Now that more details about Mortal Kombat 2 have been revealed, I can confidently say that it will be better than the 2021 reboot. It was great to see the iconic video game series receive a live-action reboot in 2021 after a couple of disappointing movies. However, while the 2021 film was much better than the live-action Mortal Kombat movies from the 1990s, it was still slightly underwhelming. The Mortal Kombat reboot took several risks, such as introducing a brand-new protagonist, Cole Young, rather than following a heroic character like Liu Kang.
The most recent Mortal Kombat movie wasn’t necessarily bad, but it didn’t quite live up to my expectations. This is why I’m so excited to get more details about the upcoming Mortal Kombat 2. Ahead of the movie’s October 24, 2025 release date, new images of Mortal Kombat 2 have been revealed, showing off characters like Johnny Cage and Shao Kahn. Along with these images, it was also confirmed that the tournament will be a major aspect of Mortal Kombat 2’s story, which is amazing news.
Mortal Kombat 2 Will Have An Actual Mortal Kombat Tournament
The 2021 Mortal Kombat Reboot Didn’t Include A Tournament
In addition to following Cole Young rather than Liu Kang, the more popular Mortal Kombat protagonist, it was shocking that the 2021 reboot did not include a tournament. Instead of following the characters as they fought in a Mortal Kombat tournament, the reboot movie showcased Cole and his allies, such as Sonya Blade and Jax Briggs, unlocking their arcanas, an inner power that grants them special abilities. While they did this, they were hunted by Sub-Zero and Shang Tsung, who wanted them dead before the official tournament began.
The tournament between the different realms is a staple of practically every Mortal Kombat video game, which is why it was disappointing that there wasn’t one in the 2021 film.
However, Cole Young and Scorpion teamed up to defeat Sub-Zero at the end of 2021’s Mortal Kombat. This ensured that Earthrealm’s warriors would be able to fight against Outworld in the Mortal Kombat tournament, which will be featured in the upcoming sequel. The tournament between the different realms is a staple of practically every Mortal Kombat video game, which is why it was disappointing that there wasn’t one in the 2021 film. However, Mortal Kombat 2 can now make up for the reboot’s biggest mistake.
The Tournament Will Be Essential To Mortal Kombat 2’s Story
Earthrealm Will Fight Against Outworld In Mortal Kombat 2
The ending of the reboot movie teased that characters like Cole Young, Sonya Blade, Jax Briggs, Liu Kang, Kung Lao, Raiden, and Johnny Cage would team up to defend Earthrealm in the tournament. This all-star lineup of characters makes me incredibly excited for Mortal Kombat 2. However, until recently, it was unclear exactly how prominently the tournament would be featured in Mortal Kombat 2. Recently, franchise creator Ed Boon teased that the tournament will be very important in Mortal Kombat 2. He said:
They keep score throughout the movie. There’s a visual representation of who is winning…. It’s not just a tournament for the sake of a tournament. There are huge consequences, so you really are keeping score. And there are a lot of twists in it that keep you on your toes.
If Earthrealm’s warriors lose the tournament in Mortal Kombat 2, then Shao Kahn will be able to rally Outworld’s forces and invade Earth. Because of this, every fight in the upcoming sequel will have incredibly high stakes. I am excited to see how the results of the tournament will be visually represented onscreen. Boon teases that there will be some kind of scoreboard in the film, which would make Mortal Kombat 2 the most faithful movie to the video games ever. Overall, everything that has been revealed about the tournament in Mortal Kombat 2 is incredibly exciting.
Mortal Kombat 2’s Tournament Makes The Sequel Way More Exciting
Mortal Kombat 2 Will Have Higher Stakes Than The 2021 Reboot
Since it didn’t include a tournament, the 2021 reboot didn’t really feel like a true Mortal Kombat movie. However, I do not think that is going to be the case with Mortal Kombat 2. In addition to the aforementioned Earthrealm warriors, Mortal Kombat 2 will also feature popular Outworld fighters, such as Baraka, Kitana, and Queen Sindel. Additionally, Quan Chi will come from the Netherrealm in Mortal Kombat 2. I can’t wait to see all these characters face off against each other in the upcoming movie.
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After learning more details about Mortal Kombat 2, it has now become one of my most anticipated movies of the year. Currently, the Mortal Kombat franchise doesn’t have a great track record with live-action movies. However, it seems like Mortal Kombat 2 will be the best movie in the franchise yet. If Mortal Kombat 2 delivers on all of its promises in a satisfying manner, then I have no doubt that this series could become one of the most entertaining franchises in Hollywood.
Movie
My Favorite Movies
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Mortal Kombat 2
Director
Simon McQuoid
Writers
Jeremy Slater
Jessica McNamee
Sonya Blade