Film Review: Mortal Kombat II (2026)

FIGHT!!!!!!

Release Date: May 8, 2026; Director: Simon McQuoid; Stars: Adeline Rudolph, Karl Urban, Martyn Ford

“Get over here!” — Scorpion, Mortal Kombat II (2026)

Simon McQuoid’s Mortal Kombat II (2026) is an excellent, action-packed, fantasy motion picture experience. Derived from the original, fun-filled fighting video game, Mortal Kombat, which was released in arcades in 1992 and later to the Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo, Gameboy, and Sega Master video gaming systems in 1993, features a collection of diverse fighters, selected to compete in fighting matches to save both their lives and their realms. In this sequel, one of the original characters from the video game, Johnny Cage (played by Karl Urban), is introduced into the group that fights to defend Earthrealm. Alongside him are Sonya Blade (played by Jessica McNamee), Jax Briggs (played by Mehcad Brooks), Liu Kang (played by Ludi Lin), and Raiden (played by Tadanobu Asano). They each fight one-by-one with members of the opposing realm called Outworld, led by Shao Kahn (played by Martyn Ford). Members of the Netherrealm also join in the battles.

The makeup and costumes are extraordinary. Each character closely resembles their original look from the video game, if not better. The one I think is the most exquisitely done is one of the scariest-looking characters, Baraka (played by CJ Bloomfield). The facial details, razor-sharp teeth, body, and blades that protrude from his Tarkatan arms are amazing.

The sound effects and backgrounds during the fight scenes were magnificent. McQuoid recreates the visuals for this movie much like the video game. The aesthetics in the scene featuring the fight between Liu Kang and Kung Lao (played by Max Huang) are so surreal. There is a setting similar to Raiden’s temple, except there is no evidence of nature surrounding it, only a bold, blue cosmic atmosphere reminiscent of what you would see in the video game. Also, in one of the final fight scenes, Kitana (played by Adeline Rudolph) is chained to a stone wall, which is also the background in one of the setting selections in the video game. Some of the sounds heard in the film are also from the video game. For example, in a couple of scenes, just before one opponent is about to pass out, there is the famous command of “Finish her/him!” One of my favorite sound effects is the iconic gong heard at the beginning of a match, announcing the start of another fight.

The best and my favorite thing about this film, which also happens to be the highlight of it, is the brilliantly choreographed fight scenes. At any given moment, any character can be warped from their realm into another, which looks similar to the video game, to participate in fighting in a match against an opponent. Similar to the video game, these matches can be gender-blind and size disproportionate. The idea is that each fighter has a set of skills and strengths that are unique to them, yet powerful enough to stand up against anyone.

There are a few fight scenes that are among my favorites. One is the match between Liu Kang and Kung Lao. Both characters move with incredible agility and control of their bodies and their moves. Liu Kang brings fire from his palms, while Kung Lao uses his wide, razor-rimmed hat to try to slice his opponent. I love the way Kung Lao controls his weapon, yet Liu Kang outsmarts him by grabbing his opponent and causing him to fall onto his own weapon, which slices him down the middle. It is the best move in the entire movie. Blood is shed just like the graphics featured in the video game. The entire scene is a 10 out of 10.

Another great fight scene is between Scorpion/Hanzo Hasashi (played by Hiroyuki Sanada) and Sub-Zero/Bi-Han (played by Joe Taslim), two very popular characters from the video game. Scorpion pulls Sub-Zero in with his command and chains. The newly reincarnated version of Sub-Zero has traded in his ability to entrap others in freezing icicles. Instead, he clones himself to battle both Scorpion and other opponents at the same time. Sub-Zero can also dissolve into the ground and come back up to sneak up on and fool his opponent. It is absolutely fascinating.

The amount of gore involved in each match is similar to that of the video game. The scene where Kitana slices Shao Kahn’s head with her pair of bladed steel fans is the bloodiest. Earlier in the film, Shao Kahn defeats Cole Young (played by Lewis Tan), Scorpion’s descendant, by smashing his head with the wrath hammer and dragging his body into the pool of acid, where his body disintegrates, just like in the video game. The invincible and immortal Lord Raiden also experiences a sneak attack where his throat is cut, spilling some of his electromagnetic force field of power. All of the fight scenes made up 90% of the film, as they should, and kept my attention with each punch, kick, and killer move.

I love this film, and it is worth going to the movie theater to view. Mortal Kombat II took me back to my childhood days, playing the video game on my Sega Genesis. The only element missing from the film is the “Toasty!” guy, who was featured in the original video game and appeared at the corner of the screen, yelling “Toasty!” after a killer move. Liu Kang mentions bringing Kung Lao back, which alludes to a possible part three. If you are a fan of the Mortal Kombat video game, like I am, and you also love martial arts, you will definitely be in for a treat.