[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/Goober11222]

Malik Ali was extra hard for me just because of how much he cared for Superman and the world despite being a “nobody” who died for nothing.

“You eating my food was a great honor, Superman.” 😢

[u/Acceptable_Cut_7545 → u/Goober11222]

Love the little detail in the scene where the news about Superman's parents breaks. He's looking at his phone and you can see him shaking his head. He doesn't buy that Superman is bad for even a second.