The red-band trailer for Mortal Kombat II has taken the internet by storm, breaking significant viewership records. Unveiled during a livestream event that showcased the character posters for the movie, the trailer dropped on July 17, 2025. It marks the exciting return of Johnny Cage to the franchise and offers a tantalizing glimpse at the storyline of this much-anticipated sequel.
In Mortal Kombat II, Johnny Cage gets recruited as an Earthrealm champion, fighting alongside icons like Sonya Blade, Jax Briggs, Liu Kang, and Cole Young in a tournament against Outworld. New faces, including Kitana, Jade, Baraka, and the formidable Shao Kahn, will also strut their stuff in this action-packed sequel.
According to Deadline, the red-band trailer for Mortal Kombat II amassed an astonishing 106.8 million views within its first 24 hours, shattering the record for the most viewed red-band trailer ever. This monumental achievement surpassed previous leaders like The Suicide Squad (58.5M), Deadpool 2 (52M), and the former Mortal Kombat film (47M).
What Breaking This Red-Band Trailer Record Means For Mortal Kombat II
Mortal Kombat II Could Be A Box Office Hit
While the first film in this rebooted franchise was somewhat underwhelming for many fans, Mortal Kombat II’s formidable trailer performance suggests that it could achieve substantial box office success. Released in April 2021, during a time of COVID-19 restrictions, that initial film only managed to gross $84 million at the worldwide box office, a disappointing figure for a franchise as beloved as Mortal Kombat.
This time around, Mortal Kombat II will debut exclusively in theaters, allowing fans to experience all the brutal fights and signature fatalities on the big screen. Despite the first film’s lackluster performance, the restrictions in place were a significant factor. Now, with this trailer breaking viewership records, it appears that Mortal Kombat II is set for a triumphant return at the box office. With a reported budget of around $68 million, the film is poised to exceed the $150 million mark globally, which seems well within reach.
Our Take on Mortal Kombat II Breaking This Red-Band Trailer Record
Fans Can’t Wait For Mortal Kombat II
Many longtime fans of the franchise expressed disappointment when the first movie centered around Cole Young, a character not present in any of the games. Additionally, the absence of an actual Mortal Kombat tournament left many wanting more. Fortunately, it looks like the sequel will address these criticisms.
Based on the trailer, it seems Johnny Cage will step into the spotlight as the main character of Mortal Kombat II, representing Earthrealm in this epic tournament. The buzz around the film indicates it will likely receive much better reviews from both critics and fans—an exciting prospect for this enduring franchise. Like countless others, I’m eagerly anticipating the arrival of Mortal Kombat II on the big screen.
Source: Deadline