Benny

A taxi driver with a hidden allegiance.

Benny is a minor but memorable character in the 1990 sci-fi film Total Recall, serving as a Martian taxi driver. He is introduced when Quaid and Melina escape Richter's men and flee to Venusville, where Benny drives them. His role is brief but pivotal, as he later reveals himself to be in Cohaagen's employ, betraying the rebels.

Quick Facts

Role: Martian taxi driver
Affiliation: Cohaagen's forces (initially appears as a colonist)

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.

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.