Are There Two Captain Prices? Unraveling the Mystery of Call of Duty’s Iconic Character
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Yes, there are indeed two distinct Captain Prices in the Call of Duty franchise, though they share the same name and some iconic characteristics, primarily that glorious mustache. Understanding their differences is key to navigating the complexities of the Call of Duty timeline. One is the World War II Captain Price, a character who first appeared in the original Call of Duty and Call of Duty 2. The other is the Modern Warfare Captain Price, a pivotal figure in the Modern Warfare series (Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3). While they are not the same person, they are often confused, and their relationship within the extended Call of Duty narrative is a subject of much fan discussion. They exist in separate timelines, showcasing the franchise’s expansion across different eras.
The Original Captain Price: A WWII Hero
Humble Beginnings
The first incarnation of Captain Price made his debut in a World War II setting. He appeared in the original Call of Duty game and also in Call of Duty 2. While this version of Price doesn’t possess the same complex personality as his modern counterpart, he is recognizable through his equally impressive, perhaps even more robust, facial hair. He represents a more straightforward, classic archetype of a military leader.
Price’s Fate in WWII
In the World War II narrative, Captain Price’s story culminates with what was believed to be his death. He was presumed KIA (Killed in Action) on October 27th, 1944 during a sabotage mission on the German battleship Tirpitz. He is seemingly killed when the engines of the ship explode. This seemingly ends his arc in the World War II setting, paving the way for a separate character to take on the Price mantle in a different timeline.
The Modern Warfare Captain Price: A Legend Reborn
Rise of a New Legend
The Captain Price that fans came to know in the Modern Warfare series, is a completely different character, albeit sharing the same name and some similar design choices. This John Price is a member of the British Special Air Service (SAS), making his first appearance in Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. He quickly became a central figure, known for his tactical brilliance, unwavering loyalty, and signature rugged look.
Trials and Tribulations
This Captain Price is notably more complex and central to the ongoing narrative than his WWII namesake. He endures numerous trials, betrayals, and life-threatening situations across the Modern Warfare series. He forms key relationships with other beloved characters like “Soap” MacTavish and battles formidable antagonists like Vladimir Makarov and General Shepherd. His journey through these games cements his status as a series icon.
The Modern Warfare Reboot
The Modern Warfare series was rebooted starting in 2019 with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. The series, including Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022) and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023), presents a new continuity, with an updated version of Captain Price. Though he’s not the same Price from the original Modern Warfare trilogy, this version still draws inspiration from the iconic look and characteristics, further confusing the issue for fans unfamiliar with the multiple timelines.
The Connection: Legacy, Not Lineage
The connection between the two Captain Prices is primarily thematic and design-based. They are both designed as tough, charismatic leaders with iconic mustaches. They share the same name, but are not related within the narrative and they belong to separate game continuities. The existence of two Captain Prices serves more as a tribute than a direct link. The legacy of the first Captain Price may have inspired the creation of the second character, ensuring his impact on the entire franchise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Modern Warfare Captain Price a descendant of the WWII Price?
No, the Modern Warfare Captain Price is not a descendant of the World War II Price. They exist in separate storylines and are entirely different characters within the Call of Duty franchise, albeit with the same name and iconic facial hair.
2. What happened to the original Captain Price from WWII?
The original Captain Price was presumed killed in action during the sabotage of the German battleship Tirpitz. He is seen lying motionless in the engine room, but it is later revealed he was captured and held as “Prisoner 627” in a Russian Gulag.
3. Was the original Captain Price rescued?
Yes, the original Captain Price was rescued from the Gulag in 2016 by Task Force 141.
4. Who rescued the WWII Captain Price from the Gulag?
Task Force 141 rescued the original Captain Price from the Gulag in 2016. This rescue is part of the storyline that bridges certain elements of the WWII setting with the modern era.
5. Which Captain Price was inspired by a real person?
The Modern Warfare Captain Price is said to have been inspired by SAS soldier John McAleese. McAleese was known for his involvement in the Iranian Embassy siege and his expertise in survival tactics.
6. Why did they recast Captain Price in the Modern Warfare series?
Activision/IW wanted to have the voice actor for Price also do motion capture for the character. Since the original voice actor, Billy Murray, was 77 years old at the time, mocap would have been difficult, leading to the recasting.
7. Is Captain Price immortal?
No, Captain Price is not immortal. The multiple “deaths” throughout the series are usually attributed to the varying timelines and continuities in the games. However, his apparent survival in many seemingly impossible situations has lead to the fan perception that he is almost unkillable.
8. What is Soap’s full name?
Soap’s full name is Captain John “Soap” MacTavish. He is a key character in the Modern Warfare series and a close ally of Captain Price.
9. What is Ghost’s real name in Call of Duty?
Ghost’s real name is Simon Riley.
10. What is Gaz’s real name in the Modern Warfare series?
Gaz’s real name is Sergeant Kyle Garrick. He is a playable character in the Modern Warfare reboot series.
11. How many years did Captain Price serve in the British Army?
John Price joined the infantry at the age of sixteen and has served in the British Army for eighteen years.
12. Who saved Captain Price from Makarov in MWIII?
Soap saved Captain Price from Makarov in Modern Warfare III. This mirrors Yuri’s saving of Price in Modern Warfare 3 (2011).
13. What happens to Price after MW3?
After the events of Modern Warfare 3, Captain Price is likely taken into custody by the police, having just killed Makarov.
14. What is Captain Price’s most famous quote?
One of Captain Price’s most famous quotes is: “History is written by the victor. History is filled with liars. If he lives, and we die, his truth becomes written – and ours is lost.”
15. Why does Soap call Ghost ‘lt’?
During the original Modern Warfare 2, Soap is a higher-ranking Captain, while Ghost is a Lieutenant. In the Modern Warfare reboot series, Ghost retains his rank as Lieutenant, while Soap is demoted to Sergeant. Ghost sometimes refers to Soap as “Johnny” especially after the “Alone” mission.
In conclusion, while there are two Captain Prices within the Call of Duty universe, they represent separate eras and narratives, connected more by their iconic characterization than any direct relationship. The distinction between them allows the franchise to explore both World War II and modern conflicts with equally compelling and beloved characters.