Onward: What If They Were Human?

Hey guys, have you ever watched Onward and found yourself wondering, "What if the characters were human?" The movie is already packed with heart, humor, and a whole lot of magic, but imagine those fantastical creatures, like the shy elf Ian Lightfoot and his boisterous brother Barley, navigating the world as regular humans. It's a fun thought experiment, right? Let's dive into this idea and explore how the characters of Onward would be if they were human, the challenges they'd face, and how their relationships might change. We're going to use this opportunity to provide some great content and value to you, the reader, so get ready for a deep dive!

Ian Lightfoot: From Elf to Awkward Teen

Let's start with Ian Lightfoot, the main character. In the movie, Ian is an elf who struggles with confidence and self-doubt. He wants to connect with his late father but lacks the magical prowess to do so until his older brother, Barley, gets involved. If Ian were human, his challenges would probably be relatable to anyone who's ever felt like an outsider, or perhaps you've felt the pangs of losing a parent. Instead of magic, Ian's journey might involve overcoming social anxiety, dealing with the pressure to succeed, or finding his place in a world that doesn't always understand him. Imagine him as a shy teenager, maybe awkward at school, unsure of himself, and yearning for a connection with his dad. He would be just like the rest of us, huh? This could play out in so many ways. Perhaps he's into a specific hobby, like coding or art, that helps him express himself. Maybe he struggles with friendships, feeling like he never quite fits in. His quest to bring his father back to life becomes a quest to find himself and understand what it means to be a man and a good son. His character arc could evolve into becoming more confident, opening himself up to vulnerability, and finding the strength to face his fears. He's such a relatable character and this concept is awesome!

The Struggles of a Human Ian

If Ian were human, his quest to connect with his father could take many forms. He might spend hours looking at old family photos, listening to his father's favorite music, or visiting places that were important to him. He could pour his heart into writing letters to his dad, hoping to communicate the things he never got to say. His struggles with self-doubt could manifest in various ways, such as in struggles to speak in class, shying away from social events, or constantly comparing himself to others. The magical staff in the movie becomes a special item, like a cherished family heirloom. The core of Ian's journey remains the same: the desire for connection, the need for self-discovery, and the importance of family. This will make for some powerful storytelling!

Barley Lightfoot: The Energetic Brother in Human Form

Now, let's look at Barley Lightfoot, Ian's older brother. Barley is a free-spirited elf obsessed with fantasy role-playing games and historical lore. He's enthusiastic, a bit of a goofball, and deeply devoted to his brother. If Barley were human, he might be the ultimate history buff or a die-hard gamer, maybe even both! He would be the kind of person who knows every detail about his family history and the local legends of their town. His role in helping Ian would translate into a supportive older sibling, always there to encourage Ian, even when he gets it wrong. He would be a true brother, right? He'd be the one who offers to drive Ian to the store, and offers him advice. Barley's unwavering belief in Ian, regardless of his flaws, is a defining trait. This would remain constant if Barley was human. He'd believe in his brother even when Ian doesn't believe in himself.

Barley's Human Adventures

Instead of magic and quests, human Barley might be obsessed with uncovering his family's history. He might spend hours researching his family tree, visiting historical sites, or creating elaborate fantasy scenarios in his head. He's always there for his brother, with a ride and a pep talk. Barley's role as the enthusiastic and supportive older brother would translate seamlessly into a human setting. He would be the one encouraging Ian to pursue his passions, no matter how unconventional. The van, Guinevere, becomes a classic car, a source of pride and a symbol of their shared adventures. His love for fantasy and role-playing games would evolve into a passion for tabletop games, historical re-enactments, or even writing his own fantasy stories.

The Dynamics of Human Brothers: A Deeper Bond

The relationship between Ian and Barley is the heart of Onward. These two siblings are complete opposites, with their own challenges, but their love for each other is what truly matters. If they were human, their bond would probably be even more resonant. It wouldn't be about spellcasting, but about supporting each other through life's ups and downs. Imagine them navigating the awkwardness of teenage years, dealing with the loss of their father, or simply trying to figure out who they are. The themes of family, loss, and self-discovery would take on a new, relatable dimension. The story wouldn't lose its magic; instead, it would find it in the everyday struggles and triumphs of these two brothers. This emotional resonance would feel authentic and true. It's a reminder that we can find magic in our everyday lives, in the people we love, and the bonds we share.

Human Challenges and Triumphs

As human brothers, Ian and Barley would face familiar challenges. They might struggle with school, friendships, and the pressures of fitting in. The loss of their father would cast a long shadow, leading them to grapple with grief and sadness. However, their bond would be their source of strength. They would lean on each other for support, celebrate each other's successes, and navigate life's obstacles together. They would have arguments, disagreements, and misunderstandings. The story would feel even more human, more accessible, and more compelling. It's a testament to the power of family, love, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. The movie's core message of family and togetherness would be even more profound in this context.

Other Characters as Humans: A Fresh Perspective

What about the other characters? Corey Brandeur, the Manticore, could be a stern but ultimately caring teacher or mentor. Colt Bronco, the centaur police officer, could be a dedicated, by-the-book detective with a secret soft side. Laurel Lightfoot, their mother, might be a single parent who works tirelessly to support her sons. Wilden Lightfoot, the father, in spirit, is an absent figure in the film. The movie would then focus on other themes like loss and hope.

Transforming the Supporting Cast

Corey's character arc would then become one of an inspiring teacher. Colt's rigid exterior could hide a compassionate heart. Laurel's devotion to her sons would become the driving force behind her actions. These characters would bring new depths to the story. The core themes of the film would stay the same. The movie's focus on family, loss, and self-discovery would be even more relevant to our lives. The other characters would provide even more richness and complexity to the story.

The Power of Human Connection in Onward

The central theme of Onward is the power of human connection. The film celebrates the importance of family, the value of brotherhood, and the strength that comes from supporting each other. By imagining the characters as humans, we can amplify these themes and make them even more relatable. The struggles of Ian and Barley become our struggles, and their triumphs become our triumphs. It's a reminder that we are all interconnected, and the most magical things in life often come from the relationships we share. This resonates, right? It's a story that explores love and loss, courage and vulnerability. It's a celebration of the human experience, in all its complexities and contradictions.

The Enduring Magic of Onward

Onward is a tale of brotherhood, magic, and the human spirit. Imagining the characters as humans only enhances these themes and makes the story more compelling. By focusing on everyday struggles and triumphs, the movie's core message of connection and the importance of family comes to the forefront. The story would become an emotional journey that reminds us that, sometimes, the greatest magic is found in the people we love.

I hope you enjoyed this exploration of the characters of Onward as humans! Let me know what you think in the comments. Thanks for reading, and let's keep the magic of storytelling alive! It's always great to think about these things. Let me know what you thought!