Mortal Kombat 2’s Karl Urban Reveals He Really Did One Iconic Move (& It Might Surprise You) [Exclusive]

Fans of Mortal Kombat are familiar with its memorable moves – from the gruesome finishing moves like Sub-Zero’s spine rip, to its unique special attacks. The game has always emphasized the physical abilities of its characters, and Johnny Cage’s signature Nut Punch is a prime example. Interestingly, when this move appears in the new Mortal Kombat II movie, it won’t be created with special effects – it will be performed practically, by the actor.

Karl Urban, who plays Johnny Cage in Mortal Kombat II, recently told ComicBook that he actually performed the splits for the character’s famous special move – and remarkably, didn’t get hurt doing it!

There was a lot happening, but thankfully, I wasn’t hurt,” Urban explained. “I nearly got injured, though. I actually did the splits, believe it or not.

Johnny Cage’s Nut Punch Move Is Iconic (And Urban Doing the Splits For it Is Absolutely Wild)

Johnny Cage’s signature move, the Nut Punch (also known as the Nut Cracker), involves a difficult split before delivering a low blow. Considering how challenging it is for most people to do the splits, even without fighting, actor Lewis Tan performing the move for the film is incredibly impressive. Tan himself recognized the skill and flexibility required to both execute the move and play the role effectively.

Urban explained that the biggest hurdle was the sheer difficulty of the project. He said it was the most physically demanding movie he’d ever worked on, and he’d made quite a few films. The required skills were completely new to him – he had to learn everything from basic movement and agility, through speed training, to specific forms and styles. Unlike a simple fight scene, this required precise and deliberate action, and you couldn’t just rely on brute force.

Johnny Cage Is Just the Start of Iconic Elements from the Mortal Kombat Franchise

Karl Urban’s impressive performance of Johnny Cage’s signature split is just one of the things fans have been hoping for in the new Mortal Kombat II movie. Trailers have already revealed the film will feature beloved phrases, characters, and even the famously violent fatalities from the game, all treated with respect and accuracy. The movie, set to release on May 8th, has the potential to be a truly faithful and exciting adaptation that captures everything fans love about the Mortal Kombat franchise.

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2026-04-28 01:40