Mortal Kombat 2 set to cast Karl Urban as Johnny Cage

'Karl is amazing but as Johnny... I just can't see it'

According to The Wrap, 'The Boys' actor is in final talks to play the fan-favourite character in the sequel to New Line's 2021 action adventure hit, 'Mortal Kombat', which was based on the video game of the same name and was a grittier take on the franchise than the 1990s films.

As well as a cinema release, it was a steaming success for HBO Max.

Simon McQuoid, who directed the 2021 film, is set to return, The Wrap reported, and Jeremy Slater, wrote the screenplay.

Urban's involvement is further supported by the fact the film's producer, Todd Garner, tweeted The Wrap's article.

It is not clear how big a role Urban will have in the film, but given Cage is one of the star characters in the game, it seems likely he will have more than a cameo role.

In the games, Cage has a romantic relationship with Sonya Blade, so we may see that start to develop in this film.

Fans were divided over the news.

A postcredits scene in the 2021 film teased the inclusion of Cage in the sequel.

The cast included Lewis Tan as Cole Young, Jessica MacNamee as Sonya Blade and Hiroyuki Sanada as Scorpion.

Cage featured in the very first Mortal Combat arcade game in 1992 and has gone on to become a leading character, alongside Raiden and Liu Kang.

He is depicted in the franchise as an action-movie star who also happens to be an expert in martial arts.

Urban is currently starring in Amazon’s hit series 'The Boys.'

He also played the role of 'Skurge' in Marvel’s 'Thor: Ragnarok' alongside Chris Hemsworth, Cate Blanchett and Mark Ruffalo.

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