At its core, "John Carter" is a classic hero's journey tale. The titular character, an American astronaut, finds himself transported to Mars, where he must navigate an unfamiliar world and confront his own identity. As he becomes embroiled in the conflict between the Martian factions, Carter must confront his own flaws and limitations, ultimately discovering a new sense of purpose and belonging. Taylor Kitsch brings a likable everyman quality to the role, making Carter relatable and endearing to audiences.