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Mortal Kombat 3 Confirmed: Warner Bros. Expands Universe

Last Updated: November 11, 2025

Mortal Kombat logo with Scorpion and Sub-Zero

The fight for Earthrealm is far from over. In a move signaling tremendous confidence in its blockbuster fighting franchise, Warner Bros. has confirmed that a third Mortal Kombat film is already in the works, with writer Jeremy Slater tasked with scripting the trilogy's epic conclusion. This development comes as anticipation builds for the star-studded sequel, Mortal Kombat 2, underscoring the studio's long-term vision for a sprawling and interconnected cinematic universe.

The journey to this cinematic trilogy began with Simon McQuoid's 2021 Mortal Kombat. Released simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max, the film defied a challenging box office climate to become a commercial and streaming success. It introduced a new protagonist, Cole Young (Lewis Tan), alongside visceral, R-rated depictions of iconic characters like Scorpion (Hiroyuki Sanada), Sub-Zero (Joe Taslim), Sonya Blade (Jessica McNamee), Liu Kang (Ludi Lin), and a scene-stealing Kano (Josh Lawson).

Jeremy Slater: Architect of the New Kombat Era

Entrusting Jeremy Slater with the screenplays for both Mortal Kombat 2 and Mortal Kombat 3 ensures a consistent creative voice will guide the overarching narrative. Slater is a veteran of adapting beloved, complex properties for the screen, boasting an impressive resume that demonstrates his ability to balance character depth with high-stakes action. His key credits include:

  • Moon Knight: Served as head writer for the critically acclaimed Marvel series, praised for its unique psychological story and action.
  • The Umbrella Academy: Contributed to the distinct tone and celebrated narrative of the hit Netflix series.

Slater’s experience makes him the ideal choice to navigate the dense lore and expansive roster of the Mortal Kombat universe, weaving a cohesive saga across multiple films.

Mortal Kombat 2: Setting the Stage for War

While development on the third film is underway, all eyes are on Mortal Kombat 2, which is set to hit theaters on October 24, 2025. Directed once again by Simon McQuoid, the sequel is poised to deliver on the promises of the original by dramatically expanding the cast and the stakes.

The sequel will officially introduce Johnny Cage, with Karl Urban (The Boys) stepping into the iconic role. He is joined by a host of new and returning fighters, confirming a massive leap in scope. The cast includes:

  • Newcomers: Tati Gabrielle as Jade, Adeline Rudolph as Kitana, Martyn Ford as the imposing Emperor Shao Kahn, Desmond Chiam as King Jerrod, and Ana Thu Nguyen as Queen Sindel.
  • Returning Champions: Lewis Tan (Cole Young), Jessica McNamee (Sonya Blade), Mehcad Brooks (Jax), Ludi Lin (Liu Kang), Tadanobu Asano (Raiden), and Hiroyuki Sanada (Scorpion).

Intriguingly, both Josh Lawson’s Kano and Max Huang’s Kung Lao are confirmed to return, suggesting their apparent deaths in the first film were not the end of their stories. Furthermore, Joe Taslim will return as Bi-Han, setting up his widely anticipated transformation into the shadowy wraith Noob Saibot.

Expanding the Mortal Kombat Universe

The early greenlight for Mortal Kombat 3, combined with the ambitious casting for the sequel, confirms that Warner Bros. is building a true cinematic universe. The introduction of Shao Kahn, Kitana, Sindel, and Jade blows the doors open to the intricate politics and history of Outworld and Edenia.

This strategic approach allows the franchise to move beyond a simple tournament format and delve into the rich mythology that has captivated gamers for decades. Fans can expect Mortal Kombat 2 to lay the groundwork for the all-out war between realms, with the third film potentially exploring the devastating aftermath and the final confrontation for the fate of all existence.

A Fatality-Filled Future for Earthrealm

The confirmation that Mortal Kombat 3 is in active development is a testament to the franchise's enduring legacy. With a proven writer in Jeremy Slater guiding a multi-film arc and a sequel poised to introduce some of the saga's most important characters, the future of cinematic Kombat has never been brighter. As the October 2025 release of Mortal Kombat 2 approaches, the promise of an even grander third installment ensures that the fight for Earthrealm will be an unforgettable cinematic event.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Has Mortal Kombat 3 officially been confirmed?

A: Yes, Mortal Kombat 3 is officially in development. Jeremy Slater, the writer for the second film, has been hired to write the script for the third installment as well.

Q: When is the Mortal Kombat 2 release date?

A: Mortal Kombat 2 is scheduled to be released in theaters on October 24, 2025.

Q: Who are the new characters in Mortal Kombat 2?

A: The sequel will introduce many new characters, most notably Karl Urban as Johnny Cage. Other major additions include Tati Gabrielle as Jade, Adeline Rudolph as Kitana, and Martyn Ford as the main antagonist, Emperor Shao Kahn.

Q: Will Johnny Cage be in Mortal Kombat 2?

A: Yes. After being teased at the end of the first film, Johnny Cage will be a main character in Mortal Kombat 2, played by actor Karl Urban.

Q: How did the 2021 Mortal Kombat film perform?

A: The 2021 reboot was a commercial success. It was number one at the domestic box office during its opening weekend and was one of the most-streamed launch titles ever for the HBO Max platform.