These 7 superheroes from movies were awful at their day job

Superhero movies often bring forth characters with unwavering commitment to justice and the ability to save the day against all odds. Though they might have superpowers, they often lack in their day jobs.

In the movies, we see the fate of the world rests on individuals who often fail at their jobs. Though they might have super strength and be wielders of cosmic energy, their professional careers are often a mess.

The inherent drama that is present in these movies because of the juxtaposition is truly remarkable. We cheer for them in the movies as they fight against crimes, but struggle to maintain spreadsheets.

It highlights the human element of these larger-than-life figures. So let's dive into the movies that show us characters who are awful at their day jobs.

These 7 superheroes from movies were awful at their day job

1) Clark Kent in Batman Vs Superman

Batman Vs Superman: Dawn Of Justice | Image Via: Warner Bros. Pictures

The task of a reporter is not an easy one. It can especially be seen in this movie. One has to be constantly looking out for fresh stories, editing their work, doing their research profusely, and then also keeping the other related tasks updated.

However, to maintain the job of a reporter and also be the protector of the people fighting against crime is truly a difficult thing to balance. Clark Kent’s struggle as a reporter in the movie does not stem from a lack of skill or diligence.

It arises from the inherent conflict between his journalistic integrity and his secret identity as Superman. Though he wants to expose corruption and injustice through his reporting, he is constantly pulled away by emergencies that require his attention as Superman.

Though he tries his best in the movie, it is inherently not possible to maintain both jobs, both of which are equally demanding. Though he might miss deadlines, it is not because he is incompetent.

If he had chosen to stay only a reporter, then he might have actually excelled at his job. Juggling the weight of the world on his shoulders, both as a reporter trying to shed light on the darkness and as Superman saving lives, does take a toll.

He is a good reporter, but he gets frequently interrupted at his job, which makes it difficult for him to become a competent reporter.

2) Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad

Suicide Squad | Image Via: Warner Bros. Pictures

Harley Quinn, before becoming the fascinating character in the movie, was actually a trained psychiatrist named Dr. Harleen Quinzel. A word that can describe her contribution to her former career could be said to be catastrophic.

Her biggest patient, the most dangerous and manipulative, Joker, turned her life upside down. Instead of helping him and treating him to be better, she falls in love with him in the movie.

Her job should have been to understand and help her patients. She needed to maintain a professional boundary and ensure the well-being of the patient and society. Instead, she became utterly consumed by the Joker. She abandoned her ethical principles and professional conduct.

She wasn't just bad at her day job but completely lost herself to the madness. Instead of treating his severe mental illness, she became his accomplice. She started to participate in the chaos and destruction that he created.

Her skills as a professional psychiatrist were completely overridden by her infatuation. Though she is incredibly clever and resourceful, it is a reminder of how far she has fallen from her original profession.

3) Charles Xavier in X-Men

Though Charles Xavier is a powerful mutant in the movie, many viewers have pointed out that his day job as the head teacher often takes the backseat because of his superhero endeavors.

It leads to rather questionable performance. A school is supposed to be a place of learning and safety for young mutants. They frequently train and learn to be better at using their powers.

Though Charles Xavier is a phenomenal mutant advocate and a brilliant strategist, he is not a conventional head teacher. It often leaves the practicalities of running a safe and structured educational institution a distant priority.

4) Yoda in Star Wars

Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back | Image Via: 20th Century Fox

Despite being a beloved character in the Star Wars movie, he was not a stellar grandmaster of the Jedi Order. Yoda was supposed to guide and see the bigger threats and ensure the survival of the Order.

Yet under his leadership, the Jedi utterly failed. Yoda’s approach to the Jedi’s role might have been too rigid. Many viewers have pointed out that Yoda did not push the kind of introspection that was needed to face new enemies.

Though Yoda was a brilliant duelist and a wise mentor in certain instances in the movie, such as training Luke Skywalker, his leadership during the most critical phases failed.

He is a superhero in terms of his individual powers, but as a grandmaster, his performance left a lot to be desired.

5) Spider-Man in Spider-Man

Spider-Man | Image Via: Sony Pictures Releasing

Spider-Man was indeed a bit of a train wreck when it came to his day job, or lack thereof, in the movie. Though he was a talented student in the movie, his job as a freelance photographer struggled.

The editor of the Daily Bugle was notorious for demanding the deliverables and screaming at him about deadlines and his quality of work. Beyond the photography, he was also a student, and his Spider-Man duties constantly interfered.

It is not an easy task to juggle both equally. The core issue was the constant conflict between his two lives. When the city needed him, he couldn't just hold them off because of his day job.

His superhero responsibilities took precedence. It forced him to abandon his other duties midway. This led to a perpetual state of stress, financial hardships, and a general feeling of being behind the curve.

This highlighted the immense personal sacrifice involved in being a superhero. It showed that even saving the world does not pay the bills.

6) Mr. Incredible in The Incredibles

The Incredibles | Image Via: Pixar Animation Studios

After the numerous cases that get lodged against the supers in the movie, the supers are forced to lead a secretive life away from the public eye. Bob Parr, who was once a hero among the people, is now forced to work as a claims adjuster.

It is safe to say that he is indeed pretty awful at his job. Bob’s core problem is that he is still a superhero at heart. He does not want to work any day jobs and wants to get his glory days back.

He has to take up the job only for the livelihood of his family. He is driven by an innate desire to help people and solve problems. His job is the complete opposite of what he stands for.

His task is to find loopholes and deny claims to maximize company profits. This directly clashed with his heroic instincts. He constantly struggled with the bureaucracy and cold-heartedness of the insurance industry. This can be seen when he tries his best to genuinely assist a customer.

He understands that the customer has been wronged, but he tries his best to help her get her insurance money. Bob’s frustration slowly builds up when his boss is angered by his helpful attitude.

His anger bursts, and he throws his boss through the office walls. His lack of enthusiasm for his job is palpable. He was bored, underutilized, and deeply unhappy.

He could not apply his strength or his helpfulness at his job. His superhero nature made him unsuitable for the job. His awful performance was not because of his lack of intelligence or effort.

It was because of the misalignment between his true self and the soul-crushing reality of his day job.

7) Boba Fett in Star Wars

Boba Fett, the silent warrior in the Star Wars movies, had a reputation as the best bounty hunter. Yet when it came to his actual work, many viewers have pointed out that it does lack a proper track record to receive the title.

He is first hired by Vader. Though he tracks down Han Solo, it cannot be denied that he was not the one who single-handedly captured him. He just followed a big trail that led him to Han in the movie.

He is supposed to be a master of combat with blasters and jetpacks and all sorts of gadgets. However, he gets knocked down by a blind man in the movie.

It is truly a comically inept exit for someone with such a formidable reputation, according to the viewers. For a character so hyped up, his day job would make you wonder how he got the reputation in the first place.