Mortal Kombat II delayed to May 2026

Warner Bros and New Line have shifted the release of 'Mortal Kombat 2', moving the highly anticipated sequel from 24 October 2025 to 15 May 2026. 

The change positions the Simon McQuoid-directed film at the start of the lucrative summer box office season rather than competing in the crowded fall corridor.

The move comes despite 'Mortal Kombat 2' generating massive early buzz—its red-band trailer racked up an impressive 107 million global views. Still, Warner Bros. sees greater potential in mid-May, a slot that proved profitable this year when 'Final Destination: Bloodlines' debuted to a franchise-best $51.6 million, ultimately earning $138.1 million domestically and $301 million worldwide.

By shifting, the studio also avoids going head-to-head with other fall releases, including 20th Century Studios' Bruce Springsteen biopic 'Deliver Me From Nowhere' starring Jeremy Allen White, and Paramount's 'Regretting You', based on Colleen Hoover's bestseller. 

October's proximity to Halloween, historically a softer box office period, also factored into the decision.

So far, New Line's Mortal Kombat franchise has generated $257.8 million globally, and expectations are high for the sequel to build on that momentum.