Revamps, reboots, and sequels have become a staple in the entertainment industry. The MCU has created a web of narratives, intertwining and overlapping. Disney is breathing new life into the Star Wars franchise and new blockbusters like Twisters and Furiosa have proved that revamps can still be fresh and entertaining.
But all this narrative revisiting has given rise to the power of retconning. Let’s look at what retconning is and how its narrative impact on the industry can be good, bad, and increasingly prevalent.
What Does Retcon Mean in Storytelling?
First, let’s define retcon
Most people are familiar with the concept of retconning, but may not know there is an actual term for it. Let’s clear this up.
RETCON DEFINITION
What is retcon?
Retcon, an abbreviation for "retroactive continuity," refers to the act of changing facts or events in a previously established narrative. This can involve adding new information, altering existing details, or even erasing past events entirely.
The term was first coined in the 1980s within the comic book community, but the practice itself predates the term by decades, finding roots in literature and folklore where stories were often revised or retold with new twists.
What is retcon used for?
- Correcting narrative inconsistencies
- Expanding character backgrounds
- Refreshing outdated storylines
Retcon Meaning and Origin
History and Evolution of Retcon
Retcon isn't a new concept by any means. The concept even predates the term, dating back to older literature and folklore.
A notable early example can be seen in the revival of Sherlock Holmes. Author Arthur Conan Doyle seemingly ended the famous detective's story in The Final Problem, published in 1893. However, due to the overwhelming reaction from readers, Doyle resurrected Holmes in The Empty House released in 1903.
The Death of Sherlock Holmes
The term 'retcon' wasn't coined until the 1980s, and it quickly became popular in the world of comic books. The nature of overlapping and intertwining storylines and universes would cause writers to find creative solutions for continuity errors or plot inconsistencies.
One notable example is DC's Crisis on Infinite Earths, which revamped the entire DC Universe, merging multiple timelines and erasing inconsistencies. Marvel's House of M storyline also employed retcon to alter the reality of its universe significantly.
As storytelling evolved, so did the use and purpose of retcons. In modern media, they are often used to keep long-running franchises fresh and relevant or to address societal changes and cultural sensitivities.
Movies are no strangers to retcon either. The Star Wars franchise has seen significant retcons, especially with the introduction of the sequel trilogy, which altered and expanded the lore established in the original and prequel trilogies. The X-Men series also heavily relied on retcon, particularly with X-Men: Days of Future Past, which reset the timeline to correct inconsistencies.
What is Retcon Used For?
Pros and Cons of Retconning
The primary advantage of retcon is its ability to fix plot holes and address inconsistencies, ensuring a more coherent and engaging story. It can also revitalize interest in a series by introducing fresh elements and perspectives. Retcon allows for creative freedom, enabling writers to explore new directions without being constrained by past decisions.
Retconning can be a useful tool for creators to fix plot holes, address character development, or refresh long-running franchises. It allows for new storylines and ideas that keep the narrative fresh and exciting for audiences.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
While retconning can be an effective tool for screenwriters, it is not without its controversies. It can be seen as a lazy way to fix plot holes or character inconsistencies, sacrificing continuity for shock value.
Additionally, retcons can also alienate long-time fans who feel that their favorite stories and characters are being disregarded or rewritten. It can confuse or frustrate audiences, especially if changes are perceived as arbitrary or poorly justified. Some of them are on Mojo’s list of most significant MCU retcons.
Top 10 Biggest MCU Retcons
Balancing retcon with narrative coherence is crucial, as over-reliance on retcon can lead to a loss of credibility and emotional investment.
Retconned Movies
Famous Retcon Examples
Reconning is used across mediums from literature to film to television. Let's look at some famous examples from each.
Deadpool
The live-action film adaptation of Marvel's Deadpool is a prime example of retconning in the superhero genre. The movie fixed the character's depiction from his poorly received appearance in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, disregarding and rewriting his origin story entirely.
Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)
The film Deadpool & Wolverine serves as a significant retcon within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), as it reconfigures both the Marvel and X-Men timelines. Notably, it also redefines the X-Men universe (referred to as Earth-10005) as Deadpool's original universe.
Zorro Novels
In literature, the Zorro novels also present compelling retcon examples. Created by Johnston McCulley in the early 20th century, Zorro's character has undergone various reinterpretations.
In the sequels and adaptations, earlier stories are often revised, detailing Zorro's lineage, motivations, and relationship with his enemies.
For instance, later texts introduced complexities regarding Zorro's dual identity as Don Diego de la Vega, providing backstories that were not originally present, yet enriching the overall lore around this iconic character.
Doctor Who
The British television series Doctor Who is renowned for its use of retconning due to its long-standing history and changing cast. One prominent example is the introduction of the War Doctor during the 50th anniversary special "The Day of the Doctor."
The Doctor • Different Versions
This retcon allowed the narrative to include an entirely new incarnation of the Doctor, bridging key events within the Time War that had been only glossed over in the series.
Retcon Evolution
The Future of Retcon in Media
The rise of sequels revamps, and reboots in the entertainment industry will undoubtedly mean that retconning will only grow as a means of keeping franchises alive. With multiple adaptations, timelines, and versions of familiar characters existing simultaneously, retconning may be the only way to reconcile the inconsistencies that inevitably arise. Whether this is good or bad is still up for debate.
On one hand, fans of specific characters and stories will be able to relive various iterations of their beloved franchises. On the other hand, one can't help but wonder if retconning produces redundancies in the world of storytelling. Does it leave room for new, fresh ideas?
Wonka (2023)
The practice itself leaves the door completely open for writers to explore any story, even after they have seemingly ended. At the end of the day, retconning is a tool. And how it is used will ultimately determine its impact on the stories we love.
Up Next
What is a Sequel?
Retconning is a huge tool when in franchises and sequels. They open new doors for writers to continue exploring a story, even after the first film’s ending. But what makes a sequel great and what makes them a bust?
