Mortal Kombat II (2026) | Transcript

Mortal Kombat II (2026)
Director: Simon McQuoid
Writer: Jeremy Slater
Based on: Mortal Kombat by Ed Boon, John Tobias
Release dates: April 27, 2026 (TCL Chinese Theatre); May 8, 2026 (United States)
Stars: Karl Urban (Johnny Cage), Indy Urban (Young Johnny Cage), Adeline Rudolph (Kitana), Sophia Xu (Young Kitana), Jessica McNamee (Sonya Blade), Josh Lawson (Kano), Martyn Ford (Shao Kahn), Ludi Lin (Liu Kang), Mehcad Brooks (Jax), Tati Gabrielle (Jade), Lewis Tan (Cole Young), Max Huang (Kung Lao), Damon Herriman (Quan Chi), Chin Han (Shang Tsung), Tadanobu Asano (Lord Raiden), Joe Taslim (Bi-Han / Noob Saibot), Hiroyuki Sanada (Hanzo Hasashi / Scorpion), Desmond Chiam (King Jerrod), Ana Thu Nguyen (Queen Sindel), CJ Bloomfield (Baraka).

Plot: In a flashback, Emperor Shao Kahn kills King Jerrod in Mortal Kombat, taking over Edenia in the name of Outworld as well as Queen Sindel and Princess Kitana as his consort and daughter, respectively. Twenty years later, with the tenth Mortal Kombat tournament on the horizon, Quan Chi, on Shao Kahn’s orders, revives Kung Lao and Kano, unable to corrupt and control the latter due to his already corrupt nature. Back in Earthrealm, Lord Raiden and Sonya Blade retrieve washed-up actor Johnny Cage to fight as their fifth champion alongside Sonya, Liu Kang, Jax Briggs, and Cole Young, but Johnny refuses to participate.

The tournament begins, and in the first round, Sonya faces a corrupted Sindel while Johnny is forcibly teleported to fight Kitana. Sonya manages to kill Sindel, while Kitana defeats Johnny but spares him, against Shao Kahn’s direct orders. Kitana reveals she is a spy for Raiden, but her bodyguard Jade confronts her for betraying Shao Kahn, while Quan Chi recovers Shinnok’s stolen amulet from Kano. A revenant Kung Lao then arrives and wounds Raiden, allowing Quan Chi and Shang Tsung to sap his power into the amulet, which they bind to Shao Kahn, making him immortal, and Raiden is left incapacitated as a result. The second round begins with Liu Kang and Kung Lao facing off. Despite his efforts to redeem Kung Lao, Liu Kang is forced to kill him. Jax fights against Jade and defeats her, but spares her to repay what Kitana did for Johnny. Cole fights and mortally wounds Shao Kahn, but his wounds heal instantly, and Shao Kahn kills Cole before destroying his body.

Realizing they cannot defeat Shao Kahn while he holds the amulet, Liu Kang, Jax, Sonya, and Johnny travel to the Tarkatans’ home. Johnny fights and defeats their leader Baraka, regaining confidence in himself and earning Baraka’s trust as he guides them to a hidden entrance below Shao Kahn’s palace. Kitana is captured by Jade, and Shao Kahn has Kitana chained up in the public square. The four Earthrealm champions try to get the amulet, but Jax is killed by Shao Kahn while Liu Kang and Sonya are taken away for the next round of the tournament. Kano, preferring the luxuries and riches of Earthrealm over Outworld, betrays Shao Kahn and reveals to Johnny that a revived Bi-Han has the amulet and is currently in the Netherrealm. Raiden, using what little power he has left, sends Kano and Johnny to Netherrealm to destroy the amulet.

In the final round, Shao Kahn fatally wounds Liu Kang, with the latter realizing that he himself is not the chosen one. Liu Kang evaporates into fire as he declares that he will rescue the fallen. Sonya frees Kitana before being knocked out by Shao Kahn, who wins the tournament for Outworld. Kitana denounces Shao Kahn and formally switches allegiances to Earthrealm, giving them one more champion, and fights Shao Kahn one-on-one. Johnny and Kano team up with the spirit of Hanzo Hasashi and a reformed Jade to fight Bi-Han, and they destroy the amulet, during which Johnny’s powers are unlocked. Now mortal, Shao Kahn is unmasked and killed by Kitana, freeing Edenia as she becomes its queen. Shang Tsung attempts to kill Raiden in his weakened state, but the amulet’s destruction restores Raiden’s power, allowing him to easily defeat Shang Tsung. Some time later, Johnny, Sonya, Raiden, Kitana, Jade, and Baraka reunite with Kano, who has captured Quan Chi, and plan to use him to revive the other fallen champions.

* * *

Transcript

Note for Students & Writers: This transcript is archived here for educational purposes, critical analysis, and screenwriting study. All rights belong to the original creators.

[suspenseful music playing]

[Jerrod] Kitana…

I have something for you.

It will protect you.

It’s beautiful, Father.

This was a gift from Lord Raiden.

The God of Thunder.

If anything were to happen to me, he’s always listening.

[guard] Shao Kahn is arriving, Your Majesty.

What happens if you lose?

[Jerrod] Don’t worry about that.

But what if he’s too strong?

Strength is not a closed fist.

Strength is here, and here.

Be strong, Kitana.

[Jerrod sighs]

[citizens chanting] Jerrod, our king! Jerrod, our king!

[chanting continues]

[Kitana] Shao Kahn, Emperor of Outworld, sought to unite the various realms under one rule.

His.

But the Elder Gods had put certain precautions in place.

Our fates would not be settled by the size of our armies.

They would be decided by combat.

The rules were simple.

If one realm could win 10 tournaments in a row, it would be given dominion over the other.

Outworld would be allowed to pillage Edenia’s resources.

Enslave our people.

This was the final tournament. Our last chance.

All of our greatest warriors had already fallen.

Only one fighter remained.

My father, King Jerrod of Edenia.

But he faced Outworld’s greatest warrior.

Shao Kahn himself.

[gasps softly]

[footsteps thudding]

[growls]

They will never bow to you.

[Shao Kahn] We shall see.

[gong tolls]

[tense music playing]

[growls]

[weapons clanging]

[Jerrod straining] [grunting]

[Jerrod yells] [thuds]

[growls]

[thuds] [citizens exclaim]

[Jerrod yells]

[gasps]

[groaning]

Never!

[weapon clatters]

[blade slicing]

[young Kitana gasps]

[grunts loudly] [Shao Kahn screams]

[blade slices] [Shao Kahn groans]

[Jerrod strains, screams]

[citizens gasping]

[screams]

[ominous music playing]

[Jerrod grunting]

[screaming]

[gasps] Kitana, close your eyes.

Close your eyes right now.

[pained groans]

[breathing heavily]

[yells in pain]

[screams] No!

No!

[struggling]

No! [sobbing]

[screaming]

[somber music playing]

[thuds]

[breath trembling]

[crying]

[women crying]

[growls]

[Shao Kahn] Edenia now belongs to me.

[sinister music playing]

[dagger clanks]

[grunting] [blade clanging]

[Sindel growls]

[Sindel grunts]

[Shao Kahn] Kneel. Or you’ll die.

[mournful music playing]

[foreboding music playing]

Your father shouldn’t have brought you here.

Kitana, you’re my daughter now.

[dramatic choral music playing]

[woman] Kitana!

[thrilling music playing]

[both grunting]

[panting]

[weapons clacking]

[Kitana grunts]

[thrilling music stops]

Yield.

[ribbon snaps]

You cannot be serious.

You’re the one who taught me, everything’s a weapon.

[thrilling music resumes]

[woman grunts]

You yield.

What do you have there?

It’s nothing.

Jade.

It was 20 years ago today the Emperor named me as your bodyguard.

I know what Shao Kahn took from you.

And if you had been vicious or cruel to me, no one would have blamed you, but you treated me like family.

Like a sister.

You are my sister.

In every way that matters.

Um, I got you something. For the tournament.

I was told that a proper princess is supposed to sit around on pillows fanning herself.

Then I thought you are not exactly the pillow type.

[clanking]

These are amazing.

[suspenseful music playing]

Hello, Mother.

[Shao Kahn] I was beginning to think you were avoiding me.

I’ve been busy. Training for the tournament.

[Shao Kahn] Good. Because I have petitioned the Elder Gods for the tournament to begin.

Let Raiden scrounge for his little champions.

They will simply be the first to die and Earthrealm will be mine.

[gasps] [door opens]

[Kitana] Why is he here?

[Shao Kahn] I have a task for Shang Tsung.

I hope you bring good news, Sorcerer.

My spies have located the relic.

It was last seen in Raiden’s temple where it was stolen by the mercenary, Kano.

[Shao Kahn] We seek the Amulet of Shinnok.

[Sindel] It is said the Amulet can heal any wound.

Transform a man into a god.

To charge the amulet would require an impossible amount of power.

We would need to capture a star from the heavens.

A star… [dramatic music playing]

…or a god.

[Raiden] Outworld has issued their challenge and the Elder Gods have spoken.

When the sand is gone, the first round will begin.

Mortal Kombat is upon us and yet we are still short one champion.

[static]

[tires screeching] [suspenseful music playing]

[“Rock You Like A Hurricane” by Scorpions playing]

[singer] ♪ Here I am ♪

♪ Rock you like a hurricane ♪

It’s showtime.

[man screams]

[“Rock You Like A Hurricane” continues playing]

♪ Are you ready, baby? ♪

♪ Here I am ♪

[grunts]

♪ Rock you like a hurricane ♪

[steel rod thudding]

♪ Here I am ♪

♪ Rock you like a hurricane ♪

[growls]

[singer vocalizing]

[Johnny] You should have brought more guys.

♪ The sun comes out ♪

♪ Last night was shaking And pretty loud ♪

[Johnny grunts]

♪ It scratches my skin ♪

♪ So what is wrong With another sin? ♪

♪ Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah ♪

♪ Here I am ♪

♪ Rock you like a hurricane ♪

♪ Come on, come on Come on, come on ♪

[explosion]

♪ Rock you like a hurricane ♪

[man 1] Man, Johnny Cage got old as fuck.

[snoring] [girls shrieking]

[announcer over speakers] Attention, fans, don’t miss your chance to meet your favorite influencers and YouTube stars in Autograph Alley.

[woman] All right, everyone, get in close.

Black Orchid!

[girls cheering]

[upbeat dance music playing over speakers]

[Johnny] It’s showtime.

Johnny Cage.

Hey, guys. I’m off the clock.

Mr. Cage, you have been chosen for Mortal Kombat.

Mortal Kombat, huh?

What’s that? Some kind of fan film?

It’s a fighting tournament.

[sighs] Yeah, not really my thing anymore.

Unless it’s a paying gig?

More like a “fate of the entire human race” gig.

Tell me you’re not some crazy fans.

Definitely not fans.

All right. All right. You don’t have to say “definitely.”

You have been chosen as one of the champions of Earthrealm.

The gods have selected you, Mr. Cage.

All right, I think it’s time for you guys to fuck off.

But, hey, love the cosplay. What’s that?

Big Trouble in Little China? Fantastic film.

Listen, I know what it sounds like, but he’s telling the truth.

Very soon the champions will be summoned to fight and you will be among them.

The fate of your world rests on the outcome of this tournament.

Fantastic. I will see you there.

Thanks for coming, drive safe, and, uh, say hi to Dumbledore for me.

You’re gonna have to show him.

[crackling]

Holy shit.

How are you doing that?

[Raiden] Come with us, Mr. Cage, and discover the man you were meant to be.

Now are you coming or what?

[mysterious music playing]

Where the hell am I?

[Sonya] It’s okay. You’re still on Earth.

Welcome to Raiden’s Sky Temple.

[intriguing music playing]

[all grunting]

[Jax] Watch this. [grunts]

Robot arms. That dude’s got robot arms.

[Sonya] We served in the Army together.

That’s Jax Briggs. Special Forces.

That’s Cole Young.

His suit absorbs attacks and makes him stronger.

He’s a descendant of Scorpion.

One of Earthrealm’s greatest warriors.

Oh.

That’s Liu Kang.

He’s the best fighter we got.

He shoots fire? [Sonya] Mm-hmm.

[scoffs]

I feel like that’s cheating, but okay.

It kind of feels like bullshit that y’all have these crazy powers and I’m just, you know, incredibly handsome.

It could take months of training to unlock your powers.

We don’t have that kind of time.

Yeah, well, whose fault is that?

I mean, if you knew this was coming, why’d you wait till the last second to find me?

We used to have another champion. Kung Lao.

Oh, great, so I’m just the fucking sub.

He was murdered. By Shang Tsung.

Wait. Murdered?

Come on. You can’t be serious. Right?

I mean, that’s, like, gotta be against the rules.

You can’t just go around killing people.

It’s called Mortal Kombat for a reason.

Yo, Gandalf, send me back. I wanna go back.

Johnny, wait. No. No.

You said tournament which implies rules, and a referee, and I don’t know, maybe a medic.

Not some fucking Squid Game murder party.

Dude wants to quit, just let him go.

We don’t need him.

Look, you wanna step in the octagon with a bunch of happy assholes that don’t know how to lose, go right ahead.

But I don’t have Transformer arms, or shoot lightning bolts or fireballs, or do whatever the fuck it is Flame Fingers does, so forgive me if I don’t sign up to get mulched.

You are not wrong, Mr. Cage.

Nine times, we have been challenged.

And nine times, we have lost.

And now, 20 years later, Shao Kahn seeks to add Earthrealm to his dominion.

This is a war for the fate of your world.

[Jax] Look, Cage, I get it. We all do.

Some stupid, fucking, cosmic lottery decided that we’re the ones that get to save the world.

Shit is terrifying.

[Cole] You wanna know the last thing I did before coming here?

I said goodbye to my wife and my little girl.

The two most important things in my life.

And there’s a damn good chance

I’m never gonna see them again.

And I’m okay with that.

Because I know if I die out there, I’m dying for them.

We lose one more time, the Earth is gone.

[Liu Kang] And our only chance is to face this together.

You, Johnny Cage, are a part of this now.

[heroic music builds, stops]

Fuck that.

[Sonya] Johnny, even if you walk away, the Elder Gods can still summon you to fight.

Not if they can’t find me.

So what are you gonna do, huh?

You just going to go hide?

No, first I’m gonna drink every beer on the planet, then I’m going to hide.

Because this shit’s got nothing to do with me.

I’m not some great warrior.

I’m not some champion.

Okay? I’m an actor.

[Sonya] Hmm.

And before that, you were the guy with five black belts and a world title.

Yeah, I saw some of those old fights.

Man, you could have been one of the best.

But I wasn’t. And that was a long time ago.

That guy you want is dead and buried.

Or maybe he’s still in there trying to get out.

Hey, listen…

I’m like 90% sure I had an aneurysm and this is some kind of fucked up coma dream, but on the off chance this shit is real, best of luck with the whole saving the world thing.

[thunderclap]

[thunder rumbling]

[voices whispering]

[Quan Chi] You should know that when you died, it was not your so-called friends who brought you back.

It was not Lord Raiden, the Great Pretender.

It was Shao Kahn.

Rise now, as a champion of Outworld.

[ominous music builds]

[Acolyte 1] Sire, we retrieved the package.

Quan Chi!

I am told you sent your followers to Earthrealm.

What were they doing there?

Simply retrieving some lost property, my lady.

By order of your father.

What is that?

I believe it’s called… a “Kano.”

[man] One Sling Dog, please.

[gasps]

You’re Johnny Cage.

That’s what the tab says.

[man] Holy shit.

I freaking loved Citizen Cage when I was a kid.

Thanks, man. I appreciate it.

Dude, you know what they should do?

They should do another Citizen Cage.

Like a reboot.

Come on, man. Give me a break.

Nobody wants that. What?

You think the world is crying out for a Johnny Cage comeback? Huh?

No. They want gritty, they want grounded, they want Keanu Reeves murdering a thousand fucking dudes with a pencil.

That’s what people wanna see.

Not some dinosaur doing a bunch of karate poses.

That shit went out in the ’90’s.

I thought it was pretty cool.

[sighs]

[Quan Chi chanting indistinctly]

[unsettling music playing]

[continues chanting]

[Kano screams]

Where’s my fucking eye?

[squelching] [Kano grunts]

Blondie.

[Raiden] The tournament has begun.

Today you fight for Earthrealm.

For the lives of everyone you have ever known.

If you fail, the Earth fails with you.

Two of our champions will be chosen to compete today.

The winners will advance to the next stage of the tournament.

The losers will be eliminated.

To the death.

That is up to the winner.

Maybe don’t lose.

[energy whooshing]

[pulsing]

Well, looks like it’s my lucky day.

Blade, you got this.

I thought you said two of us were fighting.

[rock music playing over stereo]

[announcer] It’s Johnny Cage with a brutal hit. He’s down.

[whistle blows] [announcer] It’s official.

Johnny Cage just became the youngest minor to ever win this tournament.

This young man is destined for greatness.

[bartender] You seem a little down, Johnny.

You’re normally a little more animated.

Uno mas, thanks, Ed.

[zaps]

[grunts]

Oh, shit.

[suspenseful music playing]

I don’t know what you’re on about.

The amulet of what now?

Shinnok. Pay attention!

Don’t look at me with that tone of voice, you big bleached dildo.

I’ve just been dead. And my fucking eye’s AWOL.

Stop your incessant whinging. We can build you another.

Why is he not a Revenant like the rest of them?

[Quan Chi] He was not worth the time or the effort.

This one barely has a soul left to corrupt.

Ha! You hear that? A fucking loophole.

[laughs] Go, you good thing.

Where is the amulet you took from Raiden’s temple?

I don’t know, probably in my pocket where I keep all the shit I steal.

Oh, right-oh.

Here we go. How about… [metal clinking]

Nah, different temple. Well, hold on.

This could be…

[chuckles] Yeah. Should call her.

Ah! Here we are. Yahtzee.

Oi!

We could have left him dead.

Hey! First off, fuck off.

And you, where are you going with that?

I will take it to my father.

Unfortunately, Princess, it appears you are needed elsewhere.

Oi, you creepy fucking mime.

I stole that fair and square.

Good luck.

[footsteps thudding]

[thrilling music playing]

[Kitana] Each flame represents a fighter.

The tournament ends when one side has no champions left.

Hey. How’s it going, babe?

[blades clanking]

Listen, I’m warning you, I got a Saturn Award for best fight in a feature film, so don’t mess with me.

[gong tolls]

Whoa! Whoa. Easy, all right.

Let’s just take a timeout here and talk about it.

Okay? I really don’t feel comfortable hitting a girl.

Don’t worry, you won’t.

[blades slashing]

[both grunting]

Whoa! Come on. Easy. Let’s just talk about this.

[grunts] [thuds]

Why are you so fucking mean?

[Kitana scoffs]

[panting]

[Johnny grunting]

[both grunting]

[Kitana grunts]

[grunts]

[sighs]

[thrilling music continues]

[blades slashing]

[grunts]

[blades slash] [groans]

[Johnny grunts]

[groans]

Finish him!

Hmm.

[suspenseful music playing]

[Sindel] It appears your side is already down a man.

Tragic.

And who are you?

Sindel. High Queen of Edenia.

Consort to the great Shao Kahn.

They send their queen to fight?

No. We send our best to fight.

Oh.

No offense, babe, but you look really fucking dead.

I was freed from my mortal bonds.

Shao Kahn showed me the pleasures of a life eternal.

[gong tolls] [metal clanks]

Perhaps I’ll do the same for you.

[metal clanking]

[Sonya yells]

What a pretty trick.

Would you like to see mine?

No, actually I’m good.

[grunts] [screaming]

[yelling]

[grunts]

[metal slashing]

[screaming]

[Sonya] Fuck you! You stupid bitch!

[grunts]

[grunts]

[groans]

[both straining]

[Sindel growling]

[screaming]

[thuds]

[Sonya grunting]

[both straining]

[screaming]

[Sonya grunts]

[squelches]

[panting]

It appears our sides are now even.

What’d I miss? [sighs]

Fuck yeah! Look who’s back.

Well? How bad was it?

Zombie queen. Pit of spikes. Yeah.

So pretty goddamn bad. Ow.

[groans] [Sonya grunts]

You okay? Yeah.

What happened?

You were eliminated from the tournament.

You lost.

You are lucky, she was charitable and let you live.

[Kano] Oi! Pennywise.

I’ve been looking all over this shithole for you.

You promised me a new eye.

And it better be one that shoots lasers.

I have other priorities. [Kano] Like fucking what?

If it’s putting on more eyeliner, trust me, you’re good.

All right? Come on, mate.

I am bumping into shit left, right, and center.

I mean, my peripheral vision is fucked.

Proper fucked, mate.

So come on. Chop-chop. Let’s get to it.

[pulsing]

Well, you don’t have to do it right now.

I mean, you need to, you know, take a measurement.

Check the color or wash your grubby little hands.

All right, let’s have a look.

Don’t fucking roll it on the fucking ground, you grub!

Oi, the amulet.

I want that back. And don’t fucking roll it.

[Quan Chi] You got your eye. Now leave me alone.

The amulet does not belong to you.

Its powers are well beyond

your meager understanding. [blows air]

Idiot.

All right. Let’s take this baby for a test drive.

All right. [inhales deeply]

One, two, three. Oh! Fuck! Snug.

[zapping]

Wow. [chuckles]

Holy shit, is that HD? That’s pretty good.

How many eyes you made? Can you do me other one?

You seem troubled, Mr. Cage.

Yeah. Well, ’cause of me

Earth’s odds just got 20% worse.

I had a chance to actually do something worth a damn and I screwed it all up.

So, yeah, I’d say “troubled” just about sums it up.

[rustling]

What are those? Pills?

Huh?

Are they magic fighting pills?

Is that how you get your powers?

[clattering]

Bird seed.

Oh. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Bird seed. Yeah.

Well, I thought you were gonna give me some kind of lecture, but, yeah, chores are good.

You don’t need a lecture.

You need perspective.

[scoffs] Perspective, huh?

There are eight billion people on this planet and yet the gods chose you.

Perhaps they saw your true potential

as a champion of Earthrealm. [sighs]

Maybe they made a mistake.

Maybe.

If I see the Elder Gods, I’ll be sure to tell them.

Well, I’m glad you find this all so amusing.

Hey, great pep talk, by the way. Just nailed it.

[pensive music playing]

[rumbling]

[crackling]

[thunder crashing]

Ouch.

You have done this before?

I’ve seen it done.

[Sonya] All right.

It’s okay. The Princess Kitana has been my eyes and ears inside the palace for many years now.

We know the risk you took coming here.

Thank you, Kitana.

Wait, are you telling me I got my ass kicked by one of the good guys?

I had to make it look real. He was watching.

They found the Amulet of Shinnok.

It was in the possession of a dead sellsword named Kano.

Son of a bitch.

If the Emperor finds a way to charge the amulet, he would be unstoppable.

It would be like fighting a god.

Yeah, well, let’s not do that.

My friend is in the tournament.

Jade was raised under Shao Kahn’s army.

Do what you must, but do not make her suffer.

[crackling]

You went to another realm?

You followed me?

I am trying to keep you alive.

By spying on your friend.

By keeping my friend from making a mistake.

You are conspiring with Lord Raiden. The enemy.

I swore an oath, Kitana.

To serve as Shao Kahn’s sword.

[Raiden] The second round of the tournament will consist of three matches.

Jax, Cole, Liu Kang.

[metal slashes]

[gasps]

Kung Lao.

I have been given new life.

My son?

[chiming]

[energy pulsing]

Look at that. Still part of this tournament.

But that’s not why I’m here.

[ominous choral music playing]

No!

No!

[groaning]

Attack now!

[Sonya grunting]

[tense music playing]

[grunts]

[choking]

[grunting]

[zaps]

Imagine what one could do with such power.

[Shao Kahn] Careful, Sorcerer, that doesn’t belong to you.

The amulet must be bound to a mortal soul.

Once it has imprinted on to you, Raiden’s power will be yours.

The amulet will give you immortality.

[amulet pulsing]

[dramatic music playing]

[Shao Kahn grunting]

[Shao Kahn growls]

[inhales, growls]

[bubbling]

[gate rattling]

[suspenseful music playing]

[growls]

[portal whooshing]

Well, this is fucking ominous.

[portal whooshing]

I’m guessing you’re Jade.

Let’s get this over with.

[clangs]

[suit pulsing]

I am told you carry the blood of Scorpion.

I look forward to spilling it.

[Jax yells]

You know you’re fighting on the wrong side, right?

[grunts]

[staff clangs, pulsing]

What the fuck do you have under there?

Shit. [yells]

[panting]

[yells]

Well, hello there.

[yelling]

[Shao Kahn] I hope your ancestors are watching.

[thrilling music playing]

[Cole yells]

[metal clangs]

[yells] [Shao Kahn grunts]

[growls]

[yells]

[Jade yells]

For what it is worth, I take no joy in this.

Then you’re really going to hate this shit.

[yells] [groans]

[coughs]

This is for my family.

For my friends.

For every moment that brought me here.

This is for Earth, you son of a bitch.

[dramatic choral music playing]

[Cole grunts]

[Shao Kahn grunts]

[armor clanging]

[blade slicing] [blood splattering]

[strains]

[groans]

[suit pulsing, powering up]

[Shao Kahn screams]

[Shao Kahn groans in pain]

[squelching]

[Cole] What?

[laughs]

[gasps]

[Shao Kahn yells]

[gasps] [squelching]

[exhales]

[liquid sizzles]

Give my regards to the dead.

[weapon splashing]

[groans]

[grunts, pants]

Go on, do it.

Why?

Your friend spared one of our guys.

Now we’re even.

By the way, hell of a fight.

[energy warbling]

[portal whooshing]

[blade whirring, vibrating]

Kung Lao, what have they done to you?

Opened my eyes to the truth.

What truth?

Look around. The gods have abandoned their creation.

Only Shao Kahn can save us now.

One of those gods raised you. Loved you.

And you slit his throat.

[grunts]

[thuds]

[tense music playing]

[scraping]

[growls] [Liu Kang grunts]

Stop. Kung Lao, remember who you are!

You were my brother.

And when you’re dead, when your realm falls, we will be brothers again.

[straining]

[grunts]

[sinister choral music playing]

Don’t make me do this.

[thrilling music playing]

[straining]

[grunts]

[dramatic choral music playing]

[clangs]

[thuds]

[whirring]

I’ll find a way to save you.

[grunts]

[grinding]

I’m going to bring you back.

[blow thuds]

[squelching]

[gurgling]

[grinding stops]

[groans, shudders]

But not today, brother.

[somber music playing]

[crackling] Raiden!

Is he? He’s alive. Barely.

He’s been asking for you.

[weakly] Liu Kang.

My son.

[exhales]

What happened?

I killed him.

I didn’t have a choice.

I’m sorry.

Where’s Cole?

He didn’t come back?

Oh, shit.

[sighs]

[Shao Kahn] Necromancer, give me your greatest warrior.

The one they call Sub-Zero.

[echoing] Bi-Han.

[Quan Chi] Rise now.

[sinister music playing]

I am reborn.

[crackling]

[Kitana] Raiden’s portal is already weakening.

It will not last when he is gone.

Why would they take his powers?

Shao Kahn has bonded with the amulet.

Stolen the powers of a god.

The only way to reverse the process is to destroy the amulet.

Well, we’d better do it before the next round starts.

[Jax] Mm-hmm.

[Johnny] So, let’s use the portal.

Jump in, we grab the amulet of magic bullshit, destroy it, and then get the fuck out of there before he even knows we’re there.

The palace has defensive wards in place.

Open a portal and they’ll sense you at once.

So where does that leave us?

There is a tunnel beneath the castle.

It is the only entrance that is not under constant watch.

Because?

Because it is the service entrance for the Tarkatans.

[chuckles]

What’s a Tarkatan?

What?

[portal rumbling]

[whispering indistinctly]

[whispering indistinctly]

[growls]

[gate opens]

Wait, what did you do?

I did not do this, Kitana.

You did.

[ominous music playing]

Wait, Jade. Jade.

[Tarkatans whispering]

Are you the leader of this clan?

I am Baraka. [Tarkatans cheering, snarling]

I am Liu Kang.

I know how your people have suffered at the hands of Shao Kahn.

He uses you like slaves.

He treats you like wild dogs.

[Tarkatans clamoring]

We are wild dogs.

We have come to end Shao Kahn’s reign.

Will you help us?

Shao Kahn has an army.

Do you have an army? No.

Then you’re wasting my time.

[Tarkatans snarling]

[Liu Kang] Then I challenge you, Baraka of Clan Tarkata to single combat.

I decline your challenge.

Now leave.

You know, everyone keeps talking

Tarkatan this, Tarkatan that.

Big teeth, stabby arms, ooh, scary.

No one mentioned the fact that you’re all a bunch of giant fucking pussies.

[Baraka growls]

All right, maybe don’t insult the monsters.

I mean, do you have any idea who you’re talking to?

I’m Johnny fucking Cage.

And this guy is Liu Kang.

Earth’s greatest champion.

I mean, look, man, I get it. I’d be scared of him too.

But someday, when Shao Kahn’s dead and Outworld’s been defeated, you’re going to have to tell all your little

Spirit Halloween monster grandbabies that you had the chance to fight the great Liu Kang, but you were too much of a coward.

[Tarkatans growling]

I accept your challenge.

Okay.

[Liu Kang] Thanks for making him angry.

Hollywood Negotiating 101.

But not him.

My fight is with you.

Oh, boy.

Me?

Well, what did I do? I find you annoying, and I wish to kill you and eat you.

That would bring me immense satisfaction.

Is this guy serious?

Uh-huh.

Guys, I’m just a fucking actor, okay?

Johnny Cage is just a character I play. All right?

I have stuntmen that do this shit for me.

You’re gonna have to do it. Oh, no, no, no.

Johnny will definitely die.

Oh, agreed. You’re going to die.

Yeah, agreed. Hard agree!

[Baraka growls] One minute, bub.

Guys, you saw me in the tournament.

I… I can’t do this.

[Jax and Sonya] No shit.

[Baraka] Enough!

We fight.

[growls] Whoa, whoa, whoa.

Let’s set some ground rules okay?

Not the face.

[Baraka snarls]

[Johnny grunting]

[Baraka snarls] [grunts]

[pants]

Weapon! I need a weapon!

Oh, shit.

[grunts]

[panting]

Ugh.

Shh.

[Johnny] Oh, come on.

[yells]

[both grunting]

Oh. [snarls]

[crashes]

[Johnny grunts]

[Johnny] Now stay down!

[growling]

Oh, shit.

[yelling]

[screaming] [thuds]

[roars]

[Johhny yelps, groans]

Well, this is a stupid ass way to lose.

[Sonya] All right, get up.

Get up.

[heroic music playing]

You’re an actor, so act.

All right, you big ugly fuck.

[sunglasses clicks]

[“Mortal Kombat” theme playing]

It’s showtime.

[roars]

[grunts]

[roars]

[roars]

Come on, [mouthing] come on, come on.

[Baraka groans] [Johnny grunts]

[growls]

[groans]

Ooh! Goddamn!

[groans, panting]

[Baraka snarls]

That… was the greatest fighting

I’ve ever seen! [Tarkatans cheering]

Witness, my brothers and sisters.

The cunning, the speed, the ferocity of the one they call Johnny Fucking Cage.

[triumphant music playing]

You must share with me your knowledge.

Mold me in your ways.

And I will. I’ll get right on that.

But first, we need a little favor.

[Baraka growling] [blades slashing]

[Baraka snarls]

[yells]

[body thuds]

[Baraka] I’ve brought you as far as I dare.

Tarkatans are not allowed in the castle.

Right.

You have done well, my pupil.

And someday I shall return, as promised, and we will complete your training.

May the screams of your enemies echo in your dreams.

And may their sweet fat melt upon your tongue.

Ah, yes. Mm.

And, uh, the same with you and… your enemies, and your tongue and the sweet fat

[hesitates] be on your tongue too.

As well. And… rock on.

We’re not gonna make it in time.

We have to try.

[Jax] Let’s go, baby.

[Shao Kahn] So what punishment befits a wayward princess?

As you can see, I ordered Quan Chi to resurrect her.

But perhaps your mother should have another accident.

Stop.

[Shao Kahn] It may be hard to perform a resurrection when her skull is dripping through my fingers.

Please!

Last chance, child.

Where did you go? Earthrealm!

I went to Earthrealm.

Did you now?

I went looking for Lord Raiden.

But he was gone.

So were his champions.

I do not know what happened to them.

I only know that I am alone.

Chain her up in the town square.

Let the princess’s treason serve as a warning to all.

[suspenseful music playing]

Jade.

I know she’s like a sister to you.

That was no small thing you just did.

I still remember the little girl we pulled from the fighting pits.

More animal than child.

But I see now I made the right choice.

[Liu Kang] We’ll cover more ground if we split up.

Find the amulet. And don’t get caught.

[Sonya] Come on, you’re with me.

[door opens]

And what do we have here?

Raiden sends one of his sad little followers.

[scoffs] A gift from a dying god.

[grunting] [punching]

[Shao Kahn yells] [weapon clangs]

[dragons roar, chitter]

I am Liu Kang.

The last son of the dragon.

And I shall watch you burn. [dragons roaring]

[grunting]

[groans]

[sighs]

[gasps]

[clangs]

[screams]

[thuds]

[grunts] [clangs]

[groans]

[faintly] The amulet.

[Shao Kahn yells]

[Liu Kang groans]

[grunts]

[straining]

[yelling]

[Liu Kang grunts] [screams]

[Liu Kang yelps]

[straining]

Shit.

Go!

[grunting]

[Sonya yells]

[grunts]

[screams, thuds]

[groans]

That’s my goddamn partner!

[Shao Kahn] Bi-Han!

Protect the amulet!

[Bi-Han] I’ll keep it safe.

[weapon clanging]

[Jax screaming]

[groaning]

[sighs]

[gasping] Fuck you.

[groans] [pants]

[Shao Kahn grunting]

Jax!

[Sonya] Jax!

You fucking animal!

You’re next.

[panting]

Fucking hell.

Oh, I know you. I’ve seen some of your movies.

They’re all shit.

Look at that. Old Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em’s dead.

[smacks lips]

I’ll cry later.

All right, boys. Over here.

You in the middle, a little that way.

And you there, just a step forward.

There.

[laser buzzing] [bodies thud]

[laughs]

Now, let’s you and me talk terms.

Terms for what?

Now what do you fucking reckon?

Old Kano’s about to ride in on a big white horse and save all your dumb fucking asses.

[Kano scoffs]

[chains rattling] [Kitana struggling]

I told you to stop.

You forced his hand.

It was always gonna end this way.

It is not too late.

Beg his forgiveness.

You cannot stand against him. None of us can.

He is too strong.

[chains rattling] [screams]

[Kitana panting]

[softly] You are better than them.

[portal whooshing]

Well, here he is.

Fucking hell, you’ve seen better days.

[weakly] What do you want, Kano?

Well, right now I’m thinking I want you lot to win this thing.

Bullshit.

[Kano] Mate, have you seen Outworld?

Or Edenia?

I mean it’s nothing but rocks, and sand, and fucking sad people.

I don’t want that.

I like air conditioning, and beer, and bottomless breadsticks… and tan lines, and one-night stands, and threesomes, and foursomes, Jack and Coke. Just Jack. Just coke.

And why should we trust you?

Because I know where Bi-Han’s taken the amulet.

Netherrealm.

What’s Netherrealm?

[weakly] The realm of the dead.

A place of fire and punishment.

Sounds fun. I can’t wait to get there.

And by the looks of things, you got enough juice left in the tank to get us down there.

So, here’s what I’m thinking.

We smash the amulet, we get your powers back.

Shao Kahn’s mortal again.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. We kill that fucker.

Save the world.

Pretty Boy here gives me a wristy.

Everybody wins.

[laughs] You dickheads in or what?

Let’s fucking go.

[resolute music playing]

I may not have enough power to bring you back.

And you will be stuck there.

And no one will ever know what you have done.

Still worth it.

You have changed, Mr. Cage.

It’s called perspective.

[Kano] Yeah, blah, blah, fuckity blah.

I thought you were right behind me. Chop-chop.

You will not survive in Netherrealm without a guide.

[scraping]

You do not belong here.

[Kano] Holy shit.

I mean, if this is Hell, you can sign me the fuck up.

[solemn music playing]

[Johnny] What is this place?

Reality is thin in the Netherrealm.

It is a place where nightmares walk and hunt.

But dreams can be harnessed too.

If one’s will is strong enough.

Fucking hell, you have got to try this peach, mate.

You know they try to scare you with all the talk of devils and pitchforks and all that bullshit. [chuckles]

But I knew Hell would be a pretty fucking sweet place.

Go on.

Suit yourself.

[Johnny] We were sent by Lord Raiden.

We need a guide.

Then you have come to the wrong place.

I am sorry.

Bi-Han’s alive.

Or is it Bi-Han.

No, I think it’s Bi-Han. That Sub-Zero fucker.

You know, he killed your whole family or some shit.

I mean, they tried to explain to me, but to be honest, I wasn’t really listening.

[ice crackling]

[breath shudders]

[sinister music playing]

[spits]

[coughing]

[rumbling]

I am Hanzo Hasashi of the Shirai Ryu and Hell bends to my command.

[gate rattling]

Keeping the seat warm?

Raiden has sent his last warriors to Netherrealm.

They are going after the amulet.

That means there’s no one left to guard Lord Raiden.

If we lose that amulet, we lose everything.

Shao Kahn will be stripped of power.

And our empire would fall.

Send me down there.

I will protect the amulet while you take care of Raiden.

I would think your loyalties would be with your princess.

Kitana made her choice.

I’m making mine.

[staff thuds]

[screaming]

[shatters]

[energy chiming]

[staff thuds]

[screeching in distance]

[Johnny] How the hell are we gonna find the amulet in this place?

Bi-Han is here.

Hanzo Hasashi, this is not your fight, old man.

I’m not here for their war.

I’m here for your life.

You might be surprised.

I’m not the same man you killed.

I belong to the shadows now.

And they belong to me.

[Sonya] Looks like we’re the main event.

Let’s kill this fucker.

[thrilling music playing]

[Shao Kahn] Just two more deaths and then Earthrealm belongs to me.

[gong tolls]

[growls]

Kano!

[Kano] Oi, where are you going? This one’s got the amulet.

[blades slashing]

[grunts]

[Kano screams]

[blades slashing]

[Scorpion] Vengeance will be mine.

[yells]

Kano!

Now would be a good time to use those powers, mate.

What powers?

Are you shitting me? You don’t have any powers?

Just incredibly handsome.

Oh, we’re fucked.

[straining] Grab it!

[Johnny] I got it.

How do we destroy it?

Well fucked if I know.

What do you mean you don’t know?

Mate, I found it for you. Do I have to do everything?

But this is your plan.

Don’t talk to me like that.

Why don’t you check the instructions on the back?

Oh, yeah. Yeah, that’s a good idea.

Oh, here we go. Look.

One ring to rule them all.

One ring to go fuck yourself! [laughs sarcastically]

Why don’t you leave the jokes to me?

You can stick to being a cunt.

Well, run!

[grunts]

[screams]

[Kano groans]

[screaming]

[weapon clangs]

[weapon clangs] [Sonya groans]

[weapon clangs] [screams]

[grunts]

[Liu Kang] I am the one you want.

[blades slashing]

[tense music playing]

[straining]

[yelps]

Ah, fuck!

[blades clanging]

[Scorpion grunts]

[Bi-Han grunts]

[Shao Kahn grunts]

[punches]

[Liu Kang straining]

[yells]

[gasps]

[Liu Kang] I finally understand.

[Shao Kahn growls]

Raiden told me I am not the chosen one.

Your death belongs to another.

[yells]

My journey is to bring back Kung Lao.

This is not the end.

It is only the beginning.

[chains shatter]

Fight.

[laughing]

Congratulations, daughter. We just won.

Earthrealm is ours.

No.

One fighter still remains.

I renounce Outworld.

I renounce your legacy of pain and cruelty.

I renounce you!

Today I fight for Earthrealm!

[people murmuring]

[heroic music playing]

[people cheering]

So be it. [gong tolls]

[screams]

[blades slicing]

[Shao Kahn yells]

[Kano grunting]

[thrilling music playing]

[pants]

[Bi-Han] The amulet.

Never!

[grunts]

[blades slashing] [Scorpion grunting]

Get over here!

[Kitana grunts]

[panting]

[Kitana screams]

[grunts] [Kitana groans]

[sinister music playing]

[screaming]

Hello, sunshine.

[grunts]

[dramatic music playing]

With fire, be cleansed. [roars]

[Raiden] Johnny Cage.

[grunting weakly]

[wincing]

[Raiden] There are eight billion people on this planet and yet the gods chose you.

[breathes heavily]

You want to know my power?

[Shao Kahn] It doesn’t have to end like this.

You do not have to die.

One of us does.

[heroic music playing]

For the first time in my life, I am Johnny fucking Cage.

[Kitana screams]

[crackling]

[Kitana yells]

No.

You should be dead.

And you should be running.

[Raiden grunts]

[breath trembling]

[Shao Kahn] No.

[Kitana screams]

[both grunting]

[screams]

[both grunting]

[choking]

[choking]

Weak. Just like your father.

[sentimental music playing]

[Jerrod] Be strong, Kitana.

[gasps]

[Kitana grunts]

[dramatic choral music playing]

It’s time for them to see you for what you really are.

[Kitana yells]

Mortal.

[screaming]

[whirring]

[indistinct chatter]

Stop. No.

Please stand. Stand. Please.

We are proud Edenians.

We do not kneel.

[woman chanting] Kitana, our queen!

Kitana, our queen!

[citizens chanting] Kitana, our queen!

[continues chanting]

[triumphant music playing]

[Johnny] You want to know what makes a hero?

[sweeping music playing]

It’s not destiny.

It’s not something you’re born with.

It’s discovering that sometimes even one small light is enough to hold back the darkness.

It’s facing unimaginable loss… and finding peace on the other side.

It’s lifting up the ones you love knowing… that they’ll be there to catch you when you fall.

It’s searching for greatness, then realizing you’ve had it in you this entire time.

I say all of this to Raiden and he looks at me and he says…

[imitating Raiden] “You have taught us so much, Mr. Cage.

Thank you. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.”

And you know what I tell him?

What did you say?

I said, “That ain’t no wisdom, bub.

That’s perspective.”

[children laugh]

[Raiden] Strange. That is not how I remember it.

Oh. Yo.

I was just telling these guys how we saved all the realms, together.

Oh.

[Johnny] All right. Look…

I may have taken one or two creative liberties.

Behold!

The human female you rescued from the pit of spikes.

Seriously?

Two or three creative liberties.

You know, I’ve got to give it to you, I thought you’d go running back to Hollywood first chance you got.

I made a promise to these guys.

Hollywood can wait.

[portal whooshing]

[Johnny] Oh, shit.

Tell me there’s not another tournament.

No. Outworld has been defeated.

Earthrealm has been saved.

So, uh, what the fuck are you doing here?

We have lost far too many of our champions.

It’s time to bring them home.

[lightning crackles]

Someone order a Necromancer?

He might look like Voldemort’s nut sack, but trust me, we’re gonna need this fucker.

Hey, g’day, Blondie. Long time no see.

You ready for your next lesson?

For the glory of Johnny Fucking Cage.

[Baraka grunts]

Let’s go get our friends. Then we kill Kano.

Yeah. Good.

[heroic music playing]

[crackles]

[“Techno Syndrome” by The Immortals playing]

[announcer] ♪ Mortal Kombat! ♪

♪ Fight! ♪

♪ Test your might ♪

♪ Test your might ♪

♪ Test your might ♪

♪ Mortal Kombat! ♪

♪ Excellent! ♪

[Scorpion] ♪ Get over here! ♪

[announcer] ♪ Mortal Kombat! ♪

♪ Finish him! ♪

♪ Johnny Cage ♪

♪ Kitana ♪

♪ Sonya ♪

♪ Kano ♪

♪ Shao Kahn ♪

♪ Excellent! ♪

♪ Liu Kang ♪

♪ Jax ♪

♪ Fight! ♪

♪ Jade ♪

♪ Cole Young ♪

♪ Kung Lao ♪

♪ Quan Chi ♪

♪ Shang Tsung ♪

♪ Raiden ♪

♪ Bi-Han ♪

♪ Fight! ♪

♪ Scorpion ♪

♪ Flawless Victory! ♪

♪ Mortal Kombat! ♪

[song ends]

[dramatic music playing]