Mortal Kombat's Comic Relief Johnny Cage: 30 Years of Violence, Death, and Jean-Claude Van Damme Cameos
-
Johnny Cage was the first character filmed for Mortal Kombat in 1992, originally modeled after Jean-Claude Van Damme's character in Bloodsport.
-
Cage was integral to Mortal Kombat's creation, inspiring fatalities and representing the player perspective.
-
Cage has "died" and come back to life multiple times in Mortal Kombat's convoluted lore over the years.
-
Cage provides comic relief and humor to balance Mortal Kombat's dark themes of violence and gore.
-
After 30 years, NetherRealm finally secured Jean-Claude Van Damme's likeness for a Cage skin in Mortal Kombat 11.
![](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2QPYQlFqbvut5mE1Wx6P1eRy4k0=/0x0:1920x1080/1600x900/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72682915/johnny_cages_MK_09182023.0.jpg)