What Happened to CJ After GTA San Andreas?
At the conclusion of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Carl “CJ” Johnson finds himself in a significantly different position than when the game began. He’s not just a survivor; he’s a successful entrepreneur, a respected leader, and a wealthy individual. He returns to Los Santos with his family, effectively dismantling the corrupt power structures that had plagued his community. Importantly, CJ’s fate isn’t one of a hero disappearing into the sunset, he becomes a successful businessman with his financial stake and assets. The game leaves him a 33% shareholder of the Four Dragons Casino in Las Venturas and, remarkably, the owner of a $60 million jetpack. Beyond his lavish holdings, CJ also owns a well-established workshop in San Fierro, indicating his diversification into other ventures outside of the criminal underworld. The ending is very much a victory, signifying a major shift in CJ’s life from the gang-banging hoodlum he was at the start of the game to a successful businessman and leader.
CJ’s Path to Success
CJ’s transformation is not merely luck; it’s a result of his grit, resilience, and astute decision-making. His journey throughout San Andreas takes him from the downtrodden streets of Los Santos to the high-stakes world of Las Venturas. While initially forced into criminal activities by the corrupt cop Officer Tenpenny, CJ eventually leverages these situations to his advantage. He shrewdly navigates his relationships, makes key alliances, and always keeps an eye out for opportunities. He uses the skills and contacts he gains during his exile to lay the foundation for his future successes in business. The workshop in San Fierro shows his ability to manage a business, while the stake in the casino highlights his business acumen. His success is a testament to his adaptability and his unwavering drive.
A Return to Los Santos and Redemption
While building his empires in San Fierro and Las Venturas, CJ never forgets his roots. His ultimate goal is to return to Los Santos and reclaim the city for his family, the Grove Street Families. He dismantles the Ballas gang, avenging his mother’s death, and eliminates Officer Tenpenny who was responsible for much of the chaos within the city. This return to Los Santos is not just about reclaiming territory; it’s about restoring the community that he once abandoned. His success story is not just personal it’s also a victory for the community he strives to protect.
The Significance of CJ’s Ending
The ending of GTA San Andreas is significant because it represents a rare optimistic conclusion within the GTA franchise. Unlike many other protagonists in the series, CJ manages to escape the criminal underworld with considerable wealth and influence. This makes his story a beacon of hope within the often grim and cynical world of Grand Theft Auto. It’s a departure from the usual tragedy that befalls many of the protagonists within the franchise, further cementing his legacy as one of gaming’s most memorable characters.
The Absence of CJ in Later GTA Titles
Despite his compelling story, CJ does not appear in any subsequent Grand Theft Auto games. The reason for this absence is because GTA V and later entries take place in a different universe – the HD universe – while San Andreas was part of the 3D universe. Though there are some crossover Easter eggs, references or some people being the same, they do not play the same role and do not have the same history. This is why CJ is not in GTA V; he is a character confined to the storyline and the world of San Andreas, existing in a separate continuity. This has created speculation and fan theories over the years, but it should be remembered that CJ has his ending, which is a success for himself and his community within the universe he exists in.
The Legacy of CJ
Even without further appearances, CJ remains one of the most beloved and iconic characters in video game history. His story, struggles, and triumphs resonate with gamers, and his legacy is not diminished by his absence in later titles. The character is a testament to the storytelling power of video games, illustrating that even fictional characters can leave a profound impact on the real world. Carl “CJ” Johnson’s legacy is one of overcoming adversity, achieving success, and finding redemption, traits that have solidified his place in gaming history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Was CJ killed after the events of San Andreas?
No, CJ was not killed after the events of San Andreas. He successfully built an empire and reclaimed Grove Street, his story ends on a high note within the game’s narrative. The story has an uplifting ending for CJ, which does not conclude with his death.
2. Where is CJ from GTA SA now?
Technically, in the narrative he is living in Los Santos after returning from his exile, overseeing his businesses in both San Fierro and Las Venturas. He is living within the city he helped to re-build. However, in a literal sense, he remains a fictional character.
3. Does CJ exist in GTA V?
No, CJ does not exist in the GTA V universe. GTA San Andreas and GTA V are set in different continuities, therefore CJ exists in the 3D universe, while GTA V takes place in the HD universe.
4. Will CJ be in GTA 6?
Given the multiple universes of GTA, it is unlikely that the original Carl Johnson will be in GTA 6. He is unlikely to appear as a main protagonist within the next game.
5. Is CJ Franklin’s dad?
No, CJ is not Franklin’s father. The games are set in alternate timelines, and there is no relationship between the two. Though their voice actors have familial connections, the characters have none.
6. Who killed CJ’s mom?
CJ’s mother was killed by two Ballas members in a drive-by shooting, ordered by corrupt LSPD officers Tenpenny and Eddie Pulaski, who intended to target CJ’s brother Sweet.
7. How old is CJ in SA?
CJ is 24 years old during the events of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.
8. Why did Big Smoke betray CJ?
Big Smoke betrayed CJ because he was driven by greed and ambition, seeing an opportunity to become rich and famous and betraying his loyal friends for his own desires.
9. Was CJ in GTA 3?
CJ does briefly meet Claude, the protagonist of GTA III, during a race, but he does not play a major role.
10. What happened to Niko after GTA 4?
An easter egg and a social media post within the game’s world reveal that Niko is still alive and working for his cousin’s taxi company, Roman.
11. Can CJ get married in GTA San Andreas?
No, CJ cannot get married in GTA San Andreas. Though he can form romantic relationships, marriage is not an option.
12. Why did CJ leave Los Santos?
CJ initially left Los Santos because he believed his life there was unpromising, seeking a better life for himself. This was prompted by the death of his brother and the gang warfare within Los Santos.
13. What did Tenpenny do to CJ?
Tenpenny uses CJ as a pawn, exploiting his family ties, blackmailing and forcing him to perform tasks that would further his own corrupt agenda.
14. How many girlfriends did CJ have?
CJ can have relationships with six different girlfriends throughout the game, each providing different perks, clothes, and vehicles.
15. Who is CJ based on?
CJ is voiced and modeled after Young Maylay, a rapper from Los Angeles, which adds a layer of authenticity to the character.