Mortal Kombat 2 producer Todd Garner has confirmed Karl Urban‘s casting for Johnny Cage. However, the fandom feels The Boys actor would be much suited to play Kano’s character. The sequel to the 2021’s reboot video adaptation is expected to begin filming sometime in June in Australia.

A casting announcement for Johnny Cage was long overdue since the first Mortal Kombat reboot’s post-credits scene hinted at the character’s addition for the second installment. While the character is portrayed as an action movie star cum Martial artist – he’s grown fond among fans for his egotistic cocky personality while also packing on a good sense of humor. Coincidentally, Urban’s character in The Boys as Billy Butcher shares many similarities with Cage.

The Wrap’s reporting on Karl Urban being engaged in the final discussion to sign on as Johnny Cage has even received assurance from producer Todd Garner. However, some Mortal Kombat stans & Karl’s followers have pushed back stating he would be more suitable for Kano.

It should be noted Josh Lawson portrayed Kano in the first film and was killed off by the end. However, there’s also the possibility for the character to be revived, in fact, Jessica McNamee‘s Sonya Blade also hopes for the cybernetic eye-wielding villain’s return. Nonetheless, Karl’s casting has also been praised by many as the perfect actor as can be seen in the reactions below.

Mortal Kombat 2 will see the return of Lewis Tan as Cole Young, McNamee as Sonya Blade, Tadanobu Asano as Lord Raiden, Mehcad Brooks as Jax and Ludi Lin as Liu Kang. The sequel’s script is penned by Ed Boon, Jeremy Slater and John Tobias with Simon McQuoid directing it.

PLEASE LET THIS BE TRUE!!! 🤞🏻🤞🏻 https://t.co/EgjvnmeN8h

— David (@unCAGEDgamez) May 4, 2023

True

— Todd Garner (@Todd_Garner) May 4, 2023

I love Karl Urban and all but I feel like he's not really fit for the role, he's more like a Kano type of guy. https://t.co/hvr76bVs0X

— J🅾️$H 🌃 (@MidnightHadoken) May 5, 2023

If they really wanted Karl Urban they should’ve had him play Kano in the first movie 🤷🏻 https://t.co/hdvakgB3Yq pic.twitter.com/GBhz1SbhXl

— Nicholas (@NicholasPas5) May 4, 2023

Karl Urban is one of my favorite actors, but Jonny Cage? 🤨 If y'all wanted him in #MortalKombat the role of Kano was RIGHT THERE from the jump. https://t.co/4osXCxU3fB

— Emmanuel (E-Man) Noisette (@EmansReviews) May 4, 2023

Love this. I realize fan casting is always "pick the actor who already looks identical to the character!" but this is far more interesting. Karl Urban's Johnny Cage is a whole new facet. Maybe a grizzled former action star trying to recapture his glory days? Into it. https://t.co/V3rT0P3lMI

— John Squires 🎃 (@FreddyInSpace) May 4, 2023

The entire MK community when Karl Urban was announced as Johnny Cage for Mortal Kombat 2: pic.twitter.com/MCRL8bFSaI

— NickNackPadyWak🍥 (@theNNPW) May 4, 2023

I know y'all love big names but casting Karl Urban to play a guy that The Miz literally modeled his entire gimmick on is on the same level as Chris Pratt being Mario.

Johnny Cage isn't even supposed to be "cool". He's a fighter with a very punchable face. pic.twitter.com/0qrdNn8CI2

— Sun Wumao #ENDNATO ☭🇸🇴 (@tzion_sinned) May 5, 2023

Karl Urban as Johnny Cage in MORTAL KOMBAT 2?! pic.twitter.com/7YT6djCtsn

— BLURAYANGEL 🦇 (@blurayangel) May 4, 2023

Weirdly over the moon excited by the prospect of Karl Urban as Johnny Cage in MORTAL KOMBAT II. I loved Linden Ashby in the '95 movie but was resigned to the imbecile Cage from the games being the model for the new take. I like my Johnny being an asshole, not a moron.

— ViewerAnon (@ViewerAnon) May 4, 2023

Karl Urban as Johnny Cage is the most perfect casting I’ve seen in a while. https://t.co/w33LvjdsOU

— The Moonlight Warrior 🌙 (@BlackMajikMan90) May 4, 2023

Martial arts Twitter to Karl Urban right now pic.twitter.com/eYIWJ9tfxD

— Niklander watches John Wick for the lore (@niklander2) May 5, 2023

I really don't know, they going to have to use a stunt double to do most of the moves for Johnny cage. I don't know if I see karl Urban as Johnny cage..need to really convince me https://t.co/JgKBUUEWGS

— Ron Diesel🎧💪🇦🇬 (@RonDiesel12) May 4, 2023

If Karl Urban is the best you can come up with to play Johnny Cage, then you dont understand the assignment. And no disrespect to Karl Urban, I love Karl Urban, but its time these studios start actually playing these games they are turning into movies.

— ScOoT 輝く男 (@Ditto4BuddyBoy) May 4, 2023

I wasn't a big fan of the first one but they are really gonna sucker me in first with Noob Saibot and now Karl Urban??? https://t.co/z0tdbItM8l

— Niklander watches John Wick for the lore (@niklander2) May 4, 2023

Now if i get Karl Urban doing the Johnny Cage Nut Punch that would be peak cinema pic.twitter.com/rApABebr6Q

— 🩷ejaculated kidney stones🩷 (@slaughteredrot) May 4, 2023

While the 2021 adaptation had an R-rated, it was still criticized for holding back on delivering brutal sequences like the critically acclaimed and fan-favorite animated spin-off, Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge. It remains to be seen if the sequel could deliver satisfying gore that’s much loved by the fandom.

The sequel is also expected to feature Baraka and Shao Kahn so it’s possible more casting news could surface so readers are advised to stay tuned for more updates.

Mortal Kombat 2 does not have a release date attached yet.