In a surprising move that demonstrates significant confidence in the franchise, Warner Bros. and New Line have officially greenlit Mortal Kombat 3 months before Mortal Kombat 2 even premieres in theaters. The announcement came during New York Comic Con 2025, where screenwriter Jeremy Slater confirmed he will return to write the script for the third installment in the rebooted film series.

Mortal Kombat 2 serves as the direct sequel to the 2021 reboot film, marking the fourth cinematic adaptation of NetherRealm Studios' legendary fighting game franchise. The 2021 Mortal Kombat film achieved notable box office success, generating over $84 million in combined theatrical and HBO Max streaming revenue against a production budget of $55 million. The upcoming sequel will feature several iconic characters from the game series, with Karl Urban joining the cast as the charismatic Johnny Cage. Returning cast members include Jessica McNamee as Sonya Blade and Josh Lawson as the fan-favorite Kano.

Although Mortal Kombat 2 has experienced a release date shift from its original October 24 premiere to May 15, 2026, Warner Bros. and New Line's enthusiasm for the franchise remains undiminished. During the Comic Con panel, Slater revealed that both studios are so convinced Mortal Kombat 2 will attract a "massive audience" that they've already begun development on the third installment. The early greenlight for Mortal Kombat 3 represents a significant vote of confidence in both the creative team and the enduring popularity of the Mortal Kombat brand.

The announcement of Mortal Kombat 3's development arrives during a transitional period for the gaming franchise. Longtime Mortal Kombat audio director Dan Forden, famous for voicing the series' iconic "Toasty!" catchphrase, departed from NetherRealm Studios on October 3 after an impressive 37-year tenure spanning both NetherRealm and its predecessor, Midway Games. Forden's departure appears to have been amicable, with the veteran developer stating his intention to explore personal interests during his newfound free time.

While fans must wait longer than anticipated for Mortal Kombat 2's theatrical release, October 2025 still brings exciting content for franchise enthusiasts. The digital editions of Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection become available across all major gaming platforms starting October 30. This comprehensive collection includes classic titles such as Mortal Kombat Anthologies: Sub-Zero and Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3. Physical copies of the Legacy Kollection are scheduled to begin shipping on December 12, providing collectors with tangible versions of these gaming classics.