Exclusive Sneak Peek: Karl Urban Rocks Johnny Cage's Iconic Shades in Epic Behind-the-Scenes Shot with Mortal Kombat Creator
Karl Urban embodies the iconic Johnny Cage in Mortal Kombat 2, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the impact his portrayal will have on the highly anticipated sequel
Johnny Cage actor Karl Urban is featured in a new behind-the-scenes photo, posing with the co-creator of the original Mortal Kombat video game. Urban joined the cast of the sequel as a bold Hollywood action star who becomes a champion for Earthrealm. Production for the film began in June, but may experience delays due to the SAG-AFTRA actors strike. Co-creator Ed Boon shared the photo on Twitter, taken on the set of the Australian location.
What Impact Will Urban’s Johnny Cage Have On Mortal Kombat 2?
: Urban, known for his character's signature sunglasses, is seen in a meticulously styled hairstyle in the image. The picture was taken and shared before the official announcement of the SAG-AFTRA strike. Additionally, this latest behind-the-scenes glimpse aligns with a recent Twitter post by the film's producer, Todd Garner, where he hints at one of the striking sets in Mortal Kombat 2.
The absence of Johnny Cage in 2021's Mortal Kombat reboot was deemed disappointing by numerous fans who anticipated the film to pay homage to the beloved video games that served as its inspiration. Although the movie does hint at his character towards the end, implying that Lewis Tan's Cole Young sets out to seek his assistance against the growing threat of Outworld, dedicated gamers who hold the games dear regarded the exclusion as a derogation of their roots.
Originally planned as a video game adaptation of the action film Bloodsport starring Jean-Claude Van Damme, Midway Games faced licensing issues. In response, Boon and co-creator John Tobias decided to revamp their plans and create Johnny Cage as a playful take on the renowned Hollywood martial artist. Cage went on to become one of the original seven fighters in the 1992 Mortal Kombat game, and even held the spotlight as the sole character in early test prototypes.
The announcement of Urban's casting in Mortal Kombat 2 brought relief to viewers who had hoped for his inclusion in the first film. Currently, his presence is one of the most anticipated aspects of the project. It will be intriguing to see how Urban's portrayal of the character aligns with Tan's protagonist, who many saw as a substitute for Johnny Cage. Hopefully, the ongoing strike action can be resolved swiftly, allowing Urban and his co-stars to return to the set of Mortal Kombat 2.
Source: Ed Boon/Twitter
