Jonathan Carlton, better known by his stage name Johnny Cage, is an action movie star and martial artist in the Mortal Kombat fighting game series. He is one of the seven original characters, debuting in the first Mortal Kombat arcade game, and remains one of the most popular characters in the franchise to date.
Johnny Cage has been a central character to the series alongside the likes of Raiden and Liu Kang, a role that was later passed down to his daughter, Cassie Cage, as well.
Initially, Johnny Cage was a struggling Hollywood action movie star who sought to revitalize his career and reputation. He entered the Mortal Kombat tournament for the sole purpose of displaying his fighting skills and proving himself to skeptical film critics, as they believed Cage was nothing more than an actor who relied too much on stunts and camera work and was not really a proficient fighter. Eventually, he would become one of the most important defenders of Earthrealm. Despite his materialism, air headedness, and occasional immaturity, Cage is a brave and loyal warrior, although his antics frequently annoy his allies. For this reason, fans consider him to be the series' foremost comic relief character.
Johnny matures considerably by the time of Mortal Kombat X, losing much of his earlier arrogance and air headedness. In the process, he becomes a more rounded and serious character, although his penchant for humor remains mostly intact. He maintains this persona in Mortal Kombat 11, complemented by the additional presence of his past self, who shares his former cockiness and brash traits.
A new version of Johnny Cage returns in Mortal Kombat 1 as a playable character, again serving as a supporting character in the game's Story Mode. In the new timeline, in the second Battle of Armageddon, Liu Kang and his chosen ally may stubble across multiple timeline variants of many characters in the series, including one Janet Cage, a female variant of Johnny from another unknown timeline. The character retains many aspects of Johnny Cage from the three timelines shown in the series, however little is known about the character. Unlike the current version of Johnny Cage, she retains the green Mediterranean magic that surrounds her body when attacking from previous timelines.
Theme songs[]
Johnny Cage (Prepare Yourself) - The Immortals
Mortal Kombat 2 Soundtrack | 15 - In Action - Paul Unfaces | Mortal Kombat 2 OST (2023) - Fanmade theme of Johnny Cage
Johnny Cage (Mortal Kombat 1995)
Ikran's theme: Big Earl's Bump (Toejam & Earl)
Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks, Part II[]
At one point, Sonya was curious on what happened to Johnny throughout the last trimester. Jax assured they'll know eventually, since Raiden reluctantly followed Stryker's request on giving them a week's reprieve because there was little to no activity in Outworld since the insurrection. The Special Forces agents headed to Los Angeles and noticed him in a new outdoor studio!
Johnny was glad to see Sonya, but not so much with Jax, as he recalled he was captured and interrogated by him of Sonya's whereabouts. Jax apologized for the misunderstanding, as he was deeply concerned on her welfare. Johnny then stated he got himself a new gig since his previous director fired him. He had another chance and a better staff, though he wondered of his mentor, Master Boyd's, fate. He also questioned if Sonya had a relationship with Jax.
Before he got his answer, Kahn's extermination squads ransacked the new set and killed his new manager!! He dove in for the kill, only to be wounded by one of the Emperor's soldiers! He implored the soldiers to leave before he lost his head!
After Liu emerged victorious, both Sonya and Jax mourned over his death in the outskirts of Los Angeles...
Mortal Kombat: Shinnok's Uprising[]
Johnny's appearance in Shinnok's Uprising
After he reunited with Sonya inside the chopper, he explained he had been resurrected by Raiden in the Jinsei Chamber. It took him two years to recuperate since he suffered extensive injuries at the likes of Motaro, although he never had time to meet the green female ninja he ogled over. He was sent down to Earth then, thanks to some men in the Outer World Investigation Agency, he was able to snatch a ride!
The chopper took them near the Bayan Har Mountains where he reunited with Liu, Lao, and met Kuai, Aiko, Kai and Nightwolf! He was the last to enter the portal leading into the ruined kingdom of Edenia. He was a bit intimidated over Quan Chi's offer of a new Mortal Kombat tournament.
Still, he stuck by Sonya, much to her dismay. He even wondered if Liu was still obsessive over Kitana in which the agent replied with sarcasm they were. Cage coaxed if they should work on THEIR relationship, and as the altercation broke out, the team was ambushed by the Army of Darkness! With his rejuvenated body and martial arts, he mopped the floor with them, even covering Sonya in which she never welcomed! He shouted if that was the sorcerer's best efforts, and his ego drove more advanced enemies forward. As they gathered with their skilled generals, Liu declared the group to separate! Johnny went with Sonya as they escaped to the Cobalt Mines.
He and Sonya were reluctant to run away from the fray, though the army became too much for the duo. He covered Sonya's six until she was tripped and toppled down a hill by one of the tricky Shadows. He went after her and helped her up, only to have their bodies lurch as the ground caved in! They went down a landslide and he followed Sonya's keen gaze to a skinny path beside the drop. He followed her into the Cobalt Mines, and they were greeted by one of the Shokan generals. Instead of relieving he doesn't work for Shinnok, he was irritated by his presence since he looked very similar to Goro! He even questioned of his whereabouts, but Sonya didn't want him to instigate; he was relieved Goro went into hiding after his consecutive defeats in the last tournaments. He challenged he'd finish him if he ever comes out of hiding! After some Cobalt armor and weapons were crafted, the rebels had to reach the Edenian Palace discreetly, and so they went thru Jade's Desert. After finding Cyrax, they were soon immersed in a cooler swamp, only to have Sonya find her nemesis, Jarek! He soon met up with her, Kung Lao, Aiko and Jax, and the latter was able to carry Cyrax thru a portal to Earthrealm. Johnny still joined the cause, only for Sonya's sake.
They met up with Liu Kang and Jade as he drove off another wave by the Army of Darkness. He was a little miffed they shown up too late, although the invasion just begun since Jade retorted on the Tarkatans' recklessness. He even commented Jade was hot though she disregarded his flirt, and he was still turned off by Liu's attraction to Kitana when they reunited, to which Sonya gave him a backhand love tap. He followed the Edenian women to a hidden slab leading into the underground prisons, and he followed Sonya at the trifecta. Moments later, they were greeted by Nightwolf who stated they were only heading to the throne room, to which Johnny exasperated, "Goddammit!"
Johnny met up with Kitana and Jade at the Prison and the women warned that Shinnok took Kung Lao and Aiko prisoner in the Netherrealm, and Liu, Raiden and Fujin went after them! Sonya offered to generate a portal to it, but Nightwolf said it won't be possible. Johnny grew impatient why they can't go, as it can only be accessed thru spiritual means. Instead, he along with other Kombatants participated in a ritual offering their strength to the former Champion after Kitana traced his soul. The trio was successful on decimating Shinnok and finally won the war! Spectators could've sworn they even saw Johnny and Sonya smile at each other. He also made a brief visit to the Jinsei Chamber, the place where he was resurrected, and wondered if Lao and Aiko were ok, to which he only responded physically. Hours later, they returned to China.
Aiko discussed with Sonya and Johnny of their future concerning their possible daughter, Cassie, as she never wanted them to go thru the same fate as her ruined time, whether it'd be in a lethal divorce, Revenants, or even Jax having a daughter named Jacqui while also going in a downward spiral after his wife was killed. Cage offered to work for Bollywood, the same thing Bruce Lee did for a time, and soon volunteered to be a part of the Special Forces. He was aware Hollywood shall never accept resurrection, and he didn't want to be a part of the Shaolin. So, his destiny remains unknown, but it's most likely he became Sonya's partner.
Mortal Kombat: Vengeance[]
Johnny was with Sonya who was struggling to contact the Outer World Investigation Agency. She then received a call from Stryker, and he briefed her that he and Kabal were attacked in New York! With the clues of the artificial heart, hook swords and the bloody engraving of a red dragon, Sonya realized it was Hsu Hao! She realized the Red Dragons are still active; the Black Dragons was formed as people left the former upon its strict policies. Hsu Hao only allied with her in eliminating the Black Dragons, so she and Johnny arrived to chase down the traitor. Johnny came to her aid, but he wasn't so lucky against him. Fujin came to his aide and tossed Hsu into a nearby dumpster and informed the couple that their mission shall change trajectory; Liu Kang was killed by Shang, who returned with Quan Chi! Much to their dismay, they must return to Shang Tsung's Island while Fujin recruits other Kombatants. They arrived, and she revealed they're engaged, as was Jax! Raiden assumed Hsu can be working for the Deadly Alliance, thus crossing paths with each other. He was also stupefied that Kung Lao has been training himself in letting Liu Kang's spirit possess him! He soon met up with Hanzo, Kuai and his new apprentice, Frost; for once, he wasn't fazed by reuniting with his former enemy. He also questioned Raiden as to why Shang didn't use the creepy ship from the first tournament; he stated he only would use the Nethership to transport souls to his palace in order to revive Onaga and his mummified army. The heroes were underway, and the news on the God brothers being powerless in Outworld was nothing new. They made their way to the Deadly Alliance's secret route, the Celestial Portal.
The heroes arrived there, and after hearing Raiden's warnings on the deities and sorcerers winning over a trial representing their greatest enemies, Johnny wished they would've taken the Nethership, as it would be a more comfortable way to traverse thru realms. He was also ecstatic when Liu Kang breached into Lao's body to decimate his Revenant self; he complimented, along with Hanzo, that's how to incinerate the oversaturating undead hordes! They soon went to the dormant Living Forest, and he was excited to reunite with Jax, especially when he did it with Sonya; he became eager to take out Hsu Hao for leaving the OIA no contact and stranded in the foreboding realm, to which he felt the same uneasiness as the first time. Until Liu stated they'd reached Edenia! Unfortunately, Lao and Aiko decided to break the news to the monarchs, in which Johnny complimented they were ballsy, and Jax added someone had to do the dirty work. They soon passed on the intel to their comrades, involving the Alliance's mission to revive Onaga and his undead army.
On the next day, Johnny was determined to get rid of the Deadly Alliance and the Onis interfering the group, while also cover Sonya along with Jax. By the time Lao and Aiko caught up to Bo' Rai Cho, following the aftershock from his fallen obese body, Johnny was appalled by his drunk and disgusting demeanor, even abandoning the Shaolin, Lao and Liu once the latter became Champion! He even stated to Aiko he'd be more than happy to kick his ass if he'd dare to catch up to the heroes again!
After the team arrived in the Lost Tomb, Johnny was being bothered by swarms of flies landing on them, while Lao, Hanzo, Kuai and Jax were busy bashing the sarcophaguses of Onaga's undead followers. They came from the horrid Oni, Drahmin, as Lao drew their stalker, Moloch, out of the shadows. Hanzo and Jax took on the demons easily, and after Nightwolf detected the Alliance's dark auras, Jade dreaded the heroes would be heading thru the dangerous Sarna Ruins. Cage wondered why Jade would own a whole desert, in which she replied that Kahn offered that badland to her from her skills as an excellent spy. She stated she no longer needed it ever since she reunited with Kitana and the peaceful Edenians.
Johnny stuck with the group, even thru the tumultuous desert. He queried as to how it's more dangerous than Jade's territory, to which she stated that there were numerous sandstorms and tornadoes wreaking havoc, thus the devastated landscape. Sure enough, aside from the intense heat, there was loose sand blowing from a sudden cyclone! Kung Lao remembered Fujin's training as he stormed to it! His Spin Time Brutality sliced the funnel inside thus disabling the storm momentarily, then he was caught by an invisible force! To Johnny, Sonya and Jax's surprise, it was their missing associate, Kenshi!! They reunited, until Aiko strayed away from the group hearing the tribal drums of the Makeba. Kenshi was able to break the thrall and the team was able to board the stolen Dragonfly, escaping the village and soaring toward the Deadly Alliance's location.
Johnny functioned as one of Jax's copilots, along with Sonya, until the trio spotted the same golden slimmer coming from Cyrax! Jax landed the ship near the dormant volcano, where Johnny thought it was insane for a human with robot armor to traverse thru there. Kuai assured the Lin Kuei cyber initiative was always adaptable and built for perfection! The agents, minus Kenshi, and the cryomancers set foot, until the intense heat was too much for the former! Johnny stood by while the elementals took care of business, until Hanzo carried Kuai back. He was assured that the defective bot returned to Earthrealm safely. He was also flabbergasted that Baraka decided to join the group!
He was still the irritable one, even missing the Dragonfly as luxurious transport thru Outworld after it was shot down by the Red Dragons. He contacted via radio emanating a signal to Edenia as calling for backup, thus receiving the news and summoning their Shokan and Centaur armies. He was also outraged of the treacherous and destructive deeds of Hsu Hao and Mavado that he offered to assist the wrathful Jax; however, Kenshi offered and stated for him to stick with Sonya, as he knew they were a couple, while dealing with the Tarkatan army. He was relieved the God brothers came to their aide and with the Red Dragons' demise. Though he was disgusted that Bo' Rai Cho left the group to seek out Li Mei, and "masking" the use of his bodily fluids.
Johnny stuck by Sonya, Jax and Kenshi as they tried to brainstorm who should assist Kung Lao against the Deadly Alliance. He stuck with the team as they got their hands full of Tarkans, and after the gruesome fight, he was the first to observe the Nethership hidden bleakly! He declared a bon voyage and Raiden and Fujin powered up the vessel airborne to the portal leading to Earthrealm.
Johnny still worked with Bollywood and the Special Forces, but he might also propose a lower form of media, if he would produce Aiko's fanfiction series as movie adaptations, word of mouth from the Shaolin!
Mortal Kombat: The Return of the Dragon King[]
Thru a portal Sonya developed via her Special Forces equipment, Johnny, along with several other Kombatants, rushed thru it leading to Shang Tsung's Palace where the God brothers were fighting against a monstrosity named Onaga, the resurrected Dragon King! Lao took on the offensive first, but it wasn't long before he was wounded. Lao summoned Liu Kang's fiery dragon spirit back into the amulet before it was decimated, when Sonya, Jax, Johnny, Kitana and Nightwolf got involved. Needless to say, their efforts were futile, and Raiden was too weak from the scrimmage. All he did was observe his mentor conjure lightning into himself! Fujin knew what was coming and before the fighters knew it, they were each caught in the explosion decimating the Palace and leaving only a scratch on Onaga!
Johnny was then seen peeking out from underneath the upper floor of the Lost Tomb, as Liu Kang's spirit, Sindel, Kitana, Jerrod, Aiko, Kenshi, Jade, and half the Edenian royal guard incinerated Onaga's remains and took the portal to Earthrealm. He then alerted his cohorts before he followed Kung Lao, Hanzo and Li Mei thru the Kuatan Jungle. He led an army of archers, even though he challenged Lao by himself; Hanzo pitied his orders. Johnny was hardly a match for Lao's swiftness and was incapacitated. Fujin then took him and Li Mei to Earthrealm.
He was still out of it, until Fujin teleported the heroes to the Temple of Elements. The Edenian guards then got a hold of him as he was acting up and threw him into a nearby ditch cell. Since no one was sure how to deal with a Revenant, Kenshi used his telepathy to separate Cage from his Special Forces equipment so he wouldn't contact his undead pals! Kenshi also prevented an automatic stone slab descending and was about to crush him!
Minutes later, Johnny's body was reanimated and became erratic over his prison cell; he managed to climb out like a wild animal, using his fingertips to grip the wall ridges and leapt out! The knights were startled and failed to stop him as he was irate for the last Kamidogu, even overmatching each of the Kombatants! He was on his way to the abysmal chamber until he was stung by Kitana's ancient Edenian spell to restore Onaga's undead, although he was stabbed in the back by the impatient Ashrah and her Kriss blade! She then encased him in holy energy until he collapsed.
He soon recovered at the Jinsei Chamber along with Jax, Sonya, Jerrod, the infantry and others. He was one of the quickest Kombatants to recuperate and he eagerly waited for Kung Lao's and Liu Kang's fates. He even prayed with Nightwolf's tomahawk empowered by his ancestral spirits which expedited the process. He was ecstatic to be reunited with everyone as his normal self.
Final Kombat[]
He was discussing with Sonya, Jax and Cyrax of their final preparations for the Battle of Armageddon, and he wished he'd offer Aiko's fanfiction series to be submitted in writing, but in all kinds of languages with the first being American and Chinese! Still, remembering the enslavement by Onaga and the erratic behavior at the Temple of Elements, he wanted to make it up to Aiko. He wished to adapt into movies with her as the consultant and Johnny as director! He also hoped for Cassie to be born into the world even though he reminded Sonya she was only a trimester into the pregnancy.
Johnny stuck with the group as he rode the Netherwing and participated in the crucial battle. He assisted Jax as the former dealt with Drahmin. Thankfully by Liu's fire cocoon over Blaze's eruption as well as Cetrion's tears, he was spared from having his head be torn off. He survived and met up with Sonya as he noticed her be preoccupied with the growing belly. He wondered how he'd manage Aiko's fanfics be developed, perhaps as books before movies, as Sonya may take medical leave and not manage the Special Forces much... He wished for Jax to have his daughter, Jacqui, be brought into the world with proper preparations for both... Several years later, he still led the charge with Sonya as they headed to Kotal's lair.
Trivia[]
- Ikran''s ideal VA has always been Linden Ashby, the live-action actor who played as him in the 1995 klassic! While he did turn down Annihilation since he found out his character was killed off after 10 minutes, he'll have a better role next time...hopefully. Canonically, he was supposed to be killed by Motaro, NOT Shao Kahn!
- According to the MK1's site source code, Johnny's one-word description is vanity. Obviously since he's a celebrity.
Gallery[]
_-_Infiltration_skin.webp "Johnny Cage (MK1) - Infiltration skin.webp (64 KB)")
Skins[]
