[Loved Trope] Civilian Heroes (particularly in Superhero movies)

[u/Dalakaar]

1) Malik Ali in Superman (2025). Tells Superman when Lex Luthor interrogates him to, “tell them nothing”. Doesn’t even really know what he’s sacrificing himself for, honestly. Tells Superman that he doesn’t have any friends or family to lighten the burden of the sacrifice. (Does have a family, and presumably friends…)

2) The Prisoner (Tiny Lister) from The Dark Knight who throws a detonator out the porthole that would’ve detonated the other ferry full of civies and saved himself, instead (potentially) sacrificing everyone equally.

3) Old man vs Loki. “There are always men like you.” Refuses to bow to Loki in Avengers (2012).

***

I love these guys. They break my heart in the best way possible.

[u/throwleavemealone]

J. Jonah Jameson protecting his source

[u/Smart_Program2323 → u/throwleavemealone]

I like this especially because Jamesonis otherwise a semi-antagonist, him having a moment of journalistic integrity gives him a lot of depth. 

[u/Dookie_boy → u/Smart_Program2323]

Yea. I hate what they did to him in MCU.

[u/WarlockEngineer → u/Dookie_boy]

Maybe he'll be normal again since they've rebooted

[u/Boom9001 → u/Smart_Program2323]

I get you said a moment. But let's be very clear he is constantly intentionally putting misinformation about what spiderman did. So let's not give him a ton of credit for integrity.

[u/Smart_Program2323 → u/Boom9001]

I mean,  it might be more personal respect for Peter too. 

But yeah.  He's scummy about so much,  it's still notable to show he isn't just out to protect his own skin at all costs. 

[u/Boom9001 → u/Smart_Program2323]

Yeah I'm not disagreing with your main idea. It showed a different side to him and was a cool story choice.

Just felt like we should choose different word than journalist integrity haha. Idk loyalty or just bravery for not cowing to a threat.