It seemed slow-going for a while, but Mortal Kombat 2 is quickly coming together behind the scenes, with the movie casting up for more big screen carnage of the video game-inspired variety. To that end, the sequel to 2021’s Mortal Kombat has added Tati Gabrielle to the ensemble, with the actor set to take on the role of Jade, a longtime staple of the games. This, according to The Hollywood Reporter, with the outlet stating that Gabrielle is in final talks to star in the film.
Gabrielle is the second new cast member to sign on for the sequel, which is currently coming together at Warner Bros. and New Line. Karl Urban, of The Boys and Dredd fame, has already signed on to play fan-favorite Johnny Cage, who was teased at the end of the first movie. Viewers may recognize Gabrielle from her work on Netflix’s Chilling Adventures of Sabrina or You, as well as The CW’s The 100. This is by far her most high-profile movie role to date.
Jade has been a big part of the Mortal Kombat lore for a very long time. She was first introduced as a secret character in the second game before becoming an actual playable character in Mortal Kombat 3. She was originally a villain, serving Shao Kahn alongside her friend Princess Kitana. They defected, but Jade continued to assist her friend. Plot details remain under wraps for the film as of right now, but Jade’s inclusion suggests we could be diving further into the surprisingly complex lore of this universe.
2021’s Mortal Kombat was directed by Simon McQuoid, who will be returning for the follow-up, and produced by horror master James Wan. The R-rated video game adaptation was a modest success in theaters, taking in $84 million worldwide. But it was released while the pandemic was still raging, and also had a simultaneous release on HBO Max. That said, it did huge numbers on the streaming service, still ranking as one of the biggest success stories on HBO Max to date. That is likely what gave WB the confidence to press forward with a sequel. No word yet on who, specifically, from the first installment will be returning, but most of the central cast, including Lewis Tan as Cole Young, are expected to be back.
Meanwhile, the franchise is celebrating its 30th anniversary, and this is just part of what fans have to look forward to. Recently, a new game, Mortal Kombat 1 was announced, which will be rebooting the continuity of the games following Mortal Kombat 11.
Mortal Kombat 2 does not currently have a release date, but early 2024 seems increasingly likely. Stay tuned.
