‘Mortal Kombat II’ Pushed Back Just Weeks Before Theatrical Release
Fans of the Mortal Kombat movie franchise will have to wait longer than expected for the next installment. Mortal Kombat II, which stars Karl Urban and is directed by Simon McQuoid, has been pushed back to May 15, 2026.
The film was originally scheduled for release on October 24. Deadline reports that Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema believe a summer release could help the movie perform better at the box office, especially after the strong response to the trailer.
Mortal Kombat II is a sequel to the 2021 Mortal Kombat film and the fourth movie in the franchise.
The story continues the adventures of the series’ most popular characters, including returning stars Jessica McNamee, Josh Lawson, Ludi Lin, Mehcad Brooks, Lewis Tan, Damon Herriman (in a new role), Chin Han, Tadanobu Asano, Joe Taslim, and Hiroyuki Sanada. Joining the cast are Karl Urban, Adeline Rudolph, and Tati Gabrielle.
The film is written by Jeremy Slater and directed by Simon McQuoid, who also directed the first film. The project has been in the works since the release of the 2021 movie. After that film, producer Todd Garner, writer Greg Russo, and McQuoid started planning the future of the franchise, including possible spin-offs and a direct sequel.
Warner Bros. officially approved the sequel in 2022, with filming beginning in June 2023 in Australia. Production paused in July due to the SAG-AFTRA strike but resumed in November and wrapped up in January 2024.
It's called Mortal Kombat (II).
— Warner Bros. Canada (@WarnerBrosCA) July 17, 2025
Mortal Kombat II – only in theatres and October 24. pic.twitter.com/hSwv0q0Qqs
New Line Cinema described the movie as “the latest high-stakes installment in the blockbuster video game franchise in all its brutal glory, Mortal Kombat II. This time, the fan favorite champions—now joined by Johnny Cage himself—are pitted against one another in the ultimate, no-holds-barred, gory battle to defeat the dark rule of Shao Kahn that threatens the very existence of the Earthrealm and its defenders.”
With filming completed and the new release date set, fans now have to wait until next summer to see the continuation of this high-energy, action-packed franchise.
Personally, I think the delay could work in the movie’s favor. Summer releases usually attract bigger audiences, and with the excitement around the trailer, Mortal Kombat II could become a major hit. What do you think about the delay? Are you excited to see the movie next year, or disappointed it’s coming later than planned? Share your thoughts in the comments.
