Every ‘Mortal Kombat 2’ Character Confirmed & Who’s Playing Them

‘Mortal Kombat 2’ is shaping up to be a thrilling follow-up to the 2021 film, bringing back the bloody tournament with a roster of fan-favorite fighters and new challengers. The sequel dives deeper into the video game’s lore, promising intense battles and iconic characters that fans have loved for decades.

I’m hyped to see how this cast brings the Mortal Kombat universe to life with their unique takes on these legendary kombatants. Below is every confirmed character for ‘Mortal Kombat 2’ and the actors playing them, packed with details on their game legacy and what to expect.

Kano – Josh Lawson

Josh Lawson returns as Kano, the loud-mouthed mercenary with a laser eye and a knack for betrayal. Despite his death in the first film, Lawson’s back with a ‘Kano 2.0’ twist, likely tied to the game’s Netherrealm lore where death isn’t always final. In the games, Kano is a Black Dragon member known for his dirty fighting style, using knives, eye lasers, and brutal grapples. He’s a fan favorite for his chaotic energy and sarcastic quips, often ranking high in popularity for his unpredictable nature.

I loved Lawson’s wild performance in the 2021 film, where his improv stole scenes. His return promises more of Kano’s ruthless charm, and I’m curious to see how the filmmakers use the game’s resurrection mechanics to bring this Aussie antihero back for another round of mayhem.

Jade – Tati Gabrielle

Tati Gabrielle steps into the role of Jade, Kitana’s loyal bodyguard and a fierce Edenian assassin. In the games, Jade wields a bo staff and razor-sharp projectiles, with moves like her projectile-immune Shadow Kick making her a tricky fighter. Her sleek green outfit and ties to Kitana’s royal family make her a beloved character, though her tragic backstory tied to Shao Kahn’s invasion adds depth. She’s popular for her speed and style, often a go-to for players who love agile combatants.

I’m excited to see Gabrielle bring Jade’s elegance and lethality to the screen, especially after her fierce roles in ‘You’ and ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’. Her shaved-head look is a bold departure from Jade’s long-haired game design, but it suits the character’s fierce vibe, promising a fresh take on this fan-favorite ninja.

Quan Chi – Damon Herriman

Damon Herriman plays Quan Chi, the sinister Netherrealm sorcerer making his live-action film debut. In the games, Quan Chi is a master manipulator with necromantic powers, summoning skulls and reviving fallen warriors. His deceptive nature and rivalry with Shang Tsung make him a complex villain, popular among fans for his dark magic and cunning strategies. His role often shifts the tide of battles, making him a feared pick in the game’s competitive scene.

I’m intrigued by Herriman’s casting, given his chilling performances as Charles Manson. Quan Chi’s supernatural edge could bring unexpected twists to the tournament, and I’m eager to see how Herriman captures the sorcerer’s eerie presence and game-changing abilities in ‘Mortal Kombat 2’.

Liu Kang – Ludi Lin

Ludi Lin reprises his role as Liu Kang, the Shaolin monk and Earthrealm’s chosen champion. In the games, Liu Kang is a martial arts master with fiery dragon kicks and bicycle kicks, known for his heroic spirit and leadership. He’s a cornerstone of the franchise, consistently ranking as one of the most iconic and popular characters for his balanced playstyle and noble arc. His signature moves make him a versatile fighter in the game’s meta.

I was impressed by Lin’s intense performance in the first film, capturing Liu Kang’s discipline and heart. His return will likely see him leading the charge against Outworld, and I’m excited to see how Lin brings the monk’s fiery moves and unwavering resolve to the big screen.

Kitana – Adeline Rudolph

Adeline Rudolph joins as Kitana, the Edenian princess with deadly steel fans. In the games, Kitana is a fan-favorite for her graceful yet lethal fighting style, using fan throws and aerial combos to dominate. Her royal lineage and tragic ties to Shao Kahn make her a compelling figure, beloved for her elegance and strength. Players often pick her for her speed and iconic moves, cementing her as a staple in the series.

I’m thrilled to see Rudolph, known for ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’, take on Kitana’s regal ferocity. Her armored costume and fan-wielding scenes in the trailer hint at epic battles, and I can’t wait to see how she portrays Kitana’s blend of poise and power in the tournament.

Johnny Cage – Karl Urban

Karl Urban brings Hollywood swagger to Johnny Cage, the cocky action star turned kombatant. In the games, Johnny is known for his flashy punches, shadow kicks, and nut-punch fatality, blending humor with brutal skill. His brash personality and movie-star charm make him a top-tier fan favorite, often chosen for his entertaining moves and witty dialogue. He’s a versatile fighter with a loyal following.

I love Urban’s casting, given his knack for charismatic tough guys in ‘The Boys’. Johnny’s larger-than-life vibe should shine under Urban’s performance, and I’m looking forward to seeing how he mixes humor and heroics in the high-stakes tournament.

Shao Kahn – Martyn Ford

Martyn Ford takes on Shao Kahn, the towering Outworld emperor and ultimate villain. In the games, Shao Kahn is a brutal warlord with a massive hammer and crushing moves like his shoulder charge, making him a feared boss character. His iconic taunts and domineering presence have made him a legendary antagonist, popular for his sheer power and intimidating design among fans.

I can’t wait to see Ford’s massive physique bring Shao Kahn’s menace to life, especially after his roles in action-heavy films. His performance will likely make the emperor’s threat feel larger than ever, setting up a climactic showdown for Earthrealm’s champions.

Scorpion – Hiroyuki Sanada

Hiroyuki Sanada returns as Scorpion, the vengeful ninja with a fiery spear and hellfire powers. In the games, Scorpion is a franchise icon, loved for his ‘Get over here!’ spear attack and teleporting strikes. His tragic backstory and rivalry with Sub-Zero make him a fan-favorite, consistently topping popularity polls for his aggressive playstyle and emotional depth.

I found Sanada’s performance in the first film gripping, especially in those intense fight scenes. His return as Scorpion promises more fiery action and emotional weight, and I’m eager to see how he deepens the ninja’s iconic vendetta.

Raiden – Tadanobu Asano

Tadanobu Asano is back as Raiden, the thunder god protecting Earthrealm. In the games, Raiden wields electric powers with moves like his Flying Thunderbolt, guiding heroes with wisdom and strength. He’s a beloved character for his leadership and versatile fighting style, often picked for his balance of offense and defense in the game’s roster.

I admired Asano’s stoic yet powerful take on Raiden in the first film. His return will likely see him rallying the champions, and I’m excited to see how he brings Raiden’s electric energy and calm authority to the tournament’s chaos.

Sonya Blade – Jessica McNamee

Jessica McNamee reprises Sonya Blade, the Special Forces operative with a no-nonsense attitude. In the games, Sonya is a tough brawler with energy rings and leg grabs, known for her military precision. She’s a fan-favorite for her grit and relatability, often chosen for her straightforward moves and strong presence in the series’ story.

I enjoyed McNamee’s fierce performance in the 2021 film, especially her brutal fight with Kano. Sonya’s return will likely see her clashing with new foes, and I’m curious to see how McNamee plays up her chemistry with Johnny Cage in the sequel.

Jax – Mehcad Brooks

Mehcad Brooks returns as Jax, the cybernetically enhanced soldier with crushing strength. In the games, Jax is a powerhouse with ground pounds and bionic arm attacks, popular for his raw power and loyal personality. His straightforward fighting style makes him a go-to for players who love heavy hitters, and his military background adds depth.

I was drawn to Brooks’ mix of toughness and heart in the first film. Jax’s upgraded arms and leadership role will likely shine in the sequel, and I’m looking forward to seeing Brooks deliver more of his commanding presence in the tournament.

Kung Lao – Max Huang

Max Huang is back as Kung Lao, the hat-wielding monk with deadly precision. In the games, Kung Lao’s razor-sharp hat throws and teleport dives make him a dynamic fighter, loved for his cocky charm and Shaolin roots. He’s a popular pick for his stylish moves and ties to Liu Kang, often shining in competitive play.

I loved Huang’s energetic performance in the first film, especially those slick hat tricks. His return as Kung Lao promises more flair and action, and I’m excited to see how he brings the monk’s confidence to the bigger battles ahead.

Mileena – Sisi Stringer

Sisi Stringer reprises Mileena, the savage clone with a monstrous bite. In the games, Mileena is a fan-favorite villain for her sai-wielding attacks and teleport kicks, blending ferocity with twisted loyalty to Shao Kahn. Her creepy allure and aggressive playstyle make her a popular choice among players who love chaotic fighters.

I found Stringer’s unhinged energy in the first film perfect for Mileena’s wild nature. Her return will likely ramp up the character’s viciousness, and I’m eager to see how Stringer leans into Mileena’s deadly charm in the sequel’s brutal fights.

Which ‘Mortal Kombat 2’ fighter are you rooting for, or is there another character you’re hoping to see? Drop your thoughts in the comments