Benny

Lore & Background

Benny is a Martian taxi driver who operates in Venusville, the district populated by humans and mutants. He first appears when Quaid and Melina need to escape from Richter's pursuit; Benny picks them up and drives them to Venusville. Later, after the mutants lead Quaid and Melina to a hidden rebel base, Benny is present. When the rebel leader Kuato psychically reads Quaid's mind, learning about the alien reactor, Benny shoots George (Kuato's brother), revealing himself to be in Cohaagen's employ. This betrayal leads to Cohaagen's forces attacking the base and killing the rebels. Benny is later killed by Quaid and Melina in the mines below the reactor, after they outwit and kill him along with Richter and his men.

In Their Own Story

The taxi rattled through the dusty streets of Venusville. Benny grinned at Quaid and Melina in the back. 'Where to, folks?' he asked, his voice friendly. He drove them to safety, weaving through the colony. Later, at the rebel base, Benny stood quietly as Kuato revealed the secret of the alien reactor. Then, without warning, he drew a gun and shot George, Kuato's brother. 'Sorry, pal,' he said, his smile gone. 'I work for Cohaagen.' The base erupted in gunfire as Cohaagen's forces stormed in. Benny escaped with Richter, but his treachery was short-lived. In the mines beneath the reactor, Quaid and Melina cornered him. Benny fought back, but they outwitted him, and he died in the struggle.

Reader's Guide

Benny is a Martian taxi driver who initially appears helpful, driving Quaid and Melina to Venusville. His true allegiance is to Vilos Cohaagen, as he betrays the rebels by shooting George and revealing the base's location. He is killed by Quaid and Melina in the mines below the reactor. Benny has no special abilities; his role is that of a traitor whose actions lead to the destruction of the rebel base and the deaths of many mutants.

Did You Know?

• Benny is played by Mel Johnson Jr.
• Benny reveals his betrayal by shooting George, Kuato's brother.
• Benny works for Cohaagen, acting as a spy within the rebellion.
• Benny is killed by Quaid and Melina in the mines below the alien reactor.
• Benny's taxi ride is the first time Quaid and Melina escape Richter's pursuit.