Bio:
- Name: John Carlton
- Age: 48
- Weight: 86 kg
- Height: 5’11
- Gender: Male
- Resides: Earthrealm
- Race: Human
- Eye Color: Brown
- Status: Actor/Special Forces
- Alignment: Good
Johnny Cage was a struggling Hollywood action movie star who wanted to get his fame back. Originally, he entered the Mortal Kombat tournament to display his fighting skills and prove himself to skeptical movie critics and the movie viewing public. 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 became one of the most important defenders of Earth. Despite his materialism, aloof nature, and occasional immaturity, Johnny Cage has always been a brave and loyal warrior for Earthrealm, although his antics frequently annoy his allies. He loses much of his earlier arrogance overtime. In the process, he becomes a more rounded and serious character, although his penchant for humor remains mostly intact.
Mortal Kombat
Johnny Cage decided to join the Mortal Kombat tournament to prove himself as a fighter. He went to the harbor and waited for the ship that would take him to Shang Tsung’s island, along with his agent and personal secretary. His security detail were fearful of upcoming events, and tried to convince him to not attend the tournament. Cage assured them that no one would even touch him. After he boarded the ship, he was harassed by the Black Dragon leader known as Kano. A Shaolin Monk named Liu Kang managed to help Cage, beating several of the thugs, while the superstar attacked a distracted Kano. After the brawl, Cage and Kang got acquainted with each other.
Upon arrival at the island, the actor joined forces with Liu Kang and Sonya becoming great friends in the process. The three would form an alliance to protect Earthrealm while being mentored by the Raiden. During the final battle between Liu Kang and Shang Tsung, Johnny teamed up with Sonya and Kano to fight Goro near the pit. When Shang Tsung’s island fortress began to crumble, Raiden saved Johnny and dropped him off on a boat that belonged to the Special Forces. Once onboard, Cage met Major Jackson Briggs, who interrogated him on the whereabouts of Sonya. Johnny told Jax all about the events on the island, but the major didn’t believe him. After Johnny was set free, he made the movie Mortal Kombat, based on his experiences.
Mortal Kombat II
Due to a recording from Sonya received by the U.S. Special Forces, Jax realized that Cage had told the truth. He went to meet with the superstar once more to personally apologize for his disbelief in him. While filming a commercial , Cage was suddenly attacked by a revitalized Shang Tsung and his minions Kintaro, Baraka, Kitana, Mileena, and Jade. It was at this time that Jax arrived on the set, Cage had been violently blasted trough the wall right in front of him. The major managed to help him fight against the invaders, taking on the mighty Shokan, Kintaro. They were later joined by the other Earthrealm warriors who helped them fight the horde off. Raiden appeared, put an end to the fight, and Shang Tsung proposed a new Mortal Kombat tournament. Once again, Johnny reunited with his allies to protect Earthrealm, by traveling into Outworld.
Mortal Kombat Trilogy
After Shao Kahn’s defeat, he led a massive invasion against Earthrealm in order to take this realm by force. Earthrealm was attacked by Kahn’s extermination squad, and during this entire riot, Johnny Cage was killed in a fight against Motaro. Cage’s soul was unable to ascend to a higher plane of existence, and returned to its body. Cage then became one of the chosen warriors fighting against Kahn’s invasion.
Mortal Kombat 4/Mortal Kombat Gold
Johnny’s soul was free to leave to a higher place after Kahn’s third failed attempt to take Earthrealm. He watched from the heavens as the events unfolded and the fallen Elder God Shinnok attacked Earthrealm. Johnny Cage sought out Raiden so that he could restore his deceased soul; the restoration of Johnny’s soul allowed him to fight alongside the Earthrealm defenders once more. After the defeat of Shinnok, it appeared as though Raiden’s revival of Cage was permanent as he did not ascend back to the heavens but instead remained on Earth.
Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance
Years later, Johnny Cage went on to film Mortal Kombat: The Death of Johnny Cage, in which he was repeatedly killed and brought back to life. Upset at the way he was being portrayed, believing his own adventures were far more entertaining, Cage wanted out of the movie but he couldn’t due to his contract.
As luck would have it, he was approached by Raiden, who asked him to help fight the Deadly Alliance of Quan Chi and Shang Tsung. Raiden told him to go to Shang Tsung’s island for further instructions. Johnny found a loophole in his contract and left the movie. He planned to use this new adventure to make his own movie. The actor arrived on the island by way of parachute, he learned of Liu Kang’s death and went to Outworld to help his friends.
Mortal Kombat: Deception
Cage was killed during the final assault on the Deadly Alliance after being overwhelmed by Tarkatan forces. Soon afterward, he was resurrected by Onaga and made into his slave. Some time later, he was freed from this state by Ermac and the spirit of Liu Kang.
Mortal Kombat: Armageddon
Johnny became disheartened that both Raiden and Liu Kang were unable to unite and lead the Earthrealm warriors. He began to receive visions of Shinnok creating several portals in different realms. He decided to visit these areas to confirm his visions, and sure enough, he found evidence that Shinnok had been there. Deciding to take action, Johnny Cage saw in his visions that Shinnok’s next destination was Shang Tsung’s island fortress. When he arrived at the island, he saw Shinnok scheming with Quan Chi to take Shao Kahn’s fortress by force. When Quan Chi vanished back through the portal which he came through, Johnny Cage attacked. He caught Shinnok off guard and appeared to have the upper hand, until the former Elder God retreated in a cloud of smoke.
Soon after, Cage began gathering his allies Nightwolf, Sub-Zero and Kenshi to create an army to fight against the Forces of Darkness during the Battle of Armageddon. The resulting battle killed nearly all fighters present, including Cage, who was decapitated by an unknown opponent.
Mortal Kombat 9
Before the Mortal Kombat tournament begins, Johnny Cage meets Sonya Blade and tries to hit on her, pretty much ignoring Shang Tsung speech. He defeats Reptile, and celebrates his victory by bad mouthing the other combatants and flirting with Sonya before being ordered to face Baraka. Johnny defeats Baraka and is commanded by Shang Tsung to kill him. Initially Cage takes this as a joke. He eventually realizes that Tsung is serious, and refuses to do so. Afterwards, everyone begins to leave and Johnny is approached by Raiden and Liu Kang. They attempt to inform him of what will happen to Earthrealm should they fail to win the tournament. Johnny leaves in disbelief to catch up to Sonya, in an attempt to ask her out on a date.
Johnny finds Sonya on the bridge high above the Pit and continues to flirt with her. Frustrated by his advancements, Sonya attacks him. Johnny manages to subdue Sonya, but feels guilty about the fight. Shortly after, Kano appears and throws Johnny off of the bridge, but he is able to grab onto the edge. Kano seeing that Sonya weakened from the fight with Johnny, seizes the opportunity to finish her off. Johnny then leaps back onto the bridge, steps in and defeats Kano in combat, earning the respect and gratitude of Sonya in the process.
Johnny, Raiden, and Liu Kang reunite with Sonya later on. The thunder god uses his powers to heal Jax, while Johnny explains to Sonya that Raiden is a God. Johnny, Sonya, and Jax agree to help Raiden. Shang Tsung arranges a match between Johnny and Cyrax, who is assigned by the sorcerer to kill him. Johnny is defeated by Cyrax, but the assassin spares his life on behalf of Raiden. Due to his loss, Johnny is eliminated from the tournament. When the tournament ends following Liu Kang’s victory over Shang Tsung in the final bout, Johnny and the other Earthrealm warriors congratulate Kang on his victory. Johnny is also present during the celebration at the Wu Shi Academy. When the tarkatans attack the Academy, Jax is knocked unconscious. When he awakens, Johnny is one of the Earth warriors who is standing over him. Jax learns of Sonya’s capture by Shang Tsung, and all of the warriors proceed to the second tournament.
While Liu Kang and Kung Lao are sent to free their Shaolin masters from the Tarkatans, Johnny stays with Jax and Raiden. After Jax defeats Baraka, Raiden receives a vision of Sonya’s scheduled execution and teleports the three of them to the Armory. Johnny berates Raiden about his teleporting, and questions Jax about his relationship with Sonya. Jax loses his temper when Johnny brags about his interest in Sonya and gets into a fight with him. The scuffle is ended by Raiden, and the three are confronted by Jade, who orders them to leave immediately. Jax defeats Jade and apologizes to Johnny for his behavior. Accepting the apology, Johnny continues to accompany Jax and Raiden to the Dead Pool where they defeat Sheeva and her guards. They free Sonya, and Raiden orders Johnny to stay close to him. Johnny and Raiden travel to the Living Forest, where Raiden saves Smoke from the Lin Kuei cyborgs.
When the Earth warriors approach Kitana in the Wastelands, she attacks them. Johnny reluctantly fights Kitana alongside Smoke but are both defeated. After Raiden tells Kitana to search in the Flesh Pits, the Earth warriors leave. They return to the Wastelands and find Jade, who had moments earlier defeated Mileena. Raiden talks to Jade while Liu Kang, Johnny, and Kung Lao chat in the distance, mainly consisting of the two monks belittling Cage. When Jade informs the Earth warriors of Kitana’s capture, Kung Lao and Liu Kang go to free Kitana. Johnny stays with Raiden to continue in the tournament, he is later defeated and eliminated from the tournament by Ermac.
Johnny returns during the Earthrealm invasion, fighting Motaro on The Street. Raiden intervenes and kills Motaro, altering the timeline to allow Johnny’s survival. The Earth warriors are later ambushed during their discussions by Lin Kuei cyborgs, who they successfully defeat. When Sindel emerges, she battles and kills most of the Earth warriors. Johnny, along with Sonya, survives the onslaught.
When Raiden attempts to stop Liu Kang from attacking Shao Kahn, Johnny and Sonya arrive to witness Liu Kang being electrocuted. While Raiden tends to Liu Kang, both Johnny and Sonya attempt to fight Shao Kahn, who easily blasts them away. After Raiden defeats Shao Kahn and the Elder Gods take him away for punishment, Johnny and Sonya help Raiden to his feet. Johnny, along with Sonya and Liu Kang´s body are teleported away by Raiden.
Mortal Kombat X
A few years after the Battle of Earthrealm, Johnny and Kenshi join Sonya and the Special Forces in the fight against Shinnok. Along the way to the Sky Temple, their aircraft is attacked by Scorpion and Sub-Zero and the soldiers are killed. After they crash, Johnny defeats both ninjas. He then joins Sonya and Kenshi and they continue on.
In the forest, the three of them and their forces are attacked by the revenant Smoke, now calling himself Enenra, Jax, and Nightwolf. After defeating Enenra, Johnny rescues Sonya from Jax and defeats him. The two of them join Kenshi and head for the Sky Temple after the ninja finds the portal. They arrive at the Jinsei just in time to save Raiden and Fujin from Shinnok, but no one is able to defeat the fallen Elder God. Johnny ends up saving Sonya and defeating the fallen god. He kicks the amulet to Raiden, who uses it to capture and seal Shinnok inside. Cage then stays in the Jinsei with an unconscious Sonya, allowing the chamber’s power to heal her.
Years later, Johnny and Sonya infiltrate Quan Chi’s fortress, where they are attacked by the sorcerer and his revenants. Johnny defeats Sub-Zero and Jax, but is later stabbed in the back by the latter. As he lays dying while his revenant starts to take form. Raiden arrives and stalls the process long enough for Sonya to defeat Quan Chi. The thunder god then reverses the spell, saving Johnny and reverting Scorpion, Sub-Zero and Jax to their human forms. Johnny and Sonya marry afterwards, and they have their daughter Cassie. However, Sonya gets caught up with her work and she spends less time with her family. This angers Johnny and the two of them divorce.
Twenty years later, Johnny creates a special team comprising of Cassie, Jax’s daughter Jacqui, Kenshi’s son Takeda, and Kung Lao’s younger cousin Kung Jin. For their first mission, Johnny sends them to the Lin Kuei Temple to acquire Sub-Zero. But it is later revealed that Johnny and Sub-Zero set them up so the Grandmaster can test their skills as a team. They are then called back to base by Sonya, and they learn from the refugee leader Li Mei that Mileena is in possession of Shinnok’s amulet. Sonya finds and defeats Kano after learning that he came in with the refugees. As she chokes him, the mercenary says that she will never find Shinnok’s amulet if she kills him. Johnny pleads for Sonya to stop so that she will not do another thing that she will regret. She complies and Kano talks.
After learning the amulet’s location, Johnny joins Sonya at Jax’s home to persuade him in helping them capture Quan Chi. He also assures Jax that Jacqui is fine and that the team will succeed in their mission, not knowing that they have been captured by Kotal Kahn. When Jax succeeds in capturing Quan Chi, the sorcerer is brought to Earthrealm. Johnny, Sonya and Kenshi try to stop Hanzo from killing the sorcerer, but they are all defeated and bound. D’Vorah then arrives with the amulet, allowing Quan Chi to release Shinnok before he is beheaded by Hanzo. The fallen god defeats everyone with his amulet, and Johnny is taken captive to the Sky Temple.
At the Jinsei, Johnny is bounded by D’Vorah as Shinnok corrupts Earthrealm’s life force. D’Vorah then unleashes her flesh-eating bugs on Johnny, leaving horrible scars on his face. Cassie then arrives with Kung Jin and defeats D’Vorah. As she tries to free him, Johnny pleads for her to stop Shinnok. Cassie steps up and unleashes her inherited powers, eventually defeating Shinnok. After Raiden heals the Jinsei, Johnny is attended to by Cassie. Sonya later arrives, and he tells her how their daughter defeated Shinnok. She replies that he did a great job with his team. The three stay close, a family once again.
Abilities
Despite his air-headed and superficial demeanor, Johnny Cage is a strong and agile warrior, showing an excellent fighting technique during battle. After long periods of training with various masters of martial arts, Cage himself has acquired mastery of several fighting styles, such as the famous Karate.
Although Johnny Cage is a human being, he possesses superhuman powers. Johnny descended from a Mediterranean cult that bred warriors for the gods: warriors with special abilities. One of these is the ability to propel himself forward and increase the strength of his blows. When Cage uses this power, afterimages of a green color are produced. Cage can augment the power of these shadow attacks, which are represented by afterimages of a red color. In addition to these physical shadow abilities, Cage also has the ability to launch blasts of energy.
Johnny Cage can also harness this energy and encase his body with it, strong enough to withstand a death blow from Shinnok without receiving any injury to his person. This energy was also potent enough to allow him to fight on equal terms with the Elder God. Raiden theorized that this power can only come about when the want arises to protect a loved one from imminent danger.