Mortal Kombat II Looks Set to Launch Big at the Box Office With Mortal Kombat III Already in Development

Mortal Kombat II looks on course for a big opening at the global box office, with various reports indicating it will make its money back during its theatrical run.

The video game adaptation sequel, which sees Karl Urban’s Johnny Cage take center stage, hits theaters five years after its predecessor, which came out in April 2021 following a series of COVID-enforced delays. Warner Bros. also streamed the film simultaneously on HBO Max, where it enjoyed big success. Mortal Kombat went on to make $84.4 million globally during its theatrical run.

Mortal Kombat II, however, seems certain to outperform the first film by quite some margin. TheWrap said that while Warner Bros. projects a $35 million domestic and $65 million global haul for Mortal Kombat II this weekend, it is set for closer to $51 million from North American theaters, with a global tally of $70-80 million. Variety said Mortal Kombat II was produced for $80 million, above the first film’s $55 million cost, so it seems certain to turn a profit.

Mortal Kombat II is currently sitting on a 75% score on Rotten Tomatoes‘ Tomatometer. IGN’s Mortal Kombat II review returned an 8/10. We said: “The bar for video game movie sequels isn’t very high, but this one not only clears the bar, it twirls it around like a bo staff.”

Mortal Kombat III was announced as in development last year, signalling confidence from Warner Bros. But it seems the third entry is now assured.

Mortal Kombat II will be released in theaters on May 7.

Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.