Born Jonathan Carlton, Johnny Cage is the resident comedic relief and action hero of the Mortal Kombat franchise, initially entering the tournament to prove to critics that his martial arts skills weren't just Hollywood special effects. Modeled after Jean-Claude Van Damme, Johnny boasts a highly athletic, muscular build and typically sports an stylized, cocky Hollywood aesthetic—ranging from shirtless combat pants to sharp modern suits—but he is never seen without his trademark designer sunglasses, which he famously replaces instantly if broken or uses to throw at his opponents. Behind his boastful, arrogant, and wisecracking A-list personality lies a genuinely brave, fiercely loyal protector of Earthrealm, a duality reflected in his unique abilities. Alongside standard martial arts prowess, he possesses a superhuman "Green Shadow" energy inherited from an ancient Mediterranean cult bred to fight gods, allowing him to perform his signature Shadow Kick, force blasts, and devastating split-punches. Though his combat feats are legendary, he remains a dedicated actor at heart, famous for starring in fictional blockbusters like Ninja Mime and Dragon Fist, proving that he is just as comfortable under the spotlight as he is saving the universe