The most formidable warriors from Earthrealm and Outworld are set to clash in the highly anticipated sequel, <em>Mortal Kombat II</em>. The inaugural trailer for Mortal Kombat II reveals that the plot will predominantly center around Johnny Cage, who is enlisted to represent Earthrealm in the fierce tournament. However, he won’t be the sole character to take the spotlight in this cinematic experience.
Alongside Johnny Cage, fans can expect to see a host of new characters in Mortal Kombat II, including Kitana, Jade, Sindel, Baraka, and Shao Kahn, the feared emperor of Outworld. Shao Kahn will serve as the primary antagonist in Mortal Kombat II, presiding over the high-stakes tournament with ruthless determination.
The inclusion of an actual tournament format addresses a significant critique of the original film, paving the way for thrilling combat sequences. With a lineup of beloved characters, long-time fans are sure to be thrilled when the sequel premieres on October 24, 2025. As we await the film’s release, let’s delve into the confirmed battles featured in Mortal Kombat II:
12
Johnny Cage Vs. Kitana
Kitana’s Fans Can Be a Deadly Weapon
The first combat encounter teased in the trailer for Mortal Kombat II features an electrifying showdown between Johnny Cage and Kitana. The sequel impressively captures the essence of the video game series, with Kitana being portrayed by Adeline Rudolph. During this intense encounter, Johnny Cage is visibly taken aback as Kitana unleashes her iconic fans against him.
Interestingly, this fight seems to occur outside the confines of the actual Mortal Kombat tournament, as there is no visible audience present. This confrontation likely takes place early in the film, shortly after Johnny Cage‘s arrival in Outworld. In fact, this could serve as Johnny Cage‘s inaugural battle in Mortal Kombat II.
Though they appear to be adversaries during this scene, Johnny Cage and Kitana are expected to become allies as the plot unfolds. In the lore of the video games, Kitana ultimately betrays Shao Kahn to support Earthrealm, and the trailer hints at a faithful adaptation of this narrative.
11
Shao Kahn Vs. King Jerrod
Shao Kahn Will Launch an Invasion of Edenia
The potential reason for Kitana’s betrayal against Shao Kahn in Mortal Kombat II is tied to the death of her father, King Jerrod, at the hands of the Outworld emperor. The confrontation between Shao Kahn and King Jerrod is likely depicted as a flashback occurring well before the main events of the film and is included in the trailer.
The fact that this fight scene is showcased in the trailer almost confirms the appearance of the realm of Edenia in Mortal Kombat II. According to the story of the games, King Jerrod was the ruler of Edenia, alongside his wife, Queen Sindel. His daughter, Kitana, along with her childhood companion, Jade, hailed from this peaceful realm. However, everything shifted dramatically when Shao Kahn initiated an invasion.
In the trailer for Mortal Kombat II, Shao Kahn can be observed defeating King Jerrod and stabbing him in the back. While this revelation may spoil the outcome of the confrontation before the film’s release, it effectively establishes Shao Kahn as a formidable antagonist. This is beneficial, as he is poised to be the primary villain in the sequel.
10
Jax Briggs Vs. Unknown Outworld Warrior
Jax Returns to the Arena in Mortal Kombat 2
In the trailer for Mortal Kombat II, Jax is briefly showcased engaging in combat with an unknown Outworld warrior. This character does not seem to resemble any existing fighters from the video games, suggesting she could be an entirely new addition to the roster. In the trailer, the enigmatic fighter is depicted wearing a dark outfit, with a mask obscuring her mouth, and appears to wield a staff as her primary weapon.
Jax was a key champion representing Earthrealm in the original film and remains a beloved character among fans. His return to the action in Mortal Kombat II is eagerly anticipated, especially considering that this unknown character does not seem to play a significant role in the storyline. Thus, it is likely that Jax will easily triumph over her in the film.
9
Cole Young Vs. Jax Briggs Vs. Liu Kang
Earthrealm’s Champions Will Engage in Training Together in Mortal Kombat 2
Shortly after his encounter with the unidentified Outworld warrior, the trailer transitions to a scene showcasing Jax, Cole Young, and Liu Kang fighting together. Given that all three characters are champions of Earthrealm, this segment undoubtedly depicts a training scene from Mortal Kombat II.
In the overhead vicinity of their training area, the scene also features Johnny Cage and Sonya Blade, indicating that this training moment could mark the initial meeting between Johnny Cage, Cole Young, Liu Kang, and Jax in the film. There’s a possibility that he might join them in combat during this training session.
8
Liu Kang Vs. Shao Kahn
Liu Kang & Shao Kahn Are Iconic Rivals in the Video Games
The trailer hints at an epic confrontation between Liu Kang and Shao Kahn set in a temple in Mortal Kombat II. This is particularly thrilling, considering their longstanding rivalry in the video games. In fact, Liu Kang often serves as the main protagonist, typically facing Shao Kahn during the climactic showdown of the Mortal Kombat tournament.
It is also exhilarating to witness Shao Kahn wielding his iconic Wrath Hammer during this confrontation, particularly against the backdrop of flames.
However, according to the trailer, it appears that Johnny Cage may be the Earthrealm champion destined to confront the Outworld emperor. While this might disappoint some fans of Liu Kang, it is reassuring to know that the Shaolin monk will have his chance to fight Shao Kahn at a later point in the movie.
Although only snippets of this battle are shown, Liu Kang conjures two blazing pillars, potentially resembling dragons. His signature dragon fatality provided a memorable moment in the first film, so fans are eager to see a similar spectacle in the sequel. It is equally thrilling to see Shao Kahn wielding his iconic Wrath Hammer during this fight, as he faces the flames.
7
Johnny Cage Vs. Baraka
Baraka Presents a Terrifying Challenge in Mortal Kombat 2
Johnny Cage‘s battle against Baraka garners significant attention in the trailer for Mortal Kombat II. Once again, the former Hollywood star finds himself in disbelief while engaging Baraka, but he appears to hold his ground against the formidable Takartan general. Johnny Cage deftly dodges numerous attacks from Baraka throughout the trailer, yet this fight will undoubtedly present a formidable challenge for him.
In the video games, Baraka serves as the general of the Takartan Horde, a loyal servant to Outworld. His fearsome appearance, characterized by razor-sharp teeth and the blades protruding from his arms, ensures that Baraka will be one of the most terrifying adversaries from Outworld in Mortal Kombat II.
Since Baraka was confirmed for the sequel, fans have eagerly anticipated whether the film will do justice to his iconic design. Without a doubt, this incarnation of Baraka stands as the finest representation ever seen in live-action, making it thrilling to witness him in combat in Mortal Kombat II.
6
Kitana Vs. Jade
Kitana & Jade: Best Friends and Fierce Fighters
The trailer suggests that Kitana and Jade will emerge as two of the most prominent characters in Mortal Kombat II. While they are depicted engaging in combat, it appears to be a friendly sparring match, as both characters are seen smiling during the scene, reflecting their long-standing friendship.
Mortal Kombat 2’s Radical Redesign of a Fan-Favorite Fighter
Based on the new trailer, Jade will have a prominent role in Mortal Kombat II, but she looks quite different from her traditional appearances in the games.
This friendly encounter takes place amidst a lush, green forest, which could be Edenia prior to Shao Kahn‘s invasion. Following this invasion, both Kitana and Jade are likely to be captured and taken to Outworld. Therefore, they will probably find themselves fighting against the champions of Earthrealm at the beginning of the film.
However, as previously mentioned, it seems that Kitana will ultimately turn against Shao Kahn in Mortal Kombat II. If the film adheres to the storyline of the games, then Jade will also side with Kitana and betray the emperor of Outworld. Their deep friendship in the franchise will make it exciting to see them train together in the forthcoming movie.
5
Sonya Blade Vs. Sindel
The Outworld Queen May Emerge as a Major Villain
While Kitana and Jade are expected to side against Shao Kahn, it appears that Sindel will remain loyal to him and could emerge as a significant antagonist in Mortal Kombat II. The trailer showcases Sindel facing off against Sonya Blade, a key champion from Earthrealm. During this intense encounter, Sindel unleashes her powerful Banshee Scream, a signature move from the games.
Although the trailer offers only a glimpse of their confrontation, it promises to be thrilling. Sindel has the potential to be one of the most formidable characters in Mortal Kombat II, possibly even exceeding Shao Kahn in terms of power, making the outcome of this fight highly intriguing.
4
Scorpion Vs. Noob Saibot
Will Scorpion Easily Defeat Noob Saibot?
The climactic battle between Scorpion and Bi-Han/Noob Saibot is featured prominently at the end of the trailer, generating significant excitement among fans. This highly anticipated rematch follows the dramatic events of the first film, where Bi-Han murdered Hanzo Hasashi/Scorpion and his family.
It would be shocking if the trailer for Mortal Kombat II revealed Noob Saibot’s demise so casually, suggesting that there may be more to this battle than meets the eye.
However, at the conclusion of the 2021 film, Scorpion returns and joins forces with Cole Young to vanquish Bi-Han. As Bi-Han returns in the form of the wraith ninja Noob Saibot in the games, this rematch was anticipated for Mortal Kombat II. Set in the Netherrealm, this encounter promises to be exhilarating, though it is surprising to see Scorpion seemingly killing Noob Saibot in the Mortal Kombat II trailer.
In the trailer, Scorpion employs his chains to draw Noob Saibot closer before delivering a devastating blow with his sword. While it might seem like the trailer for Mortal Kombat II has revealed Noob Saibot’s death, it is likely that there are deeper layers to this confrontation. Regardless, watching these iconic characters clash once more in the film will undoubtedly be thrilling.
3
Liu Kang Vs. Kung Lao Vs. Unknown Fighter
Are the Two Shaolin Monks Enemies in Mortal Kombat 2?
Despite his soul being consumed by Shang Tsung in the first film, the trailer for Mortal Kombat II confirms that Kung Lao will be making a return in the sequel. Early in the trailer, Kung Lao and his companion Liu Kang are seen facing off in a location that pays homage to the portal arena, which first appeared in the second Mortal Kombat game.
Later in the trailer, Kung Lao throws his iconic hat at Liu Kang and another unidentified character, implying that a fight will occur in this nostalgic setting. While this fight is briefly shown in the trailer, the identity of the third character remains a mystery, potentially being Cole Young or even Scorpion.
Based on the hints provided in the trailer, it appears that Kung Lao might take on a more antagonistic role in Mortal Kombat II. This shift would represent a significant change from his portrayal in the first film, but it aligns with his character’s history as a villain in games like Mortal Kombat X and Mortal Kombat 11.
