When Warner Bros. released Mortal Kombat back in 2021, the film faced the near-impossible challenge of launching during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite those hurdles, it carved out a respectable $84 million worldwide and built a passionate fanbase that’s carried over into the upcoming sequel.
Now, Mortal Kombat II is generating serious momentum of its own. The newly dropped red-band trailer has shattered records, notching a staggering 106.8 million views within its first 24 hours, according to data reported by Deadline. That makes it the most-watched red-band trailer debut of all time, a clear sign that audiences are hungry for the next chapter of the bloody franchise.
For comparison, the 2021 film’s first red-band trailer also made history, racking up 116 million views in its opening week. This time, however, the sequel enters a very different landscape: theaters are fully open, streaming competition is less direct, and fan anticipation is arguably at an all-time high.
Beyond the numbers, the trailer has been widely discussed online for its brutal fight choreography and deeper dive into the mythos of the Mortal Kombat universe. Fans were quick to highlight glimpses of Johnny Cage, played by Karl Urban, as well as teases of Shao Kahn’s menacing presence—both of which hint at the larger, more cinematic scale of the sequel. The reaction across social platforms has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the sequel’s willingness to lean into the gory, over-the-top violence that made the games infamous.
Industry analysts are taking note of the strong start as well. Early projections suggest the film could outperform its predecessor by a wide margin, with some trade outlets already speculating on a franchise-expanding future if the sequel delivers critically and commercially. With Warner Bros. eager to establish another reliable blockbuster series, Mortal Kombat II could prove to be one of the studio’s most important releases of the next year.
With Karl Urban stepping into the role of Johnny Cage and Simon McQuoid once again behind the camera, Mortal Kombat II looks set to deliver on the franchise’s promise of bone-crunching, blood-soaked spectacle. Earthrealm’s champions will once again face the ultimate gauntlet, with Shao Kahn’s looming threat pushing the saga into even deadlier territory.
