Honoring the Legacy of Martial Arts in 'Mortal Kombat II'

In the latest installment, Johnny Cage (Karl Urban) is recruited to join the warriors of Earthrealm in a gory battle against the evil warlord Shao Kahn (Martyn Ford). Among the fighters are Kitana (Adeline Rudolph) and Jade (Tati Gabrelle). TAAF spoke with the cast members about carrying on the legacy of martial arts films, and being a part of a film that allows for dynamic portrayals of Asian characters.

TAAF: Martial arts films have influenced action movies globally. How did you approach your role knowing that your performance might be seen as a continuation of this legacy?

Adeline Rudolph: With Kitana's fighting style, it's really interesting. We incorporated a mix of different martial arts, including Tai Chi, Wushu, Kung Fu, and I think in honoring [martial arts], beyond just learning the fight choreography, I did a lot of drills with my stunt coordinator, Malay, where we would just drill the basics of the actual martial arts. So honoring that, but also bringing these characters to life, remembering the fantasy element of this film, and also making sure that these characters live on in these worlds.

Martyn Ford: I think so many of the cast members already being dedicated to martial arts was a massive help. And respecting the art form and also respecting the fan base and knowing we'll be judged kind of gave you that extra motivation to work harder to understand the moves, understand the sequencing, the biomechanics of the way that you should look and should move and just dedication to the craft.

TAAF: What was it like working with all the martial arts stunt coordinators and choreographers, and did you think about the legacy of what led up to this?

Karl Urban: As part of my research, one of the things I did—which was the most amazing experience actually—was to go to a karate tournament and just see the families and the kids who were actually participating in the tournament. Just to see how they would interact and to see the culture that was around this sport that obviously originated back in Japan. And to see how it’s part of a community and a society today. And then obviously to work with the martial arts experts on our film—not only the stunt coordinators, but also Max Hong and Louis Tan and even Ludi and Joe Taslim. I mean, some of these guys have worked with Jackie Chan and they could bring a real depth of knowledge and authenticity that we were all able to rely on and benefit from, let alone just marvel when you watch them work.

TAAF: How do you think films like this contribute to the conversation about AAPI roles in action films and video game adaptations, and how does it feel to be a part of this film that allows for a nuanced and complex portrayal of Asian characters?

Tati Gabrielle: I think that it reminds us that the action films were originally inspired and influenced by old Kung Fu movies. This is something that has already always been around, so it's a just direct reminder of that nostalgia—not only for just video game fans, but for that era and that genre. [It feels special] to have little girls that look like us, or that live that experience, be able to see not only an example, but one in which they can see these super powerful characters stand strong and unapologetic in themselves.

Mortal Kombat II is only in theaters and IMAX® across North America on May 8, 2026.