Mortal Kombat II Stars Reveal Brutal Training Experience

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Written by Kelvin on 2 May 2026

TLDR: The cast of Mortal Kombat II shares that the training sessions for the movie.

Cast on the Training for Mortal Kombat II

With Mortal Kombat II set to hit cinemas on May 8, cast members have begun sharing insights into the intense physical demands of filming.

During a recent press conference, Mechad Brooks revealed that he broke down in tears after an especially grueling training session.

Brooks spent weeks working on a complex 27-step fight choreography sequence with co-star Joe Taslim. He explained that he came close to perfecting the routine but struggled to fully complete it, which led to mounting frustration.

At one point, he became overwhelmed and broke down in his hotel room, questioning whether he was capable of meeting the role’s demands. The situation was made even more difficult when Taslim accidentally struck him in the face during rehearsal.

Karl Urban Calls It His Most Challenging Role

Karl Urban, who takes on the role of Johnny Cage, described Mortal Kombat II as the most physically demanding project of his career. This is notable given his background in major action productions such as The Lord of the Rings, Star Trek, Thor: Ragnarok, and The Boys.

Urban shared that he felt intimidated joining a cast that included highly skilled martial artists like Max Huang, Lewis Tan, and Joe Taslim. He recalled being taken straight from the airport to stunt rehearsals upon arriving in Brisbane, still carrying his luggage, highlighting the intensity of the production schedule.

A Labor of Love

Despite the challenges, both actors emphasized the passion and dedication behind the project. Urban noted that the film was made by fans of the franchise, with the cast and crew deeply committed to delivering an authentic and satisfying adaptation.

Although the experience was physically and emotionally demanding, both Brooks and Urban expressed pride in the final result. They remain confident that audiences will appreciate the effort and dedication that went into bringing the film to life.