Mortal Kombat 2 Set to Stream on HBO Max Soon

After raking in $129 million worldwide, Mortal Kombat 2 is set to make its streaming debut. Warner Bros. has announced that the sequel will hit HBO Max on July 24, marking the start of what director Simon McQuoid calls the film’s “full life cycle,” a phase that could influence the future of Mortal Kombat 3.

The film premiered in theaters on May 8, opening with $48 million domestically. It ultimately grossed $79.7 million in the U.S. and $49.7 million internationally, as reported by Box Office Mojo. Following its digital release on June 9, a physical release on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD is slated for July 28.

The previous Mortal Kombat film was a streaming success on HBO Max, debuting simultaneously in theaters and on the platform as part of HBO’s strategy for its 2021 film lineup.

Mortal Kombat 2 features Karl Urban as Johnny Cage, with Adeline Rudolph as Kitana, Jessica McNamee as Sonya Blade, Josh Lawson as Kano, Ludi Lin as Liu Kang, Mehcad Brooks as Jax, Tati Gabrielle as Jade, Lewis Tan as Cole Young, Damon Herriman as Quan Chi, Chin Han as Shang Tsung, Tadanobu Asano as Lord Raiden, Joe Taslim as Bi-Han/Noob Saibot, and Hiroyuki Sanada as Hanzo Hasashi/Scorpion.

Critics have generally given Mortal Kombat 2 positive reviews, according to Rotten Tomatoes. Fans have responded even more favorably, praising the action sequences, the focus on beloved characters, and the gruesome, game-accurate Fatalities. However, one reviewer described the sequel as “an extremely forgettable movie,” suggesting it feels more like a collection of well-choreographed fight scenes set against detailed backdrops, loosely tied together by a plot reminiscent of a video game cutscene. The film is also seen as a response to fan criticism of the 2021 installment.

While there were talks of Mortal Kombat 3 being in development last year, the sequel’s uncertain box office performance raises questions about its future, especially given its reported $80 million budget. Director Simon McQuoid has indicated that the film needs to complete its streaming and home video cycle before any commitment to a follow-up is made. Fans are hopeful for resolution to the cliffhangers left by Mortal Kombat 2.