Mortal Kombat 2 theories place Johnny Cage at the heart of the action. So, the incoming actor will certainly have plenty to do if these predictions ring true. If not, it would be a huge waste of the franchise's new star.

Despite underwhelming box office takings and mixed critical reception, 2021's Mortal Kombat was still greenlit for a sequel. The live-action movie largely honored the games' lore, but also made some pretty notable changes that sent ripples through the fan base. For instance, Lewis Tan's Cole Young. So, the follow-up has some redeeming to do, and it appears to be doing so by its inspired choice of actor to play a fan-favorite character.

Karl Urban Was Not One Of The Usual Johnny Cage Fancasts For Mortal Kombat 2

Mortal Kombat fans had their eyes on other actors

Johnny Cage's presence in the sequel was teased at the end of 2021's Mortal Kombat movie. Almost immediately, fans started to speculate about who would play him Mortal Kombat 2. Cage's ripped physique and quippy sense of humor in the source material led many people to believe that someone like Ryan Reynolds or Chris Evans would be well-suited to the role. However, in all the theorizing and exchanging of ideas, Karl Urban's name just didn't arise as a possibility. There may have been a small corner of the internet chanting his name, but if so, it was drowned out.

Of course, fancasts can often be quite limiting. With only the source material as a reference, those familiar with the franchise will often prioritize an actor's physical similarities to a character when trying to assign an actor they deem appropriate. Although this is the route that's sometimes explored when an actor is being officially considered, it isn't always the right option. So, while almost everyone was looking in a specific place for the Johnny Cage actor, Karl Urban being unveiled proved the expected choice can legitimately be the best.

Why Karl Urban As Johnny Cage Is A Very Inspired Casting Choice

Urban's range means he can make Cage his own while also keeping the character recognizable

Despite coming out of nowhere, Urban is still a brilliant casting decision when it comes to playing Johnny Cage. Although many may know him as the ragged and gruff leader of The Boys' titular squad, he'd only need to bring certain elements of Billy Butcher to his new character. Johnny Cage is a relatively lighthearded figure who is most known for his one-liners and general jokester personality. Although Urban hasn't played many characters like that, there's no denying the actor has at least demonstrated the quality of his comic timing in other roles.

There's also a darker side to Cage that Urban could help draw out of the character in ways that have rarely been done before.

That being said, there's also a darker side to Cage that Urban could help draw out of the character in ways that have rarely been done before. Plus, he'd immediately become one of the biggest names in the cast. For such a big franchise, the first movie was a little short on star power, so the combination of both Johnny Cage and Karl Urban making their debut gives the sequel a much better shot at drawing eyes and being a financial success.

Karl Urban Is Exactly What Mortal Kombat 2 Needs To Be Better Than The First

Urban's version of Cage will push the Mortal Kombat cast further into greatness

Although it had other weaknesses and shortcomings, every character was incredibly well cast in 2021's live-action Mortal Kombat movie. Unfortunately, there was still something intangible that felt like it was missing. It was either too gritty to be as lighthearted as it was trying to be, or too funny for its attempts at grittiness. As a result, the movie kind of fell into a pit of unbalanced mediocrity. Urban's presence won't be needed to fix the entire formula, but he will nudge things that little bit more in the right direction and help the sequel make vast improvements.

Of course, this does all depend on whether Urban's version of Johnny Cage is well-written. There will likely be a temptation to rely too heavily on the beloved character, which could result in Urban being asked to do too much and ultimately ruining the sequel's chances of success. There's no denying Cage is a great character, but if his laugh-a-minute attitude dominates the story too much, then Mortal Kombat 2 may be the last live-action effort of the current series.