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| “ | No, Liu Kang....thank you. Joining up with you really has changed the arcs of our lives. | „ |
| ~ Johnny Cage to Liu Kang. |
Jonathan Carlton, better known as Johnny Cage, is one of the main protagonists of the New Era timeline of Mortal Kombat.
He is voiced by Andrew Bowen, who also voiced his previous incarnation.
Biography[]
In the New Era, created by Liu Kang, Jonathan Carlton transitions into a renowned Hollywood star, adopting the stage name "Johnny Cage," he lacks the supernatural powers of his predecessor. However, he acquires the legendary sword Sento and enters matrimony with a woman named Cristina. The allure of fame places a strain on Johnny's marriage, setting the stage for a pivotal confrontation with his now ex-wife.
Mortal Kombat 1[]
Returning to his estate after filming "Temple of Katara Vala," Johnny's encounter with Cris leads to a heated argument about their relationship. Cris leaves, leaving Johnny frustrated and devastated. Amidst his turmoil, Johnny is startled by an unexpected visitor wielding a katana. The man, claiming a family right to Sento, introduces himself as Kenshi Takahashi, a member of the long-thought-dead Taira clan seeking redemption from their association with the Bakuto. Johnny, initially skeptical, engages Kenshi in kombat and emerges victorious.
Securing Kenshi to a chair, Johnny interrogates him, learning about Kenshi's mission to redeem the Taira clan. The narrative takes a fantastical turn when Liu Kang, Bi-Han (Sub-Zero), and Kuai Liang (Scorpion) enter Johnny's estate. Liu Kang, presenting himself as a god of fire and protector of Earthrealm, informs Johnny and Kenshi that they are chosen champions for an unknown purpose. The bewildering situation unfolds further when Raiden and Kung Lao join the group, and they all embark on training at the Wu Shi Academy.
Months pass with Johnny training alongside Liu Kang, Raiden, Kung Lao, and Kenshi. However, Johnny's impatience grows, yearning for excitement promised by Liu Kang. Tensions arise between Johnny and Kenshi, with occasional clashes over Sento and their differing personalities. The anticipated moment arrives when Liu Kang announces the tournament between Earthrealm and Outworld.
In a surprising twist, Liu Kang designates Johnny to face Raiden to determine Earthrealm's representative. Despite Johnny's initial bravado, Raiden defeats him, much to Kenshi's sarcastic delight. The narrative progresses to a banquet in Outworld, where Johnny interacts with Mileena, Kitana, and others. Raiden's victories against Li Mei and Reiko unfold, marking the end of the tournament.
Soon after, however, after Liu Kang and Geras discovers Shang Tsung's potential interference in Earthrealm-Outworld peace, Johnny, Kung Lao, and Kenshi embark on a covert mission to capture Shang Tsung. The trio encounters challenges, including a Tarkatan Colony where Shang Tsung attempts to extract bone marrow. Amidst the chaos, Johnny's nonchalant attitude and Kenshi's determination create friction, ultimately leading to their alliance with Baraka, the Tarkatan leader.
As the group infiltrates Shang Tsung's laboratory, misunderstandings arise when they discover Mileena, seemingly a victim of Tarkat affliction. Johnny, misinterpreting the situation, intervenes, leading to a chaotic confrontation with Mileena. The narrative unveils Shang Tsung's true intentions and a brewing alliance between General Shao, Rain, and the sorcerer.
A pivotal moment occurs when Kenshi sacrifices his eyes to save Johnny during a perilous encounter with "Monster Mileena." The group is captured, leading to their imprisonment in Shang Tsung's real laboratory. Johnny, witnessing Kenshi's sacrifice, promises never to forget it. In a desperate escape, they confront Syzoth, a shapeshifting Zaterran coerced into working for Shang Tsung. Syzoth aids their escape, and the narrative delves into the dire circumstances surrounding his involvement.
Returning to Earthrealm, the champions plan their next move. Liu Kang unveils Shang Tsung's manipulation of timelines and the emergence of a formidable enemy – a version of Shang Tsung who has become a Titan. Johnny and his allies join forces with Shang Tsung and Quan Chi to thwart this looming threat.
The second Battle of Armageddon unfolds with various versions of Johnny fighting alongside counterparts like Janet Cage and Ninja Mime. An array of amalgamations, including Johnny Savage, John Kahner, Fire Cage, and Screen Demon, showcase the diverse challenges faced by the champions.
Post-battle, Johnny is featured in the epilogue enjoying dinner with Liu Kang and other champions at Madam Bo's teahouse. The narrative introduces Johnny's cinematic ambitions, intending to create a universe that informs Earthrealmers about Outworld and the realms. Despite offering roles to his friends, they decline due to personal duties. Liu Kang departs, and Johnny, amidst lighthearted banter over the bill, expresses gratitude to Liu Kang for the transformative impact on his life. As Liu Kang leaves, the champions discuss payment for the dinner, with Johnny eventually relenting and covering the bill. The story concludes with Johnny planning a cinematic universe that reflects the realms' rich tapestry.
Khaos Reigns[]
Powers and Abilities[]
Powers[]
- Superhuman Strength: Although Johnny is human, he has shown to have supernatural powers like amazing strength to decapitate anyone with an uppercut and can sever them with a fast and strong kick.
- Superhuman Durability: Johnny can tolerate amounts of physical pain from the likes of Goro, Darrius, and Sub-Zero. He also has survived being smashed to the ground by Ermac when using his telekinesis.
- Superhuman Speed: Johnny can move a lot faster than any regular human. One of his moves, the Shadow Kick, makes him move a lot faster to deal with large opponents like Goro.
- Superhuman Reflexes: Johnny's reflexes are fast enough to react to those who are stronger, faster, and more accurate.
- Superhuman Agility: Johnny possesses amazing agility to which can help him avoid fast attacks from Tanya for good amount of time and stronger opponents.
- Superhuman Stamina: Johnny's stamina is that of a superhuman who can fight continuously against groups like Shao's soldiers and the Dragon Army.
- Magic: Johnny has the ability to enhance his attacks and evasion which comes out as a black and white energy effect. Although he no longer has the green effect, this new additional effect is still supernatural.
Abilities[]
- Master Martial Artist: Johnny reminded Raiden that he is a global martial arts icon. He has been trained by some of the greatest martial arts masters around the world. His martial arts expertise had helped him to defeat and hold his own against the likes of Kenshi, Sub-Zero, Scorpion, and Darrius. He can also defeat a group of Shao's soldiers with Goro aiding them. Liu Kang recruited him to be one of Earthrealm's champions alongside Kenshi, Raiden, and Kung Lao. Although Johnny lost to Raiden in the mini tournament to determine who will represent Outworld in the tournament, he still respected his victory. His fighting style is mixed up with Karate and other versions, as well as Jeet Kune Do.
- Karate
- Jeet Kune Do
- Shinto Ryu
- Shorin Ryu
- Master Acrobat: Being a martial arts mega star and global icon, he has impressive skills in acrobatics. He puts gymnastics into some of his moves like being able to flip and go into a full split to nail a nut punch.
- Expert Actor: Johnny Cage was an A-List celebrity in Hollywood. He has shown to be a very great actor which made him one of the wealthiest people in California. When filming Temple of Katara Vala, he had made it a successful project.
- Indomitable Will: Although Johnny is a little immature, he does have an indomitable spirit to never allow anyone to mess with him. Once Kenshi broke into his mansion to steal Sento from his display, he was not afraid to stand down so he could steal it, even if it was Kenshi's family blade. Those who tried to threaten and intimidate him, he just shrugs it off and teaches them a serious lesson.
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
- After the release of Mortal Kombat 1, the song "International Love" by Pitbull started being associated as the character's unofficial theme song.
- Due to his interactions with both male (especially Kenshi) and female characters, this version of Johnny is theorised to be bisexual.
- Johnny has done stunt work on his own films, telling Smoke during a clash that he has ZERO unbroken bones in his body.
- During a clash with Kung Lao, Johnny tells him that the film series about the realms is called Mortal Kombat.
- The clashes with Kitana, Mileena and Li Mei reveal that Liu Kang has allowed him to take a film crew to Outworld to study the location.
- If he clashes with Shang Tsung, he taunts him about the film he plans to make about him; telling him the working title is Death of a Salesman.
- During a clash with Liu Kang, it's hinted that Johnny will once more become romantically involved with Sonya in this timeline.
- Unlike his previous incarnations, these Johnny Cage incarnation didn't have a super human power. However, he is still skilled combatant through out the story.
- His other counterpart in Khaos Reign however, was potrait a veteran soldier rather than a movie star instead.
