WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion's Revenge, out now on digital.
The forces of Outworld and Earthrealm's heroes do battle in a brand-new animated movie titled Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion's Revenge. The R-rated film features the voice talents of several high-profile actors, including Community alumnus Joel McHale as Johnny Cage.
While there's no denying McHale's natural ability, he isn't exactly the first name you associate with Cage. The Mortal Kombat character is a notorious narcissist obsessed with his own image and being the center of attention. He's good and he knows he's good, but he can also come off as a bit of a goof. It's the latter part of his personality, however, where McHale shines brighter than Cage's hair product.
Mortal Kombat Legends introduces a version of Cage that's completely unaware of his surroundings and believes the Mortal Kombat tournament is just another film production. Even when he sees Goro rip off Jax Briggs' arms, he laughs it off, declaring that the special effects are terrible. It takes Cage almost half the film to realize he's in actual danger, much to the bewilderment of his fellow contestants.
McHale brings all his comedic experience here, as he depicts the over-the-top diva attitude of Cage in a serious scenario. Blood, gore and limbs fly around, but Cage is more concerned about the state of his suit and complaining to his agent about the island's poor conditions. At one point, the ever-stoic Lord Raiden comments to Liu Kang that Cage amuses him.
There's no doubt that McHale captures the essence of Cage's backstory, portraying him as self-serving and egotistical (but with a wicked sense of humor). It's in the other side of the character's personality, however, where McHale showcases the importance of subtly and nuance.
When Sonya Blade, Scorpion and Kang square off against the Black Dragon, Cage doesn't get involved in the fight. He's protected by Blade, who says he shouldn't even be there. There's a hesitancy in his demeanor, revealing what fans already knew: Underneath that cocky exterior is a man who lacks confidence in his own prowess.
This changes when he helps Blade against Kano and Outworld's army. Cage gets his groove back as he puts on a show to prove he's one of Earth's greatest warriors. It takes almost two-thirds of the movie, but the true Cage is finally -- ahem -- uncaged for all to see.
While most of the credit must go to Mortal Kombat Legends screenwriter Jeremy Adams for Cage's outstanding characterization, McHale's delivery is equally critical here. He gets it. He knows that the Hollywood façade hides a person who wants to be taken seriously and find purpose. And it translates into the perfect pairing, as McHale steals every scene he's in, leaving you wanting more of his version of Cage in future films.
Right now, there's no official confirmation of who'll portray Cage in next year's live-action Mortal Kombat film, though there are rumors the character will appear. One thing's for sure, though, whoever it is will have big shoes to fill after McHale's flawless performance.
Directed by Ethan Spaulding from a script by Jeremy Adams, Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge stars Joel McHale as Johnny Cage, Jennifer Carpenter as Sonya Blade, Jordan Rodrigues as Hanzo Hasashi/Scorpion, Steve Blum as Sub-Zero, Artt Butler as Shang Tsung, Darin De Paul as Quan Chi, Robin Atkin Downes as Kano, David B. Mitchell as Raiden, Ike Amadi as Jax Briggs, Kevin Michael Richardson as Goro, Grey Griffin as Kitana & Satoshi Hasashi, and Fred Tatasciore as Demon Torturer. The film is out now on digital, and Blu-ray and DVD on April 28.