The Anti-Hero Takeover

Celebrate the flawed, complex and morally grey characters who smash the boundaries of traditional heroism.

Anti-heroes are set to takeover our museum and cinemas this November with 12 screenings, two talks and six original artworks inviting you to step into the world of flawed, complex and unapologetically human protagonists – from Deadpool, Wolverine and The Bride, to Bonnie, Clyde and the Magnificent Seven. View the program

Curator notes

What defines an anti-hero? Unlike conventional heroes who embody bravery and selflessness, anti-heroes may be driven by personal desires, revenge or survival. Films like Marvel Studios’ Deadpool & Wolverine and Kill Bill showcase characters who, despite their ruthlessness, follow a personal code. These stories captivate us because they reflect the complexities of the real world, where right and wrong aren’t always black and white.

The rise of anti-heroes began in the 1960s when societal shifts and disillusionment with traditional values paved the way for more realistic, morally ambiguous characters. Films like The Magnificent Seven redefined the Western genre, presenting gunslingers who operated outside the law, but still resonated with audiences craving something more complex than a typical hero.

We’ve seen the rise of powerful female anti-heroes like Yuki Kashima in Lady Snowblood and Beatrix Kiddo in Kill Bill, both challenging traditional gender roles. More recently, Disney’s Cruella reimagines the iconic villain as a complex anti-hero driven by ambition and rebellion. These characters reflect broader societal shifts, as modern storytelling increasingly embraces female power, agency and complexity.

Through talks and screenings, this program will explore the evolution of anti-heroes and how these characters challenge our perception of heroism, leaving us to ponder what it truly means to be a hero in a world full of shades of grey.

– Adjunct Professor Angela Ndalianis, Centre for Transformative Media Technologies, Swinburne University of Technology