Creation and Design
The character was modeled after actor and martial artist Jean-Claude Van Damme. Cage's appearance in the first game was loosely based on Van Damme's portrayal of Dux Ryu Ninjutsu founder Frank Dux in the 1988 movie Bloodsport, incorporating both Van Damme's appearance/outfit and his signature "leg split" move. In the original concept art, the character was named Michael Grimm, described as "the current box-office champion and star of such movies as Dragon's Fist, Dragon's Fist II and the award-winning Sudden Violence." He was the first character created for Mortal Kombat, and the test prototype of the original game had just two Johnnies fighting each other.
Designed to be a Hollywood star, Cage is meant to be a comic relief character in contrast to more serious characters like Liu Kang and Raiden. Johnny Cage's real name came from Midway Games artist John Carlton, who worked on the NBA Jam series.
Read more about this topic: Johnny Cage
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