The New ‘Mortal Kombat II’ Trailer Is Crazy Bloody

The latest “Mortal Kombat II” trailer undeniably lives up to its mature rating, featuring the intense, excessive violence that has been a hallmark of this series since the 1990s, stirring controversy among parents for its graphic depictions of characters tearing out each other’s spines and decapitating enemies.

Fans are likely to be thrilled by how true-to-the-original the trailer for “Mortal Kombat II” appears. As a follow-up to the 2021’s R-rated “Mortal Kombat”, this sequel introduces Johnny Cage, a renowned character from the Mortal Kombat universe, played by Karl Urban, who is known for his roles in “Dredd” and “Star Trek”. Some of the cast members from the previous film, such as Jessica McNamee as Sonya Blade, Mehcad Brooks as Jax, and Hiroyuki Sanada as Scorpion, are also reprising their roles.

Watch the Mortal Kombat II trailer below:

In Mortal Kombat, I’m well aware that horizontal beheadings aren’t common in most movie previews. But let me tell you, it’s not just a gimmick; splitting opponents in two lengthwise is a fundamental part of its unique fighting style… or should I say, “koncept”.

Similar to the initial Mortal Kombat movie, Mortal Kombat II was helmed by Simon McQuoid. The original film, released amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, earned approximately $85 million at the box office despite also debuting on HBO Max simultaneously. It’ll be intriguing to observe if the follow-up surpasses that amount, as it will exclusively hit cinemas first before moving to streaming platforms later on.

Here is the film’s official synopsis:

New Line Cinema presents Mortal Kombat II, the sensational new chapter in the popular video game series, showcasing intense action at its best. In this edition, iconic characters including Johnny Cage, are brought together to engage in an epic, unrestrained, violent confrontation. The objective: overthrow Shao Kahn’s oppressive regime that menaces not just the Earthrealm, but also its valiant protectors, and ensure their survival.

Mortal Kombat II is scheduled to open in theaters and in IMAX on October 24.

The 10 Best Sequels of the Last 10 Years (2015-2024)

10. Magic Mike XXL (2015)

In a direct comparison, it’s evident that the sequel, titled “XXL,” surpasses the original “Magic Mike” in many aspects. By excising certain characters, such as those portrayed by Alex Pettyfer and Matthew McConaughey, the creators managed to eliminate a tiresome narrative involving drugs and greed, which had a detrimental impact on the second half of the original film. This move allowed for increased screen time for the other members of the Kings of Tampa, who were previously relegated to minor roles. In this iteration, they evolve into a cohesive ensemble.

Unlike the first movie that primarily focused on the business aspect of stripping, this sequel is all about pleasure. A significant development is the inclusion of more captivating female characters who are not mere targets for the Kings’ schemes. Instead, these men are no longer fixated on making a profit; they seek self-expression instead. This time around, they abandon the stereotypical stripper personas in favor of dances and identities that reflect their authentic selves. A prime example is the reprisal of “Pony” in “XXL,”, which could very well be one of the most memorable dance sequences of the century. In a stark contrast to the first film, Channing Tatum no longer dances for tips at Xquisite; he does so this time purely for the joy it brings him. The audience is the only witness to his performance, aside from the viewers of the movie.

9. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)

In the expansive continuation of “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” this daring sequel introduces Miles Morales to Spider-Man 2099 and his “Spider Society,” a group dedicated to safeguarding the multiverse from threats such as Spot, a fresh villain capable of opening interdimensional doors at will. While “Into the Spider-Verse” was visually stunning, “Across the Spider-Verse” appears even more impressive and bold. For instance, the world of Spider-Gwen resembles a vibrant watercolor painting come to life, while the setting for Spider-Man India, dubbed “Mumbattan,” showcases a blend of yellows and greens in a swirling fashion. The potential criticism towards “Across the Spider-Verse”? It’s part one of a two-part story, which at times can feel like it.

8. Jackass Forever (2022)

In this decade’s most exhilarating sequel yet, the masterminds behind dumb humor, known as the Jackass crew, have returned to our screens with another round of daring stunts and friendly pranks. This time around, they’ve managed a record-breaking number of male full-frontal scenes in a mainstream Hollywood film. As they approach their 40s and 50s, their physical prowess might have declined, but their humor has never been sharper. Newcomers such as Rachel Wolfson and Sean “Poopies” McInerney have proven more than capable of handling tasks like getting stung by scorpions or being drenched in unpleasant bodily fluids. If this is indeed the last Jackass installment, they’ve certainly ended on a high note – though it must be said, it’s easy to reach new heights after experiencing a crotch-related incident!

7. John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum (2019)

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I can confidently say that the first 40 minutes of “John Wick: Chapter 3” are nothing short of breathtaking. Keanu Reeves’ unstoppable assassin, evading New York City in every conceivable way – on foot, bike, and even horseback, not to mention literally crushing a man with a book – showcases some of the most exhilarating cinema from the last decade. John Wick may have been excommunicated, but he’s indelibly etched in my heart. I can’t help but feel we’ll cross paths again soon, at least on this list of cinematic marvels.

6. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

In a remarkable feat, Blade Runner 2049 continued the narrative of a timeless science-fiction classic without resolving the enigmatic elements that made the original film so captivating. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, this visually stunning expansion on Ridley Scott’s vision of a devastated future seamlessly integrated advanced technology while maintaining the aesthetic of the first movie. Moreover, Harrison Ford delivered a heartfelt performance, one of his best in recent years, as Rick Deckard in Blade Runner 2049. Ford’s return seems to echo one of the film’s most potent themes: In even the darkest periods, there’s always hope for doing something meaningful.

5. John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)

In the John Wick series, although Chapter 4 didn’t exactly wrap up the story, it undoubtedly reached its peak, as evidenced by the movie’s finale set atop a massive stairway leading to the Sacré-Cœur church in Paris. Clocking in at three hours, filled with action sequences that could easily stand alone in three films, John Wick: Chapter 4 sees our titular character traversing the globe, determined to find a means to end his relentless conflict with the High Table. Keanu Reeves continues to shine as the enigmatic and emotional anti-hero, supported by an impressive cast of action stars, including Scott Adkins, Laurence Fishburne, Hiroyuki Sanada, Shamier Anderson, and Donnie Yen as the blind martial artist assassin Caine. It remains to be seen how they could possibly surpass this film, but I’d be thrilled if they attempt another installment.

4. Mission: Impossible — Fallout (2018)

The film “Fallout” can be seen as a fusion of the most captivating elements from all previous “Mission: Impossible” movies. It offers exhilarating action scenes, sharp-witted dialogues, jaw-dropping visual spectacles, unexpected plot twists, complex character relationships, and a hint of tragic romance involving Ethan Hunt, Ilsa Faust, and his wife Julia. Tom Cruise performs helicopter flights and freefall jumps, though not necessarily in that sequence. (Admittedly, considering it’s Tom Cruise, one might expect him to perform a HALO jump onto a moving helicopter and then fly it himself.)

3. Creed (2015)

In this sequel-remake, titled “Creed,” Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky Balboa steps into a mentor role, similar to Mickey, for a new main character: Adonis “Donnie” Creed, the son of Apollo Creed, Rocky’s former rival. Michael B. Jordan portrays Donnie in this first and best installment, as he leaves his finance career behind to pursue boxing and honor his father’s legacy.

Director and co-writer Ryan Coogler drew upon the deep history of the “Rocky” series to create a character study that rivals the original film. The fights in this movie are exceptionally well-directed and choreographed, making it one of the best in the franchise. The “Rocky” films have always been about perseverance, showing that endurance matters more than victory. After many years, the franchise has once again reached its artistic peak, standing tall on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Arts’ east entrance, just like in the original film.

2. Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

In the 2020s, it’s challenging to imagine a more non-essential movie than a sequel to Top Gun. However, director Joseph Kosinski and star/producer Tom Cruise, with their determination and dedication to traditional filmmaking techniques, managed to create a Top Gun sequel that was not just action-packed and fun but also seemed contemporary – perhaps not addressing politics directly, but definitely touching on the importance of visually stunning content best experienced on a large screen. In today’s world, such an approach might be considered unconventional or daring.

1. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

Mad Max: Fury Road stands out as one of the best sequels from the past decade, if not the whole century, boasting impressive fight scenes that speak for themselves. However, it’s more than just action-packed; it’s deeply spiritual and even Biblical in nature. It’s a journey reminiscent of the exodus from Sodom and Gomorrah, seeking a new paradise. The women, led by Charlize Theron’s legendary Imperator Furiosa, are guided through the wasteland by a somewhat mad guide (Tom Hardy’s Max). Although he helps them find safety, he himself cannot share in their sanctuary. George Miller’s masterful chaos demonstrates that sequels can indeed be both exhilarating and intelligent. If anyone tries to persuade you otherwise, just look them straight in the eye and say, ‘That’s a misdirection.’

2025-07-17 19:56