Entrepreneurial Lessons from Deadpool the Movie

Posted on Friday, March 11th, 2016

This weekend, I went to the new movie Deadpool, an “anti-superhero” movie with a restricted rating and a departure from most superhero movies that usually hold a PG-13 rating. In its first weekend, this movie broke the box office record for an R rated movie with a take of 132 million! This definitely makes Deadpool a huge success.

Deadpool

Image Source: comicbook.com

So, how does “Deadpool” apply to starting a business?

  1. Deadpool

    Image Source: upi.com


    Firstly, the movie studio did something different. It took a risk on a character that however beloved is really “out there” and the opposite of “family friendly”. The studio took a chance instead of sticking to the tired reboots…Spiderman, Superman, Batman, etc. This risk taking is exactly what entrepreneurs need to do when they want to start something. I would even say that “Deadpool” was an innovation on the typical superhero movie, with not only a new out-of-the-norm character but also with the regular breaking of the 3rd dimension, where Deadpool talks to the audience. Deadpool is unpredictable – he does not follow the typical path, and does things that certainly set him apart from other heroes. His ability to innovate on the fly is clear throughout the movie. The lesson to be learned here for entrepreneurs is don’t be like everyone else. This movie is successful because they did not follow the typical formula, so like this one-of-a-kind character, be yourself, be innovative, and create something different.

  2. Secondly the character Deadpool, is successful as an antihero due to his ability to regenerate cells which virtually makes him immortal. Despite losing a hand and various other setbacks throughout the movie, Deadpool keeps on trucking. Just like what an entrepreneur or business owner does. We have set backs, we fail, but we somehow regenerate our ability to keep trying despite the odds.
  3. Deadpool

    Image source: arstechnica.com


    Lastly, despite having maybe the best super powers ever, he needed help to accomplish his mission. By letting go of his ego for a brief moment and asking the help of the X-Men. Just like in business, we sometimes try to go it alone, but most of the time we need help in some way, shape or form. We may not have a team of “X-Men” but we do have lawyers, accountants, mentors and numerous other professionals that can help our businesses succeed and accomplish our very own “missions”.

Remember when starting a business, just like Deadpool, take risks, be true to your values, move forward with your goals and don’t be afraid to find some good partners. And just like Deadpool, you may live happily ever after until the next money-making sequel.

Posted by: Chris Doré, Waterfront Campus Entrepreneur in Residence


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