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‘The Incredibles’ Almost Killed Off a Major Character in the Opening Scene [Exclusive]
Brad Bird has revealed that Syndrome was originally meant to die in the opening scene of The Incredibles, before becoming the film’s main villain. The abandoned idea led Bird to recognise the character’s potential, helping turn a conventional superhero story into one centred on Mr Incredible’s regret, ego and past mistakes.
In the alternate opening, the Parrs had already entered witness protection after superheroes were forced into hiding, while villains hunted retired heroes under their civilian identities. Bird said audiences preferred the briefly appearing Syndrome to his intended antagonist, and later developed Buddy Pine’s resentment after drawing inspiration from Burt Ward’s autobiography; The Incredibles films are streaming on Disney+, while a third film is in development.
In short
- Syndrome was originally killed in The Incredibles’ unused opening.
- Audience reaction helped make him the main villain.
- His motivation was partly inspired by Burt Ward.
Explained simply
The Incredibles is a 2004 animated superhero film about a family forced to hide their identities after superheroes are effectively banned from public life. Mr Incredible and his wife Elastigirl live anonymously in the suburbs with their superpowered children, but their carefully constructed secret is threatened by dangerous figures from their past. The narrative explores how they confront the consequences of decisions made before they went into hiding.
Syndrome is the film's primary antagonist, a character with a deeply personal connection to Mr Incredible. Born as Buddy Pine, he was rejected by Mr Incredible as a child and this rejection drives his quest for revenge throughout the story. His relationship with the protagonist forms the emotional core of the film's exploration of Mr Incredible's pride and his past mistakes.
Directors and writers routinely reconsider character roles and story directions during film development. The particular decisions made about which characters drive the narrative, when they appear, and how they interact with the main story significantly influence the final film. Understanding these creative choices provides context for appreciating how key characters came to play their roles in the final version.