Mortal Kombat II was one of this fall’s most anticipated releases, up until it was delayed to 2026. The movie, which is directed by Simon McQuiod, is the sequel to 2021’s Mortal Kombat. Though the first movie was generally well-received, the sequel promises to deliver the installment that many video game fans have been hoping for.

In addition to the arrival of fan-favorite game characters like Johnny Cage (Karl Urban), Mortal Kombat II will finally feature the titular tournament, a key game feature that was missing from the first film. With its release coming over four years after its predecessor, fans were already clamoring for the sequel.

Unfortunately, Warner Bros. ended up extending the wait by pushing Mortal Kombat II all the way back to May 2026. Though no official reason was given for the delay, reports have suggested that WB is confident the sequel can become a proper summer tentpole and thus turn into a runaway box office success after the first film was released day-and-date on HBO Max.

The delay was a huge blow for fans and one that continues to sting as the original release date, October 24, draws ever closer. However, there’s still one reason to look forward to October if you were eager to watch some bloody fatalities on the big screen.

Mortal Kombat 2 Will Have An NYCC Panel With Exciting Guests

On Saturday, October 11, Mortal Kombat II will take New York Comic Con by storm with a panel on the Empire Stage, which is essentially NYCC’s equivalent to San Diego Comic-Con’s Hall H. Though the movie itself has been delayed, the panel remains on the official schedule.

Confirmed guests include cast members Urban, Adeline Rudolph (who plays Kitana), Tati Gabrielle (Jade), and Martyn Ford (Shao Kahn). McQuiod will also participate, as well as screenwriter Jeremy Slater and Mortal Kombat co-creator Ed Boon. It’s also noted that the panel will be moderated by “a special guest,” though it isn’t clear if said guest is associated with the franchise or not.

Details about what will be discussed in the panel are still being kept under wraps, but there is a very good chance new footage from the film will be screened. This could range from a second Mortal Kombat II trailer to an actual clip from the movie. If it’s the latter, it may not be made available to the public afterward, but descriptions will emerge online.

Though an NYCC panel can’t quite make up for seeing the entire movie in theaters, this still ensures fans won’t go through October empty-handed. There have already been a number of huge theories circling about Mortal Kombat II, and this sequel can either put them to bed or give birth to even more.

By maintaining Mortal Kombat II‘s presence at NYCC, it seems like WB is eager to keep the hype high, especially after the first trailer broke viewership records. If the delay to 2026 was motivated by a desire to turn this franchise into a proper blockbuster, the first step to creating that narrative would be an explosive NYCC panel. ScreenRant will be on hand at the big event to share every thrilling detail.