However, based on Tan’s comments, Mortal Kombat 2 may risk further alienating the series’ existing fanbase, as the urban version of Johnny Cage could be significantly different from the video game character.
Typically portrayed as an egocentric Hollywood star, Cage is often portrayed in the games as a comedic foil who provides some much-needed levity to the various stories. Urban showed his comedic talents in The Boys, making him a natural fit for such a character in Mortal Kombat 2. However, if Urban’s portrayal strays too far from the established legend, it could spell disaster for the sequel. However, if anyone could play a memorable Johnny Cage, it would surely be the actor who also played Billy Butcher.
Mortal Kombat 2
The sequel to the 2021 reboot of the Mortal Kombat film series, Mortal Kombat 2, sees the original cast and newcomers prepare for the Mortal Kombat tournament as Cole Young and his allies continue to train and recruit new warriors for the showdown between Earthrealm and Outworld that will decide the fate of humanity.
Director: Simon McQuoid
Studio: Atomic Monster Productions, Broken Road Productions, New Line Cinema
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
Writer Jeremy Slater
Cast: Martin Ford, Desmond Chiam, Anna Thu Nguyen, Damon Herriman, Lewis Tan, Jessica McNamee, Josh Lawson, Tadanobu Asano, Mehcad Brooks, Ludi Lin, Karl Urban, Tati Gabriel
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