Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema have officially pushed back Mortal Kombat II, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2021 reboot. Originally set to debut on October 24, 2025, the film will now hit theaters on May 15, 2026.
The announcement came via the movie’s official X account with the cryptic message: “The tournament demands a new time and place, worthy of its spectacle.”
Why the Delay?
The move isn’t due to production issues. Reports from test screenings have been strong, and the red-band trailer smashed records with 106 million views in 24 hours. Instead, Warner Bros. is betting on a lucrative summer launch window. By shifting to May, the film avoids October’s crowded release schedule and positions itself to capitalize on blockbuster season—especially since Marvel’s Avengers: Doomsday vacated its usual May slot in favor of a December 2026 debut.
What to Expect
Directed by Simon McQuoid and written by Jeremy Slater, Mortal Kombat II continues the brutal saga of Earthrealm’s defenders as they battle Outworld’s dark forces. The sequel puts the spotlight on Johnny Cage, with The Boys star Karl Urban stepping into the role of the arrogant Hollywood martial artist.
Alongside Urban, the cast features a mix of returning and new fighters:
- Lewis Tan as Cole Young
- Ludi Lin as Liu Kang
- Jessica McNamee as Sonya Blade
- Mehcad Brooks as Jax
- Hiroyuki Sanada as Scorpion
- Adeline Rudolph as Kitana
- Tati Gabrielle as Jade
- Martyn Ford as Shao Kahn
- Damon Herriman as Quan Chi
- Joe Taslim as Bi-Han / Noob Saibot
With Quan Chi’s necromantic powers teased, fan-favorite fighters who perished in the 2021 film—like Kano and Bi-Han—may resurface.
Looking Ahead
Mortal Kombat II is designed as the middle chapter of a trilogy envisioned by writer Greg Russo: the first film as a pre-tournament story, the sequel during the tournament, and a potential third film wrapping up events afterward.
Warner Bros. previewed early footage at CinemaCon earlier this year, promising “amazing fights, epic battles and a few fatalities.” With the May 2026 release now locked in, audiences will have to wait a little longer to see Earthrealm’s fate decided.