After delaying the film by several months to maximize the sequel’s box office potential, New Line Cinema’s Mortal Kombat II banked $5.2 million in Thursday Previews from Earthrealm last night. According to analysts, Mortal Kombat II (read our review here) could kick, punch, and uppercut its way toward $40M to $45M this weekend, making it a strong competitor against The Devil Wears Prada 2.
While analysts crunch their numbers, Warner Bros. is approaching the tournament for box-office supremacy with caution, predicting a $35M opening for MK II. This number puts the blood-soaked sequel in direct competition with The Devil Wears Prada 2, which could walk to the runway with $38 million to $42 million in its second weekend after opening with $77 million. Meanwhile, some outlets expect both films to bank around $50 million, given the good word of mouth and Mother’s Day traffic.
If you recall, 2021’s Mortal Kombat released in theaters and on HBO Max simultaneously amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It was an awkward time to release a tentpole film, but WB gave it the old college try. Mortal Kombat opened with $23 million, then fell prey to a fatality at the $84 million mark. The film cost $55 million to produce, making it a worthwhile endeavor for the studio.
Who stars in Mortal Kombat II?
Mortal Kombat II stars returning Mortal Kombat cast members Lewis Tan as MMA fighter Cole Young, Ludi Lin as Liu Kang, Jessica McNamee as Sonya Blade, Josh Lawson as Kano, Tadanobu Asano as Lord Raiden, Mehcad Brooks as Jax, Chin Han as Shang Tsung, Joe Taslim as Bi-Han and Sub-Zero, Hiroyuki Sanada as Hanzo Hasashi and Scorpion, and Max Huang as Kung Lao. New additions include Karl Urban (Dredd) as Johnny Cage, Adeline Rudolph (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina) as Princess Kitana; Tati Gabrielle (You) as Jade, the friend and bodyguard of Princess Kitana; Damon Herriman (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) as Netherrealm demon Quan Chi; bodybuilder/actor Martyn Ford (F9: The Fast Saga) as Outworld emperor Shao Kahn; Ana Thu Nguyen (Suka) as Kahn’s wife Queen Sindel; and Desmond Chiam (Joy Ride) as Jerrod, who was the King of Edenia (and married to Sindel) until Edenia’s warriors lost in the Mortal Kombat tournament.
Personal thoughts on Mortal Kombat II
I saw Mortal Kombat II last night with a charged-up crowd. The sequel is definitely better than the 2021 reboot in almost every regard, even if it’s still not my ideal adaptation of the game franchise. My wife loved it. She’s demanding we buy it on 4K Blu-ray so she can watch it repeatedly. While I do think some characters are underserved, the fights, set designs, and lore-building are all solid. Well, except for one thing. You’ll see. Urban is a fun addition to the cast, though if I’m being honest, it’s Josh Lawson’s Kano who steals the show. Adeline Rudolph does a fantastic job of representing my Mortal Kombat main, Kitana, and I’m already looking forward to a third film in the rebooted franchise. It didn’t blow my hair back, but it’s closer to the ’90s Mortal Kombat movie than the 2021 reboot, and it’s better for it.
The comment section exists to allow readers to discuss the article constructively and respectfully, focused on the topic at hand.
What’s Not Allowed