Mortal Kombat 2, directed by Simon McQuoid, is set to hit theaters this October.
The previous movie from 2021 ended with three big reasons to stick around for the sequel.
Second, we would see the franchises iconic villain Shao Kahn in action.
Most importantly, we were promised Johnny Cage as a cliffhanger.
Actor to be determined.
Thats kind of crazy, really.
Johnny Cage has been aroundMortal Kombatsince the very first game.
Heres the full story of Mortal Kombats A-lister.
Somehow, Johnny Cage was our everyman.
Or close enough to one.
Daniel Pesina portrayed Cage and added just enough personality.
The early games were very limited, what with the singular win poses and lack of special animations.
Even his ending was going back to the well of, He made a movie based on his adventure.
Then in 1995, the firstMortal Kombatmovie was released, andour has-been actor truly became a household name.
Linden Ashby portrayed Cage, getting the most out of his role without being the actual protagonist.
Like a more colorful version of Roper fromEnter the Dragon, Johnny Cage felt truly realized.
Its a shame, because Midway would want us to forget about him around its release date.
Recasting Johnny Cage wouldnt be impossible, but there was no rush for it.
Scorpion, Kitana, Mileena, Raiden, and Baraka failed to make the cut.
Well, other than his headstone in one of the backgrounds.
Cage finally returned a year later in the home releaseMortal Kombat Trilogy, this time portrayed by Chris Alexander.
Alexander didnt bring back the split punch for this installment, but he was wearing sunglasses mid-fight.
And seriously, thats what many of us wanted all along.
The man needs to be as hammy as possible.
Speaking of recast Johnny Cages dying,Mortal Kombat Annihilationhit theaters in 1997.
Honestly, peacing out of that movie so early was a mercy.
While a welcome presence, he just didnt add much other than being there for a laugh.
The problems of the early games remained.
three of the most unpopular games in the series.
Cage wasnt inMortal Kombat vs. DC Universe, as he was written out in the prelude comic.
See, ever sinceMortal Kombat 4, the series had grown tired of Liu Kang being the generic protagonist.
Finally, after all this time, Cage felt important.
While still jokey, Johnny became the wise mentor character and felt more three-dimensional.
On top of all of this, these games were really bringing in all the extra personality.
Johnny Cages Fatalities were now over-the-top and filled with Hollywood jokes.
He was THE stand-out character of the NetherRealm Studios era ofMortal Kombatgames.
And that brings us back to 2021sMortal Kombatmovie.
Cage was missing, his disappearanceexplained by a producer, He has a very big personality, right?
He needs his own space.
Its very hard to just throw him in a movie.
Hence, saving him for the sequel.
Many fans are hoping that Cole will get the same treatment that Cage did back inMortal Kombat: Annihilation.
Tan was brutally killed off within minutes inDeadpool 2and people seemed to enjoy that one, right?
