Next year promises to be exciting for video game fans, particularly those who enjoy fighting games. Two major franchises, Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter, are getting new movies in theaters. Today, we got a first look at Mortal Kombat II, including a new image of the villain Shao Kahn. This version of the character looks impressive and aims to address issues fans have had with previous depictions for over three decades when the movie is released.
Shao Kahn is a famously dangerous villain in the Mortal Kombat universe, and he appeared in the movie Mortal Kombat Annihilation. However, many fans felt that film didn’t quite get his look right. The upcoming Mortal Kombat II seems determined to do better, and a recent photo shared by producer Todd Garner suggests they’re on the right track. Actor Martyn Ford, who stands at 6’8”, looks incredibly intimidating in Shao Kahn’s costume. The outfit includes the character’s iconic red cape and overall creates a much more powerful and fearsome presence.
Happy New Year! 2026 is going to be amazing. #MortalKombat
— Todd Garner (@Todd_Garner) December 31, 2025
In the movie Annihilation, Brian Thompson’s Shao Kahn only wore his red cape in a handful of scenes. He spent most of the film in a less impressive costume. Now, the new actor playing Shao Kahn is physically larger, which will help him pull off the cape and a more intimidating appearance, making the character much more believable.
What Other Characters Are Joining Mortal Kombat II?
Ford isn’t the only new face joining the Mortal Kombat sequel. Karl Urban will play Johnny Cage, and he’s expected to be a major character. Cage is a former action star who’s fallen on hard times, but he’s pulled back into the fight to save Earth. Early glimpses of Urban in the role have already been a hit with fans.
Adeline Rudolph will be joining the new film series as Kitana, the skilled warrior and princess of Edenia. Kitana is a long-standing and important character in the franchise, and fans will be excited to see her return.
Joining the battle are several new characters: Jade (played by Tati Gabrielle), Quan Chi (Damon Herriman), Edenia’s King Jerrod (Desmond Chiam), Sindel (Ana The Nguyen), and Baraka (CJ Bloomfield). These additions will join the returning characters from the first movie, promising an even more intense and chaotic fight.
Mortal Kombat 2 will land in theaters on May 15, 2026.
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2025-12-31 23:10