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‘Mortal Kombat 2’ Sets HBO Max Release Date
"Mortal Kombat 2", the sequel to 2021's video game adaptation, will begin streaming on HBO Max from 24 July, following a theatrical run that grossed $129 million worldwide. Director Simon McQuoid, who made his feature debut with the original film, returns to helm the follow-up, which continues the story of an inter-dimensional tournament between Earthrealm's fighters and the Outworld warriors led by tyrannical emperor Shao Kahn.
The sequel expands its cast with new additions including Karl Urban as Johnny Cage, Adeline Rudolph as Kitana and Tati Gabrielle as Jade, alongside returning stars such as Lewis Tan, Hiroyuki Sanada and Joe Taslim reprising roles from the first instalment. The plot follows Cage, a martial arts actor recruited by Raiden and Sonya Blade, as Earth's fighters unite with Kitana to defeat Shao Kahn's forces.
In short
- "Mortal Kombat 2" streams on HBO Max from 24 July
- Sequel earned $129 million at the worldwide box office
- Karl Urban joins returning cast including Hiroyuki Sanada and Joe Taslim
Explained simply
Mortal Kombat is a fighting video game franchise popular for its martial arts action and fantastical characters. The first film adaptation arrived in 2021, introducing viewers to a world where fighters from Earth defend their realm against supernatural warriors from another dimension in a deadly tournament.
The sequel continues this battle, again directed by Simon McQuoid who made his feature debut with the first film. The plot centres on Johnny Cage, a martial arts actor, who gets drawn into the conflict and must team up with Earth's champions to defeat the tyrannical emperor Shao Kahn and his forces.
The film stars Karl Urban as Johnny Cage alongside newcomers Adeline Rudolph as Kitana and Tati Gabrielle as Jade, plus returning actors Lewis Tan, Hiroyuki Sanada and Joe Taslim reprising their roles from the original film.