Physicist Breaks Down Superhero Physics From Movies & TV | WIRED

Physics professor Rhett Allain breaks down amazing feats of physics from superheroes in movies and television and explains how accurate their depictions really are. How realistic are "superhero" landings? Is the kinetic energy suit from "Black Panther" possible? Even with superpowers, is it physically feasible for Superman to lift a large building?

Rhett Allain is an Associate Professor of Physics at Southeastern Louisiana University.



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Physicist Breaks Down Superhero Physics From Movies & TV | WIRED

[JensaRahm]

This was the perfect amount of science. He understands that the movies are not about beeing believable.

[adashadrina]

Why is no one talking about his great sense of humor and ability to explain using easy language!??!👏🏻 I enjoyed watching this episode of "breaking down" like no other😌

[sarahdeptuck]

“If you’re a superhero and you’re in a big fight, number 1 you gotta look cool” this dude gets it

[ahmadabboud]

I love how he knows every character's name, and the fact that he understands that this is for fun.

[cynthia-oprx]

everyone in this comment section is like "it's fiction why is he ruining it"

idk how to tell you this but you can have fun thinking about the real world implications of fiction without "ruining it". he says like 5 times realism doesn't matter in movies.

[DeathbyPixels]

That laugh Dash does when he runs on water for the first time is still one of the best Pixar moments ever imo

[Shermy]

People: "he's ruining it with real life physics"
Physicist: "wonder woman deflecting bullets is legit"

[ShartimusPrime]

I believe this physicist is a low-key comic geek. :0)

[Handlename]

Who ever invented this idea of bringing people to judge movies on different aspects is a genius. It's so fun to watch especially this one. I loved it!

[Dylan-eqxw]

I really like how he integrates the superpowers into his argumentation and is not just like „this superpower is unrealistic“
I would like to see more :)

[loribhakta]

“Disables the integrity of her body” is my new favorite thing to say

[dogsdreamtoo]

5:08 The Boys actually used this science when Homelander said he couldn't save a plane because he'd go right through the hull.

[mitchelldexter]

"Oh no, he's ruining it"
Buddy just scientifically explained why strong heroes should exclusively throw uppercuts.
That is the opposite of ruining superheroes

[roma]

The wakandan technology is beyound me. Nice move

[Johnny-Games]

"There's no real benefit to spinning it multiple times except for the main benefit that it looks cool." That had me dead😂

[nadirk]

"The technology of Wakanda is beyond me" - Always cracks me up.

[mike]

The one that bothers me the most is when a superhero catches someone mid fall, especially if the superhero is moving upwards. The falling person is just as dead as if they had hit the ground.

[DevranUenal]

Rhett Allain did a really great job respecting the content, characters and fans, while still being able to explain on what might be plausible or not. Thanks!

[TheDahaka]

"If Groot can grow different kinds of wood"
He can grow an incredibly tough and spike to impale enemies with his arm, but he also grows a little flower to give to a little girl. I would guess his wood is pretty malleable.

[awesomepossumdude]

love that its basically just the same three laws of physics he uses over and over to explain each of these concepts. Sometimes nature is just easy.