Origin stories strip heroes back to their raw selves, adding peril, depth, and insight into how they became the legends we know. But why do we love them so much?
Origin stories have an undeniable grip on audiences. They offer a fresh perspective on familiar characters, answering the burning question: how did they come to be? We recognise the hero, but now we get to see them at their most vulnerable, before they had the skills, wisdom, or iconic traits that make them legendary.
Unlike sequels, which deliver more of what we already know, origin stories rewind the clock. They add stakes because the hero isn’t fully formed yet – they can still fail, suffer, or even take the wrong path. But beyond just character development, there’s a deeper, almost psychological reason we love origin stories so much.
The obsession with patterns and completion
We are wired to seek patterns. When we see a character we love, we naturally want to understand how they became that way. Every quirk, skill, or signature item – whether it’s Sherlock Holmes’ pipe, Batman’s cowl, or a protagonist’s lucky coin – demands an explanation, a beginning and a culmination.
Filling in the gaps of a character’s past gives us a sense of fulfillment. It’s like solving a puzzle: we recognise the final picture, but there’s satisfaction in seeing all the pieces fall into place. This storytelling device works especially well because it blends something familiar (a beloved character) with something new (a fresh, untold perspective).
Stripping the hero back to their core
An origin story is, at its heart, about seeing a hero before they were ready to be one. It’s about struggle, failure, and the moments that define them. When a character is at the height of their power, there’s a certain comfort in knowing they’ll triumph. But when they are untested and uncertain, without armour or weapon, every challenge feels like a true threat.
This vulnerability adds tension and raises the stakes. The audience isn’t just watching a hero win; they’re watching them earn their place in legend. And sometimes, an origin story subverts expectations, showing us that greatness wasn’t inevitable – there were moments where things could have gone very differently.
Meeting the influential figures who shaped them
Another reason origin stories captivate us is that they introduce key figures from the hero’s past – the mentors, parents, rivals, and friends who helped forge them. These are relationships often only hinted at in the main story, but now they take centre stage.
Heroes are rarely self-made; they are shaped by the people around them. An origin story allows us to see these formative connections and the emotional weight they carry. Whether it’s a father’s words of wisdom, a rival’s betrayal, or a mentor’s tragic downfall, these relationships make the hero’s journey feel richer and more grounded.
The peril of choice: The road not taken
A great origin story doesn’t just show the road to heroism – it also highlights the paths the hero didn’t take. Every choice matters, and often, the difference between hero and villain can come down to a single moment or decision.
A young girl dreams of becoming a superhero
This adds to the stakes, making us wonder: what if they had made a different choice? What if they hadn’t learned that lesson, met that mentor, or faced that hardship? Seeing these crossroads reminds us that heroes aren’t born; they are made, one difficult decision at a time.
Origin stories v coming-of-age stories
Not every story that explores a character’s past is an origin story. A coming-of-age tale focuses on personal growth, often culminating in a character finding their place in the world. These stories are about adolescence, identity, and emotional development. In contrast, an origin story is about transformation into something larger – a hero, a legend, or even a villain. It answers the question: how did this person become the force they are known to be?
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For example, Pride and Prejudice is a arguably coming-of-age story because Elizabeth Bennet matures and changes, but she remains Elizabeth Bennet. However, Young Sherlock Holmes is an origin story because it charts how a boy with raw talent and intelligence became the great detective we recognise. The difference lies in the scale of change and the sense of inevitability in where the character is headed.
Three stand-alone origin stories that define their characters
- Young Sherlock Holmes (1985) – This film imagines a teenage Sherlock Holmes (Nicholas Rowe) at boarding school, showing his early genius, his first great mystery, and the tragic loss that shaped his future detachment. His iconic deerstalker hat and deductive methods emerge here, giving audiences a satisfying look at the origins of his signature style.
- Casino Royale (2006) – James Bond’s origin is told in this reboot, where we see him earn his 00 status and experience heartbreak that hardens him into the cold, suave spy we know. The loss of Vesper Lynd is crucial, explaining why Bond never truly trusts anyone again and how his callous charm developed.
- X-Men: First Class (2011) – This prequel explores the origins of Charles Xavier (Professor X) and Erik Lehnsherr (Magneto), showing how their friendship and ideological split formed the core conflict of the X-Men universe. The film explains why Xavier is ever the optimist and why Magneto’s tragic past fuels his extremist stance.
Why origin stories work
Origin stories endure because they tap into something universal. They reflect our own journeys – our struggles, our growth, and the people who shape us. They remind us that even the most powerful figures started somewhere, often in uncertainty and doubt. They get us to look at our own lives and influences, the enduring or forgotten people and experiences that made us.
Whether it’s a superhero, a legendary detective, or a leader in a historical epic, origin stories remind us that transformation is possible. They aren’t just about where someone started; they’re about the moments that defined them. And ultimately, they remind us that greatness isn’t about where you begin – it’s about the choices you make with the information you receive.