Just a couple of months before its initially scheduled release date of October 24, Mortal Kombat 2 has been postponed to May 15, 2026. This delay, as reported by Deadline, is not attributed to production issues. Instead, it aims to enhance box office performance by moving the film to a less crowded release window in May, allowing it to stand out and potentially attract more viewers.

The new release date is strategically closer to the April 2021 release of the previous Mortal Kombat film, which, despite receiving mixed reviews, was well-received by fans and grossed $84.4 million internationally.

Karl Urban features prominently in the sequel as Johnny Cage, showcasing a more grounded interpretation of the character. In a recent interview with IGN, he described his character’s journey: “We start him at a very low point. His career is completely in the dumps. He has no self-confidence. He has neglected his martial arts training. At his lowest point, he is called upon to fight for the future of humanity. As I read the script, I found it just such a compelling journey.”

While fans may be disappointed by the wait, the extra time could allow the special effects team to refine the thrilling action sequences in the movie.