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WWE'S MIZ COULD BE THE NEXT MORTAL KOMBAT STAR

WWE superstar, and future Hall of Famer Mike "The Miz" Mizanin has recently gone on record to explain his eagerness to deliver acting skills in a film role nobody would have expected. 

This year we witnessed the release of Mortal Kombat, a rebooted film from the '90s, which was originally a top-rated video game. The action/fighting genre 2021 reboot was focused on Lewis Tan playing Cole Young. It utilized the all-new character as an audience proxy during his parts alongside familiar characters like Sub-Zero and Scorpion. 

Mike Mizanin would love to play the well-known character Mortal Kombat fans known as Johnny Cage in Mortal Kombat 2, and although Cage does not make an appearance in the recent movie, his name was teased for a possible sequel during a closing scene. In addition, one of the film's producers has also touched on a potential movie solely focussed on Johnny Cage himself.  

With speculative rumour often follows fandom, the online debate amongst fans began focussing on which actor should represent Cage should a Mortal Kombat 2 film be officially announced. Some typical Hollywood stars appeared, Ryan Reynolds, Keanu Reeves, Justin Hartley, and Jean-Claude Van Damme, whose character was the original influence for Johnny Cage. But one name that seems to be recurring, The Miz, most known for his in-ring performances than movie or television roles. With the rumours floating and fan talk receiving traction, the WWE star naturally felt the need to comment on why he's the ideal version of Johnny Cage. 

In a recent interview with Looper to talk about the #GoWithConfidence charity auction, Mike Mizanin was questioned about the current online activity pushing him to play Cage in Mortal Kombat 2:

"All of a sudden, I see my name associated with Johnny Cage, just flipping through. And it's not negative, and it's all positive. And normally, when I'm in a Twitter feed, it's negative, 100%, all the time. But man, was it positive, and, man, were a lot of my fans wanted me, even people, even my peers, even the co-creator of Mortal Kombat was like, "Yeah, we'd love to see The Miz as Johnny Cage." And honestly, that would be a dream come true, and I would put everything I possibly have into that character and make sure that it gives the Mortal Kombat fans the Johnny Cage they deserve.

I will do everything in my power to hopefully get that part if the opportunity presents itself. I don't know if it will, but if it does, I'm putting my name in the hat; I want the part. So, whatever I must do to get it, I will do. I will put forth the entire, I have an immense work ethic, and whatever it takes, I will be there to try and do it. And if I don't get it, that's okay too. But I hope the person that gets it will put in the same amount of work and dedication and give the fans exactly what they want because I know what I want out of Johnny Cage. I really do. I love the game. I've loved it since I played it on Sega Genesis, wouldn't play it on Super Nintendo, only Sega Genesis."

 

The Miz has been found in casting selections to play Cage even before a reboot of Mortal Kombat was announced. In addition, his appearance is perfect for portraying Johnny Cage. During 2014/2015, Miz's WWE gimmick was evidently influenced by Cage, with sunglasses, a big ego and that Hollywood smile – the comparisons are uncanny. And their stories are also similar as their opposition often underestimates both men. The Miz could pull these past experiences to bring life into Cage should he play a role in Mortal Kombat 2. 

We must note, there has been no announcement of the video game adaption releasing a second movie. The film's director was open for a follow-up, and the screenplay writer predicted a trilogy of MK reboots. If I were a betting man at Youwager Review, I'd give a high probability Mortal Kombat creators are already planning the next instalment.

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