Incredibles 2
How to reimagine mythology to create a masterpiece?
EST V ACT domestic box office revenue
$503 – 557MM V $608MM
Mythosis universal quests used
4
Audience appeal
16.91 – 19.58%
Script Score
0.56
Incredibles 2 is the 2018 sequel to Pixar’s superhero film, The Incredibles. Directed by Brad Bird, the movie follows the Parr family as they try to restore the public’s trust in superheroes while balancing their family life.
The script draws inspiration from the conflict between Theseus and Medea in Greek mythology. Just as Theseus embarks on perilous missions to gain King Aegeus’ acceptance while Medea plots against him, Evelyn manipulates Winston to deploy Elastigirl on risky assignments, even going so far as to abduct her. Eventually, Winston uncovers Evelyn’s deception and cuts ties with her—mirroring Aegeus’ realization of Medea’s treachery and her subsequent banishment.
Additionally, the narrative masterfully intertwines the arcs of Elastigirl and Evelyn with those of Mr. Incredible and the kids. Each arc is distinct, ensuring every character retains their individuality while contributing to the movie’s layered and dynamic storytelling.
1. The invisible plot structure of Incredibles 2
1A. The script of Incredibles 2 borrows 96% of its events from 4 mythological tales
The desire for acceptance drives Elastigirl’s quest. The quest borrows events from the tale of Theseus from Greek mythology. Similar to Theseus, Elastigirl undertakes several missions to get accepted by those who have rejected her.
The desire to avenge offenders drives Evelyn’s quest. The quest borrows events from the tale of Duryodhan in Hindu mythology. Duryodhan’s retaliation, stemming from his belief that the throne was unjustly taken from him, parallels Evelyn’s revenge against Supers who were responsible for her parent’s death.
The desire for tranquillity drives Mr. Incredible’s quest. The quest borrows events from the tale of Odysseus in Greek mythology. Both Odysseus and Mr. Incredible struggle in a new environment and seek help to navigate it.
The desire for loyalty drives the Parr Kids’ quest. The quest borrows events from the tale of Hanuman in Hindu mythology. Both Hanuman & Parr Kids undertake a dangerous mission to find & save a loved one.
NOTE: Detailed mirroring of each character’s primary quest to their respective mythological tales is in section “3A. Quests of characters and their mythological counterparts”
Mythosis plot structure
#867,645
Tales interweaved
Duryodhan, Theseus, Odysseus & Hanuman
I. How does interweaving mythological tales lead to infinite story plots?
II. Can the pursuit of a Desire have more than one quest?
2. The potential of Incredibles 2's plot structure: $503 – 557MM
The interweaving of 32 mythological tales can generate a billion unique stories. By using these 32 tales, we can extract the plot structure of any story across various genres. Our study of blockbuster, hit, and flop plot structures led to the discovery of the Mythosis Code, a set of principles for creating compelling stories. The plot structure of a story is analyzed to see how well it adheres to these storytelling principles.
2A. Plot structure evaluation of Incredibles 2
- All Blockbusters have at least 3 universal quests. Incredibles 2 uses four universal quests of Vengeance, Acceptance, Tranquillity & Honour
- In Blockbusters, each universal quest is mirrored by ONLY ONE character. Mr. Incredible mirrors the universal quest of Tranquillity. Evelyn mirrors the quest of Vengeance. Elastigirl mirrors Acceptance & Parr Kids mirror Honour.
- Every Blockbuster character borrows at least 35% of the universal quest. Elastigirl borrows 36% events from the quest of Acceptance. Evelyn borrows 27% from Vengeance. Mr. Incredible borrows 20% from Tranquillity. Parr Kids 28% from Honour.
- Blockbusters have a quest interweaving threshold of 0.5. Interweaving occurs when events of 2 quests occur simultaneously in the story. Incredibles 2’s quest interweaving score of 0.83 is above par.
For instance, an example of interweaving the quests of Elastigirl & Evelyn:
2B. Box office revenue estimation of Incredibles 2
Incredibles 2’s plot structure has one robust quest and two quests that are marginally below the threshold. More importantly, the quests are extremely well interwoven with each other.
The Script Score measures a plot structure’s adherence to the four principles of Mythosis Code. We use the Script Score to estimate a movie’s audience appeal & revenues. Blockbuster plot structures have a score of at least 0.64 and appeal to 20% of the audiences.
Script Score
0.56
Audience appeal
16.91% – 19.58%
I. How is Mythosis Code used to estimate revenues?
II. Aren’t box-office revenues influenced by several factors beyond just the story plot?
3. The ideal plot structure of Incredibles 2
We have identified 32 mythological tales, the superset of all tales across cultures. The quests of these tales have also recurred over time periods. They represent human behaviours that are deeply embedded in our shared memories. Each tale is the richest expression of the pursuit of a human desire. The tales have a unique pattern of events spread over 5 major arcs.
Mapping a character’s quest to the relevant mythological tale reveals the gaps in their quest, if any. Plugging these gaps with the missing events deepens the character quest. The missing events also provide an opportunity for interweaving the various quests. These events strengthen the story and unlock its hidden potential.
3A.Quest of characters and their mythological counterparts
Quest 1: Elastigirl mirrors the universal quest for Acceptance
Elastigirl’s desire for Acceptance stems from the need for approval by others. The tale of Theseus from Greek mythology is the universal quest for Acceptance.
Quest 2: Evelyn mirrors the universal quest for Vengeance
Evelyn’s desire for Vengeance stems from the need to punish offenders. The tale of Duryodhan from Hindu mythology is the universal quest for Vengeance.
Quest 3: Mr Incredible mirrors the universal quest for Tranquillity
Mr. Incredible’s desire for Tranquillity stems from the need for peace and tranquillity. The tale of Odysseus from Greek mythology is the universal quest for Tranquillity.
Quest 4: Parr Kids mirrors the universal quest for Honour
Parr Kids’ desire for Honour stems from the need to be loyal to ones’ clan/order. The tale of Hanuman from Hindu mythology is the universal quest for Honour.
3B.Gaps in the current plot structure
Violet’s quest for Social contact digresses from the plot structure. The possibility of further strengthening each of the quests already exists in the plot structure. These additional events prevent the plot structure from digressing.
3C.Unlocking the hidden potential
The plot of Incredibles 2 is a subset of Mythosis plot structure # 867,645. It emerges from interweaving the tales of Duryodhan, Theseus, Odysseus and Hanuman.
Contact us for Mythosis plot structure # 867,645.
Tags: Odysseus, Tranquillity, Duryodhan, Vengeance, Theseus, Acceptance, Hanuman, Honour, Brad Bird, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, 2018