Mortal Kombat II moves release date to May 2026 as Warner Bros. and New Line push the highly anticipated sequel out of October for a summer launch.
Warner Bros. and New Line’s Mortal Kombat II is changing its fight date. The highly anticipated sequel will now debut on May 15, 2026, instead of its original October 24, 2025 slot.
The move comes after the film’s red-band trailer racked up a record-breaking 107 million global views, a clear sign that excitement for the franchise is stronger than ever. But instead of competing in a crowded late-October release window—which includes 20th Century Studios’ Jeremy Allen White-led Bruce Springsteen drama Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere and Paramount’s Regretting You—the studio opted for a prime summer spot.
Historically, the mid-May frame has delivered box office gold for Warner Bros. and New Line. Just this past summer, Final Destination: Bloodlines opened to a franchise-best $51.6 million and went on to gross $301 million worldwide. The hope is that Mortal Kombat II can achieve similar success.
Since the first film adaptation launched, the Mortal Kombat franchise has already grossed $257.8 million globally, and early research screenings for the sequel suggest even bigger potential.
Returning and New Fighters in the Arena
The sequel brings back fan-favorite champions and introduces one of the most iconic characters from the video game: Johnny Cage, played by Karl Urban. Joining him is an ensemble cast that includes Adeline Rudolph, Jessica McNamee, Josh Lawson, Ludi Lin, Mehcad Brooks, Tati Gabrielle as Jade, Lewis Tan, Damon Herriman, Chin Han, Tadanobu Asano as Lord Raiden, Joe Taslim as Bi-Han, and Hiroyuki Sanada as Hanzo Hasashi/Scorpion. Together, they will face off in a no-holds-barred showdown against the dark rule of Shao Kahn, whose rise threatens the very existence of Earthrealm and its defenders.
Creative Team
The film is directed by Simon McQuoid with a screenplay by Jeremy Slater, based on the iconic video game created by Ed Boon and John Tobias. The producers include Todd Garner, James Wan, Toby Emmerich, E. Bennett Walsh, and McQuoid, with executive producers Michael Clear, Judson Scott, Jeremy Slater, and Lawrence Kasanoff.
The Box Office Battle
When it arrives next May, Mortal Kombat II will square off against Amazon MGM Studios’ Is God Is and an untitled theatrical release from Neon. Warner Bros. had the May date reserved well in advance, making this shift a strategic move to position the movie as one of the summer’s biggest blockbusters.
With strong audience anticipation, record-breaking trailer views, and the introduction of Johnny Cage to the cinematic universe, Mortal Kombat II looks ready to finish its competition at the summer box office.
