A Storybrand Analysis On the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3:

May 30, 2023

“Be not as you are but as you should be. -The High Evolutionary”

As an avid lover of Marvel characters and their captivating stories, diving into the world of Guardians of the Galaxy 3 is a dream come true for me.

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy has always held a special place in my heart. The charismatic characters, the cosmic adventures, and the heartfelt narratives have inspired me in both my personal and professional life. 

I can't help but feel a deep connection with Peter Quill, also known as Star-Lord. There's something about his fearless spirit and unyielding determination that resonates with me on a profound level.

A Deep Connection with Star-Lord

Like Quill, I have always embraced the thrill of adventure and the unknown. We share a burning desire to explore uncharted territories, whether it's venturing into new business territories or discovering unexplored dimensions of creativity. The allure of the unknown fuels our curiosity and ignites our passion for pushing boundaries!

Quill's magnetic personality and ability to effortlessly captivate those around him is something I strive for in my own endeavors. Just like him, I believe in the power of communication and building strong connections with those who share a similar vision. 

We both understand that success is not achieved in isolation, but through collaboration and the collective efforts of a dedicated team.

However, one aspect where I can relate to Quill the most is his ability to make bold decisions, even in the face of uncertainty. We both understand the importance of taking calculated risks and embracing the potential rewards that lie beyond our comfort zones. We are not afraid to go against the norm, challenge the status quo, and forge our own paths towards success.

A Storybrand Analysis on the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

There are various perspectives that can be adopted when analyzing this movie from a storybrand perspective. This is my take, but you are free to have your own too!

So, let's dive into the intricacies of the Storybrand framework and witness how it unfolds within Guardians of the Galaxy 3, guiding us through a thrilling and transformative narrative.

  1. Hero - Rocket Racoon

The hero represents the main character of the story (or, in the context of business, the customer). They are the ones who face challenges, seek solutions, and undergo transformation. Understanding the hero's desires, fears, and aspirations is crucial for crafting a compelling narrative.

A lovable yet complex character, Rocket Racoon steps into the spotlight as our hero in Volume 3. In the movie, we see how he named himself Rocket and how he dreamt of flying with his friends into the neverending sky. 

“Someday I’m going to make great machines that fly, and me and my friends are going to go flying together into the forever and beautiful sky. Lylla, and Teefs, and Floor, and me. Rocket.”

  1. Problem - The High Evolutionary

Every hero has a problem that needs to be solved. It could be a pain point, a challenge, or an unmet need. Identifying and clearly defining the problem allows businesses to position themselves as the solution provider that can address the hero's specific needs.

In Rocket’s story, the main problem or villain is the High Evolutionary. Being the one who “modified” Rocket, the High Evolutionary felt threatened that his creation’s intelligence surpasses his. So then he wanted to kill Rocket and take his brain to be studied, and incinerate his other creations — Rocket’s friends (Lylla, Reefs, and Floor). The High Evolutionary succeeded in killing all of Rocket’s friends, but Rocket managed to run away, and have been on the run ever since — but the High Evolutionary hunts him down mercilessly.

  1. Guide - The Guardians

The guide is the character who assists the hero on their journey, offering expertise, support, and guidance. In the business world, the guide can be the brand, the product, or even a trusted advisor. The guide establishes credibility and builds trust with the hero by showcasing their knowledge and ability to help.

As the ultimate guides, the Guardians of the Galaxy (Peter Quill, Mantis, Drax, Nebula, Gamora) come together to support Rocket (and each other, really) on his journey. Each member brings their unique strengths, fostering a united front against the impending danger. As the story of Rocket’s traumatic past got revealed, they have a deeper understanding of Rocket and become more driven to help solve his problem. 

  1. Plan - Unite and Conquer

The plan outlines the steps the hero and guide will take together to overcome the problem. It provides a clear path forward and instills confidence in the hero that their challenges can be conquered. A well-defined plan sets expectations and helps the hero visualize the transformation that awaits them.

To conquer the threat of the High Evolutionary, Rocket and the Guardians meticulously devise a plan that combines their individual skills, expertise, and unwavering determination. They storm the High Evolutionary’s ship to save their friends along with the kids and animals that the High Evolutionary were experimenting with. 

  1. Call to Action - Stop running

The call to action is the pivotal moment where the hero is invited to take action and embark on their journey. It prompts them to make a decision, whether it's to purchase a product, subscribe to a service, or engage with a brand. The call to action should be clear, compelling, and aligned with the hero's desires and aspirations.

Amidst doubt and personal struggles, Rocket receives a resounding call to rise above his limitations and embrace his role in saving the galaxy. This transformative call ignites his inner fire, propelling him into action. Before the battle scene Quill said to Rocket “We have been running our whole lives!” to which Rocket replied “Pete, I’m done running.”

  1. Risk - Sacrifice and Loss

Every hero's journey involves risks and obstacles that they must face. These challenges can be physical, emotional, or psychological. Highlighting the risks involved adds tension and urgency to the story, emphasizing the hero's determination and bravery in overcoming adversity.

In this movie, the most significant risk is Rocket dying in the hands of the High Evolutionary so his brain could be dissected and studied to perfect his creations. However, there are also other risks that he has to face, such as the death of his fellow guardians, the little girls that the High Evolutionary created, and all the animals that were experimented on. 

  1. Reward - Resolution and Realization

The reward represents the transformation or benefit the hero experiences as a result of their journey. It could be a solution to their problem, personal growth, or a sense of fulfillment. Communicating the reward effectively helps the hero envision the positive outcomes they can achieve by engaging with the guide's solution.

After beating the High Evolutionary, Rocket managed to free all the animals that got experimented on — including the racoons (he finally came to terms that he himself is a racoon). Resolving his guilt of being unable to free Lylla, Teefs, and Floor.

But most importantly, even though it’s with a different set of friends, Rocket actually managed to accomplish his dream after all. Flying into the forever sky with the people that mean the most to him as he became the Captain of the Guardians. Through his long journey, Rocket finds redemption, growth, and a deeper sense of who he is. Rocket's transformation embodies the rewards of resilience, friendship, and personal growth.

A Hero in need of a Guide

Guardians of the Galaxy 3 brilliantly exemplifies the Storybrand framework, reminding us of the profound impact storytelling can have on our lives. It captivates our imagination, evokes emotions, and compels us to embrace our own journeys of growth and triumph.

But the connection between storytelling and business doesn't end with the Marvel universe. 

The Storybrand framework offers a transformative perspective for entrepreneurs like us. By applying its principles, we can craft narratives where our customers become the heroes of their own stories. We guide them through challenges, provide solutions, and empower them to achieve their goals. It's a remarkable opportunity to create deep connections and foster meaningful relationships.

And just as Quill leads the Guardians with passion and unwavering determination, I am inspired to guide and empower others on their own heroic journeys. It is through the lens of the storybrand framework that I strive to help individuals and businesses discover their true purpose, overcome challenges, and become the heroes of their own stories.

So, let us embark on this thrilling adventure together, where the power of storytelling and the storybrand framework can transform your business into an epic saga of growth, resilience, and unparalleled success. 

Embrace your inner hero, and let us chart a course towards a future where your dreams become a reality!

Need a guide to help you on your journey to success? Let’s get in touch!

Learn more about Circularity Coach International here: https://www.circularity.coach/

Book a coffee chat with me: https://practice.do/me/mr-pink/book/coaching-discovery-call

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