Good news, Kombatants! The sequel to the Mortal Kombat movie is arriving a week earlier than previously scheduled. Warner Bros. and New Line have confirmed that Mortal Kombat 2 will now hit theaters on May 8, 2026, shifting up from its original May 15, 2026 slot.
This new release date strategically places the film during Mother’s Day weekend in the US. Interestingly, it will now open on the same day as Amazon MGM Studios’ ‘Sheep Detectives.’
While this is a small acceleration, it’s important to remember that the film was initially slated for an October 24, 2025 release before being pushed back by over seven months to May 2026. However, May has proven to be a successful month for New Line and Warner Bros., with Final Destination: Bloodlines setting a franchise record with its May release this year. Reports indicate that early ‘research screenings’ for Mortal Kombat 2 have been overwhelmingly positive, prompting New Line and Warner Bros. to adjust the date to maximize its audience reach and box office potential.
Director Simon McQuoid explained the earlier delay, stating the film was ‘a victim of our own success.’ He elaborated, ‘Every time people have seen this movie, it’s gained momentum. We’ve created a massive summer blockbuster, so I think we should all be proud of the fact that Mortal Kombat 2 and the franchise itself is going to kick off next year. Yes, we have to wait, but it’s going to feel massive when it comes out.’
The cast features several familiar faces and an exciting new addition. Karl Urban from ‘The Boys’ joins as the iconic fan-favorite Hollywood actor Johnny Cage. Returning stars include Jessica McNamee as Sonya Blade, Ludi Lin as Liu Kang, Adeline Rudolph as Kitana, and Tati Gabrielle as Jade.
And for even more good news, Warner Bros. recently announced at New York Comic-Con that Mortal Kombat 3 has already been greenlit, promising more martial arts mayhem in the future.
An image gallery featuring stills and promotional material from the Mortal Kombat 2 movie is also available, showcasing its cast, potential scenes, and production details.