The Miz Opens Up on Mortal Kombat 2’s Johnny Cage Casting

WWE superstar The Miz (real name Mike Mizanin) bared his heart and shared his experience with the casting process for Johnny Cage in the highly anticipated sequel, Mortal Kombat 2. Notably, despite his strong candidacy and widely acknowledged suitability for the role, the iconic part of Johnny Cage was ultimately handed to Karl Urban, best known for his memorable performance in The Boys.

Johnny Cage is a fan-favorite character in Mortal Kombat. Cage is a famous Hollywood action hero and martial arts star in the game. The casting decision for this role has always been a hot topic among fans. Many have speculated and championed various actors who could bring a fresh face to this well-loved character.

When The Miz expressed his keen interest in the role, he was met with considerable enthusiasm. The high-profile WWE superstar’s physical likeness to Johnny Cage, along with his professional background and familiarity with intense action sequences, seemed to make him an appealing choice.

The Miz’s aspiration to portray Johnny Cage wasn’t just a passing fancy. The WWE superstar has been vocal about his ambitions to transcend the wrestling ring, reaching for the silver screen instead, with Johnny Cage being the character he envisioned himself stepping into. Interestingly, the influence of Johnny Cage has been significant in shaping Miz’s in-ring persona. From 2014-2015, the WWE superstar infused his wrestling persona with elements characteristic of Johnny Cage – sunglasses, an irresistible movie star smile, and a healthy dose of ego.

In his interview with ComicBook, The Miz admits his disappointment at not securing the role but gracefully acknowledges his excitement to see Karl Urban bring Johnny Cage to life. This revelation resonates with a profound sense of honesty, portraying a superstar who is not only unafraid to confront professional setbacks but is also magnanimous enough to appreciate the talent of his peers.

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The Miz, Karl Urban, and the Journey to Johnny Cage

Further validating the potential for The Miz to play Johnny Cage was Mortal Kombat co-creator Ed Boon. He expressed that the WWE superstar made a strong case for his casting and had left an impact. However, despite the compelling case presented by The Miz, the casting team chose a different direction, opting to award the role to the accomplished Karl Urban.

Perhaps, if the casting had been different, we could have witnessed a fascinating meta-narrative unfold on the screen. The journey of an underestimated and often dismissed wrestler, mirroring the journey of Johnny Cage in the Mortal Kombat universe, could have added an authentic layer to the storyline. Instead, the part has been granted to an actor who is already widely recognized and associated with other well-established franchises.

While fans look forward to the upcoming Mortal Kombat sequel, some might be left wondering what could have been if The Miz had secured the role of Johnny Cage. However, fans can find comfort in the anticipation of witnessing Karl Urban’s interpretation of this much-loved character.

It’s a bittersweet sentiment, echoed by The Miz himself, a reminder that Hollywood, much like Mortal Kombat, is a battleground where only one can emerge victorious.