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In a move that shocked fans across the globe, Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema have officially confirmed that Mortal Kombat 3 is already in development — months before Mortal Kombat 2 even reaches cinemas.
The announcement came as a pleasant surprise during New York Comic Con 2025, where Mortal Kombat 2 screenwriter Jeremy Slater revealed that he would also be returning to pen the script for the third film in the brutal and beloved franchise.
Warner Bros. Doubles Down on the Franchise
Slater shared that both studios have full confidence in the upcoming Mortal Kombat 2, believing it will draw a “massive audience” when it finally premieres on May 15, 2026. Originally slated for release on October 24, 2025, the film was delayed to allow for additional post-production and visual effects polishing — a move that fans hope will elevate the sequel to new cinematic heights.
According to Slater, Warner Bros. and New Line were so impressed with early footage and audience anticipation that they’ve already started mapping out where the story could go next in Mortal Kombat 3.
While no official details have been shared about the third film’s plot or returning characters, the move signals a major show of faith in the franchise, which has become one of gaming’s most enduring cinematic adaptations.
Returning Cast and New Faces
Mortal Kombat 2 continues the story established in the 2021 reboot — which, despite a mixed critical reception, earned over $84 million globally across theatrical and HBO Max releases against a $55 million budget.
The sequel will see several fan favourites return, including Jessica McNamee as Sonya Blade and Josh Lawson as the unpredictable Kano. Joining them is The Boys star Karl Urban, who will bring the charismatic and cocky Johnny Cage to life for the first time in the new film continuity.
With Mortal Kombat 2 expanding the lore, introducing Outworld politics, and promising more signature fatalities, fans can expect Mortal Kombat 3 to go even further into the series’ mythos.
A Bittersweet Moment for the Franchise
The news of Mortal Kombat 3 comes at a time of transition for the larger franchise. Longtime Mortal Kombat sound designer and composer Dan Forden, the man behind the legendary “Toasty!” line, officially departed NetherRealm Studios earlier this month after an incredible 37-year career across both NetherRealm and its predecessor, Midway Games.
Forden announced his departure on October 3, saying he left on good terms and intends to focus on personal projects — closing a remarkable chapter in the history of one of gaming’s most iconic franchises.
Mortal Kombat Legacy Continues
While fans will have to wait until 2026 for the next big-screen bloodbath, October still brings some nostalgic joy. Warner Bros. has confirmed that the Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection will launch digitally on October 30, bundling together classics such as Mortal Kombat Anthologies: Sub-Zero and Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3. Physical copies will begin shipping on December 12, offering longtime fans a perfect way to revisit the series’ roots.
With the cinematic universe expanding and the games continuing to evolve, Mortal Kombat is proving once again that it’s more than just a fighting game franchise — it’s an enduring part of pop culture.
