The narrative structure of the superhero film genre has always brought up a debate among fans and critics with many praising the structure that is followed by many of the films with a small section criticising how some films structure their story, examples include Batman v Superman which saw criticism for the overall amount of material used in the film, giving it an over saturated narrative structure. Most superhero films follow a similar narrative structure that can be described in a similar way to Todov’s Theory which is Equilibrium, Disruption, Recognition, Complications, New Equilibrium. For example, 2011’s Thor can be summed up in these five steps, with the equilibrium being Thor as the God of Thunder and next in line for the throne, the disruption is his arrogance causing his exile from Asgard, the recognition is his realisation that to be a true king he must find peace and humility without his powers. The complication falls under his fight with his “brother” Loki and the new equilibrium showing that he has overcome the disruption and complication and he has completed his journey.
Many superhero films will spend a majority of the first act building the universe and giving many of the characters backstory and a reason for audience members to connect with the characters, around mid-way through the film there will then be an event that causes the hero to confront the main villain which is then usually followed by an event that unravels almost everything that has been built up since the start of the movie. Just before the final third act of the film the hero will (if needed) learn to overcome whatever has been holding them back with the final act then featuring a battle between the main hero and the main villain, with armies for both sides fighting (if they are featured that is) each other.