10 Movie Protagonists Who Defied Their Mentors in Epic Battles

In movies, heroes often face tough challenges. One of the hardest is when they have to fight against a corrupt mentor. Every hero has a story of how they started. Maybe they were bitten by a spider or went through a tragic event. This sparks a strong desire to become a hero. Along the way, they meet a mentor who guides them and helps them make good choices.

But when the mentor, who shaped the hero into a force for good, turns out to be a villain, it's a big betrayal. Heroes are supposed to do what's right, but it's tough when they have to fight against the person who trained them, maybe even a family member. Many hero stories have this plot twist. It adds tension and drama, showing the hero's strength and moral values.

Bruce Wayne AKA Batman

Ra's Al Ghul

Bruce Wayne trains with Ra's Al Ghul and the League of Shadows in Batman Begins - Bruce Wayne AKA Batman

In Batman Begins, after Bruce Wayne's parents are killed, he travels the world to learn self-defense and how to protect others. He finds a mentor in Ra's al Ghul who trains him to become Batman. However, when they meet again in Gotham, Ra's is now an enemy trying to destroy the city. This twist, although expected by comic fans, was heartbreaking for Bruce, who had already suffered so much loss.

David Dunn

Elijah Price AKA Mr. Glass

Bruce Willis as David Dunn in a raincoat in Unbreakable. - Elijah Price AKA Mr. Glass

Elijah Price, also known as Mr. Glass, may not have had superhuman abilities like strength or invulnerability in the movie Unbreakable. However, he played a crucial role in helping David Dunn, who did possess powers, accept his identity as a superhero. As the plot unfolds, Dunn discovers that Price was actually behind the accident that triggered his abilities, as well as other tragic events that led to many deaths. This revelation deeply unsettled Dunn, setting the stage for their ultimate showdown in the movie Glass. The film brings their complex relationship full circle, as they confront each other once more to bring closure to the story of heroes and villains that Price had been orchestrating all along.

Tony Stark AKA Iron Man

Obadiah Stane

Obadiah Stane and Tony Stark in Iron Man - Tony Stark AKA Iron Man

In the movie Iron Man, Tony Stark starts off as a self-absorbed and reckless character. After losing his parents in a tragic car accident when he was young, Tony looked up to his father's friend, Obadiah Stane, as a mentor. Stane became Tony's business partner and guided his decisions in the company. However, Stane betrayed Tony by offering him to a terrorist group in an attempt to seize control of the company for himself. This betrayal pushed Tony out of his comfort zone, compelling him to take on responsibility and use his intelligence to help others.

Shang-Chi

Xu Wenwu

Xu Wenwu and Shang-Chi confronting each other in Shang-Chi.

Shang-Chi's father was a violent warlord, and after losing his mother at a young age, his father turned cruel. Shang-Chi trained to be an assassin but ran away at 14 to start fresh. When he came back, he discovered his mother's roots in the Ta Lo village. His father, still grieving, then confronted Shang-Chi and the village.

Anakin Skywalker AKA Darth Vader

Sheev Palpatine AKA Darth Sidious

Darth Vader and Palpatine from Return of the Jedi facing away from each other. - Sheev Palpatine AKA Darth Sidious - Anakin Skywalker AKA Darth Vader

Anakin Skywalker, a young boy with immense potential in the Force, was trained as a Jedi despite his age. Unfortunately, he was influenced by a manipulative politician named Sheev Palpatine who turned him against the Jedi ways and led him to the Dark Side. As Darth Vader, Anakin eventually found redemption when he discovered his children were alive. He turned against his master, Palpatine, and saved his true family.

Wesley

Mr. Sloan

James McAvoy in Wanted - Mr. Sloan - Wesley

Wanted is a thrilling movie that follows a group of skilled assassins who receive their targets' names from a mystical Loom. Wesley, a young man with special abilities, joins the organization and trains to become a valuable member. However, when he discovers that the leader is manipulating the system for personal gain, Wesley decides to take matters into his own hands and seek justice for his father.

Carol Danvers AKA Captain Marvel

Yon Rogg

Yon-Rogg (Jude Law) Points At Carol Danvers (Brie Larson) in Captain Marvel - Yon Rogg - Carol Danvers AKA Captain Marvel

The relationship between Captain Marvel and her mentor, Yon Rogg, is a standout in the movie. They support each other to grow, but things take a turn when Carol learns that Yon Rogg was responsible for her previous mentor's death. Despite this predictable twist, the battle that follows demonstrates Carol's strength and transformation into Captain Marvel.

Peter Quill AKA Star-Lord

Yondu

Michael Rooker as Yondu Odonta in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 teaching young Peter Quill to shoot - Peter Quill AKA Star-Lord

In the first Guardians of the Galaxy movie, Peter Quill and his boss/surrogate father Yondu had a rocky relationship. Yondu, a tough ravager, wasn't exactly fatherly and even threatened to eat Quill when he was a kid. Quill had a far-from-normal childhood, which led him to run away. But unlike the other examples here, Yondu transformed from a harsh mentor to a caring father figure who ultimately sacrificed himself for Quill.

Peter Parker AKA Spider-Man

Otto Octavius AKA Doc Ock

Doctor Octopus in Spider-Man 2 (2004) - Otto Octavius AKA Doc Ock - Peter Parker AKA Spider-Man

In the Spider-Man 2 movie by Sam Raimi, Peter Parker's passion for science and technology shines through. He forms a close bond with the brilliant scientist Otto Octavius, assisting him and his wife in their groundbreaking research. However, tragedy strikes when a lab accident causes Otto to lose his wife and become obsessed with his work. As Otto's thirst for knowledge and power puts the city at risk, Peter must step up to the plate and face his mentor in a battle to save the day.

Yelena Belova

Dreykov

Yelena Belova taking down General Dreykov's helicopter in Black Widow

Yelena Belova, adopted sister of Natasha Romanoff, had a tough childhood as a trained child assassin in the Red Room. After Natasha escaped, Yelena was left alone to face the challenges. Along with other girls, she harbored a strong grudge against General Dreykov, the man in charge of the program. The Red Room was a highly secure facility where the girls were controlled against their will. With Natasha's return, Yelena joins forces with her to take down Dreykov and bring justice for all the girls who suffered under his rule.

Editor's P/S:

The article explores a compelling trope in hero narratives: the corrupt mentor. This plot twist adds depth and complexity to the hero's journey, as they must grapple with the betrayal of someone they trusted and respected. It highlights the hero's resilience and moral compass, as they navigate the difficult choice between loyalty and justice.

Furthermore, the article showcases the diversity of these mentor-betrayal relationships. From estranged fathers to manipulative politicians, the mentors come from various backgrounds and motivations. Each hero's encounter with their corrupt mentor is unique, showcasing the diverse challenges and complexities that heroes face on their paths to becoming symbols of hope and inspiration.