Original artwork, not a still
And when everyone's super, no one will be.
— The Incredibles • 2004
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
This is the villain's whole philosophy in a single sentence, and it is a twist on Dash's earlier complaint about being special. Syndrome's motive is envy turned into business: if his gadgets can give everyone powers, nobody's gift will count. The line outgrew the film as a shorthand for devaluation, used about inflated job titles, participation trophies and any scheme that levels everything down.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for The IncrediblesShow the scene
On Nomanisan, Syndrome has captured the whole Parr family and is happy to explain himself to the man who once turned him away. He plans to unleash his giant Omnidroid on the city, let it do damage in front of screaming crowds, and then step in as the hero who stops it. Mr. Incredible accuses him of killing real heroes to play one. Syndrome answers that he did it all without their precious gifts, and that when he is old he will sell his inventions so everyone can be super. Then comes the sting: when everyone's super, no one will be. He laughs, and the family's captivity gives Bob the moment to confess that he has been a lousy father.
Sources (2)
- The Incredibles screenplay transcript (IMSDb)Syndrome's base scene, just before the 'SCENE 21' breakReference checked
- Pixar Wiki: The IncrediblesPlot sectionReference checked
Context reviewed
