Episode

Mortal Kombat II and What’s Making Us Happy

Podcast: Pop Culture Happy Hour
Published: May 8, 2026
Duration seconds: 1293
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Canonical source: https://www.npr.org/2026/05/08/nx-s1-5814848/in-mortal-kombat-ii-fatality-meets-fan-service
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Summary

Mortal Kombat II brings back more of the unforgettable characters you might have grown up eviscerating. Based on the ultra-violent video game franchise, it centers the story on warrior princess Kitana (Adeline Rudolph) and washed-up action star Johnny Cage (Karl Urban). And of course, there’s fighting. Lots and lots of fighting. Follow Pop Culture Happy Hour on Letterboxd at letterboxd.com/nprpopculture Subscribe to Pop Culture Happy Hour Plus at plus.npr.org/happyhour See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy