Over the past three decades, Karl Urban, a New Zealand native, has established himself as a prominent figure in numerous film and television franchises, a fact he attributes to the unwavering support of his fans. Urban consistently expresses gratitude and respect for his audience, recognizing their crucial role in his success within a demanding industry. As he concludes his beloved role in The Boys Season 5, he embarks on a new iconic character: Johnny Cage in Mortal Kombat II.

Urban deeply understands fan expectations, stating, "I feel like my responsibility is primarily to the character, but then also to service the audience, and to service the audience in a healthy way." He strives to deliver what fans would love to see, a commitment evident across his diverse roles, from Star Trek and Dredd to his current projects. He actively engages with fans at conventions globally, seeing it as an essential part of his responsibility, even during personal hardship. "If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't have the opportunity to continue to do what I do," he asserts.

His new role as Johnny Cage in Mortal Kombat II presents a fresh challenge. Urban, a father who plays the games with his children, is particularly excited, believing it to be "the best version of Mortal Kombat that's ever been committed to film." The film’s portrayal of Johnny Cage diverges from the game by depicting him as a washed-up action star at a low point, neglecting his martial arts training. Urban found this intriguing, noting how the character's journey from selfishness to understanding a larger purpose offered a compelling arc. This evolution, he explains, is what he constantly seeks in the characters he chooses to play.

Urban's career is marked by invaluable lessons learned from industry stalwarts. From Peter Jackson during The Lord of the Rings trilogy, he learned the importance of treating everyone on set—from caterers to stunt teams—with equal respect and maintaining humility. Nearly 30 years ago, Lucy Lawless on the set of Xena: Warrior Princess taught him how to