NetherRealm Studios has revealed the first footage for the “Jean-Claude Van Damme” Johnny Cage skin in the upcoming Mortal Kombat 1. The costume depicts the beloved action star’s visual and vocal likeness.
Mortal Kombat 1 is the first new entry in the series in almost five years. The game features several characters from throughout the franchise’s history, new mechanics, and new modes. The game will be released on September 19.
Jean-Claude Van Damme Finally Comes to Mortal Kombat
The likeness of Jean-Claude Van Damme will serve as an alternate costume for Johnny Cage in Mortal Kombat 1. Besides his face, outfit, and voice being different, his moveset is identical to Johnny’s. For more information on how Johnny plays, check out our overview of the first Kombat Kast here.
The inclusion of Van Damme in Mortal Kombat 1 is a massive full-circle moment for the franchise. The very first Mortal Kombat was designed to be an arcade game dedicated to Jean-Claude Van Damme in the wake of action movies like Bloodsport. Van Damme, however, declined to be in the original game. In a recent interview, Ed Boon stated, “This time, we hit the lottery, and we got him. We actually have his voice, and he’s going to be the Johnny Cage character… it’s the absolute full circle moment.”
Check out the trailer for Jean-Claude Van Damme in Mortal Kombat 1 below:
After 30 years, the man, the myth, the legend finally arrives in Kombat. @JCVD becomes Johnny Cage in #MK1. pic.twitter.com/yrbOpI9P2a
— Mortal Kombat 1 (@MortalKombat) September 8, 2023
Roster
The roster of Mortal Kombat 1 features several characters from throughout the series. These include:
- Nitara
- Shao Khan
- Sindel
- Ashrah
- Baraka
- Geras
- Havik
- Johnny Cage
- Kenshi
- Kitana
- Kung Lao
- Li Mei
- Liu Kang
- Mileena
- Raiden
- Rain
- Reptile
- Scorpion
- Shang Tsung
- Smoke
- Sub-Zero
- Tanya
Shang Tsung will be available if you pre-order the game before it launches in two weeks. Additionally, NetherRealm Studios has also revealed the first Kombat Pack. It includes Homelander from The Boys, Omni-Man from Invincible, Peacemaker from Peacemaker, and The Suicide Squad. The pack also includes returning Mortal Kombat characters: Ermac, Quan Chi, & Takeda.
Lastly, Mortal Kombat 1 will release on September 19. The game will be available on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay tuned for more information from NRS on the game’s final roster before it launches later this month.
