Karl Urban Calls ‘Mortal Kombat II’ His Toughest Role

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Karl Urban says that playing Johnny Cage in Mortal Kombat II was the most physically demanding role of his career. He explained that the film required a lot of martial arts training and very detailed fight choreography.

Karl Urban told EW.com that after wrapping up season four of The Boys, he specifically requested a role with a lot of physical action, and the new project turned out to be even more demanding than he expected.

Urban requested a movie with a lot of intense action, and he got exactly that, which proved to be a difficult experience. He described the role as the most demanding he’d faced throughout his career.

Check out new images below.

Why Johnny Cage Was Such a Physical Challenge

Let me tell you, working on this film wasn’t just about how much fighting there was, it was about getting it right. The real challenge, as director Urban pointed out, was making Johnny Cage’s moves feel genuinely believable and authentic. It demanded a level of precision and control that went beyond simply choreographing a lot of action – it needed to look real, and that took serious discipline.

Urban explained that martial arts are very precise in their form and style. The movements are often carefully choreographed and require exact execution to appear effective, which presented a significant challenge.

The new installment features Cage, a former Hollywood action hero, who is chosen by Lord Raiden to compete in the Mortal Kombat tournament and defend Earthrealm.

A Rusty Fighter Meets Kitana

Director Simon McQuoid hinted at an epic battle between Johnny Cage and Kitana, emphasizing how Cage’s chaotic fighting style will clash with Kitana’s precise and elegant moves.

According to Urban, Johnny is out of practice. He hasn’t been training in martial arts and seems disconnected from his skills and purpose.

McQuoid explained that finding the right balance was crucial: Johnny needed to appear capable without looking like he was prepared to fight.

The director said this was the first time the actor truly understood the situation. They needed him to appear out of shape for the role.

Mortal Kombat II Release Info

Mortal Kombat II hits theaters on May 8, 2026.

I’m really excited about this movie! It’s directed by Simon McQuoid, and the cast is amazing – Karl Urban is the lead, and he’s joined by Ludi Lin, Jessica McNamee, Mehcad Brooks, Lewis Tan, and even Martyn Ford. I think it’s going to be great!

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2025-12-16 22:32