The film follows a traditional hero's journey centered on a male protagonist and a female lead. There is no evidence of non-cisnormative gender identities or same-sex intimacy.

Dejah Thoris is a central female figure, but she is positioned primarily as a character in need of rescue. The male lead drives the plot through his physical prowess.

Ethnic complexity is introduced through Sarka, an Afghan mercenary, though she functions largely as an antagonist. Alien races serve as standard genre archetypes of otherness.

The story operates within a standard Western military framework centered on a U.S. Army sniper. It lacks significant deconstruction of traditional Western values or institutions.

John Carter is introduced as wounded, but the narrative quickly pivots to his superhuman abilities. This treats physical injury as a plot device rather than exploring disability.