Karl Urban supposedly to play Johnny Cage in Mortal Kombat 2

The Boys star tipped to play MK’s big-headed megastar

In the wake of the success of 2021’s Mortal Kombat, there have been rumblings that Karl Urban is still in final negotiations with New Line to play arrogant Hollywood star Johnny Cage in the studio’s planned sequel.

TheWrap reports that Urban is close to accepting the role, which will have him donning the wraparound tones of one of the most well-known and reluctantly cherished characters in the Mortal Kombat franchise. Urban is perhaps best known for playing the titular role in the exceptional Dredd (2012), as well as portraying Billy Butcher in the blockbuster Amazon reveal The Boys. Fans know that Johnny Cage is a martial arts expert who also happens to have a line in smart-arse conversation and an ego the size of Texas.

Could Urban perform adequately in that role? He’s got the looks and acting talents to play the part, but he’s a touch too rough around the edges to convey our man Cage’s cocky, white-toothed swagger. Although Urban is a dead ringer for Kano, the role was previously played by Josh Lawson in the first film, and rather effectively at that. In my opinion, Urban could recast the role of Cage as a once-famous martial artist who has since lost his touch but is still certain that he is the finest actor/fighter on the block. A spoof on the current iteration of Steven Seagal.

Production on Mortal Kombat 2 is expected to begin soon under the direction of Simon McQuoid, who also directed the first film. The original film, despite its slight campiness, was great and very entertaining. It included some impressive martial arts sequences and a lively sense of humour. If Johnny Cage were to be introduced, he may quickly become the focus of the story, which leaves MK’s original character, Cole Young, in a precarious position.

Oh, and before people start demanding The Miz’ casting on social media: I get it, his WWE character is egotistical and sure, he too sports sunglasses. Let’s find an actor that can really carry a movie and knows when to dial it down. Add another vote for “Ronda Rousey should play Captain Marvel in the MCU”

New Line’s Mortal Kombat 2 is presently in production at New Line Cinema.

Karl Urban Reportedly Set to Play Johnny Cage in Mortal Kombat 2 [TheWrap]

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