The script potential of Deadpool estimated from its PLOT structure is 273 – 333MM (actual 363MM)
The script of Deadpool borrows from the universal quests of Preservation, Tranquillity & Honour
The Plot structure will appeal to 9.76 – 11.93% of the population
The Genetic Code shared by all Blockbuster Plot Structures
Deadpool is a brilliant adaptation of Odysseus’ quest. From his marriage to Penelope, separation, obstacles in the return journey and finally saving her from the suitors. Deadpool’s plot structure reveals a similar unfolding of Wade and Vanessa’s story.
The Plot Structure plays a crucial role in engaging and captivating the audience. A well-crafted plot structure can make or break a story's impact on its audience. At Mythosis, we have discovered the Code for creating Blockbuster Plot Structures. The Mythosis Code has emerged from the plot structure analysis of Blockbuster, Hit & Flop movies.
• All Blockbusters have at least 3 universal quests
• In Blockbusters, each universal quest is mirrored by ONLY ONE character
• Every Blockbuster character borrows at least 35% of events from their quest
• Blockbusters interweave the quests to create a tight plot structure
Evaluation of Deadpool’s Plot Structure
Since every story is the quest to fulfil a human desire, we have identified 32 universal quests. Every quest is the pursuit of a basic human desire and represents our collective subconscious. 32 universal quests can extract the Plot Structure of any story. Examining the movie’s Plot Structure with the Mythosis Code we uncover its audience appeal and potential revenue.
We used 3 universal quests for Deadpool to extract its Plot Structure. 96% of events in Deadpool’s script are borrowed from these 3 quests.
Adherence to the Mythosis Code
All Blockbusters have at least 3 universal quests. Deadpool borrows from 3 quests of Preservation, Tranquillity & Honour.
In Blockbusters, each universal quest is mirrored by ONLY ONE character. In Deadpool, Ajax mirrors the quest of Preservation. Colossus/Negasonic mirrors the quest of Honour. Wade mirrors the quest of Tranquillity.
Every Blockbuster character borrows at least 35% of the universal quest. In Deadpool, the depth of all quests is below the threshold. Ajax borrows 39% of the quest of Preservation. Colossus/Negasonic borrow 8% of the quest of Honour. Wade borrows 68% of the quest of Tranquillity.
Blockbusters interweave different quests to create a tight plot structure. Interweaving occurs when events of 2 quests occur simultaneously in the story. Blockbusters have a quest interweaving threshold of 0.5. Deadpool’s quest interweaving score of 0.33 is below par. Here is an example of interweaving the quests of Wade & Ajax:
Estimation of Deadpool’s audience appeal
The potency of the existing plot structure is 0.34 whereas Blockbusters has a score of at least 0.64. Based on the script’s plot potency score, Deadpool will appeal to 9.76 – 11.93% of the population. Our estimate of the movie’s revenues from its audience appeal is 273-333MM against the actual revenue of 363MM.
Extraction of Deadpool’s plot structure with 3 mythological tales
Each mythological tale uniquely represents a human quest to fulfil a desire. These tales are the superset of thousands of stories across cultures that reflect our collective subconscious.
Every tale has 5 major arcs culminating in a mega event. Mapping a character’s quest to the relevant tale reveals the gaps in their quest. The ideal Plot Structure can be constructed by plugging these gaps with the missing events. These events strengthen each character’s journey and weaving of quests without altering the story.
Deconstruction of Deadpool’s plot structure using mythological tales:
Quest 1: Wade mirrors the universal quest for Tranquillity
Wade’s desire for Tranquillity stems from the need to be in secure surroundings. The tale of Odysseus from Greek mythology is the universal quest for Tranquillity.
Quest 2: Ajax mirrors the universal quest for Preservation
Ajax’s desire for Preservation stems from the need to survive a threat. The tale of Kans from Hindu mythology is the universal quest for Preservation.
Quest 3: Colossus/Negasonic mirrors the universal quest for Honour
Colossus/Negasonic’s desire for Honour stems from the need to be loyal to a clan/order. The tale of Hanuman from Hindu mythology is the universal quest for Honour.
Tags:2016, 20th Century Fox, Character Arcs, Hanuman, Honour, Kans, Marvel Entertainment, Mythology, Odysseus, Paul Wernick, Plot Structure, Preservation, Rhett Reese, Screenwriting, storytelling, Tim Miller, Tranquillity, TSG Entertainment
