Superman’s Greatest Triumph Is Making the Most Unlikely Character Into Its Biggest Hero

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❗Caution: Significant Plot Reveals Ahead! James Gunn’s Superman embarks on an exciting new cinematic journey as the first big-screen film in the DC Universe, where a minor character turns out to be one of the movie’s most significant heroes. In this Superman adaptation, David Corenswet portrays Clark Kent, who has been Superman for three years when the villainous Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) devises a scheme to turn public opinion against the Kryptonian hero. A crucial part of Luthor’s plan involves broadcasting a message recorded by Superman’s parents from Krypton, Jor-El (Bradley Cooper) and Lara Lor-Van (Angela Sarafyan), that discloses an unexpected truth about Superman’s mission on Earth. Originally believed to be sent to protect humans, the message reveals that his parents actually intended for him to conquer Earth instead.

In this surprising disclosure, Superman finds himself grappling with an internal struggle over whether he’s truly making a positive impact on the world. However, the belief in Superman remains unshaken by one man – Malik Ali, a resident of Metropolis (portrayed by Dinesh Thyagarajan). Although Malik doesn’t appear frequently on screen, his influence on Superman’s story and bond with the Last Son of Krypton is substantial. In fact, Malik’s actions within the Superman narrative make him a hero every bit as noble as Superman himself.

Who Is Superman’s Malik Ali?

In the comic book “Superman,” Malik Ali is presented initially as a proprietor of a falafel stand in Metropolis who holds Superman in high regard. During Superman’s initial fight against the Hammer of Boravia (later unveiled to be Ultraman, a clone of Superman crafted by Lex Luthor), Malik offers assistance when the severely injured Superman is trapped within the crater caused by their encounter, demonstrating the profound impact Superman’s heroic actions have had on him. Although this interaction is brief, it doesn’t go unnoticed by Lex Luthor, who is monitoring the situation from afar.

Following Superman’s incarceration in Lex Luthor’s personally fabricated pocket universe prison (after Lex broadcasts the message from Superman’s Kryptonian parents and Superman surrenders to the authorities), the antagonist questions Superman for further details by involving Malik as a captive. In a cruel twist, Lex orchestrates a dangerous game of Russian roulette with Malik, causing Superman to plead for him to cease, yet Malik remains resolute, expressing faith in Superman’s heroism and his readiness to sacrifice himself for the Man of Steel. Regrettably, this selfless act occurs when Lex fires the gun during the second round of Russian roulette, fatally wounding Malik. Although Malik’s demise is heartbreaking, his bond with Superman illustrates how even ordinary Earthlings whom Superman safeguards can rise to heroism.

Malik’s Role Shows Superman’s Power to Inspire the Best in People

From the start, Malik demonstrates a straightforward yet compassionate act towards Superman by assisting a battered warrior back up after his harsh battle defeat. Meanwhile, another resident of Metropolis mockingly remarks that Superman instigated the predicament by meddling in the war between Boravia and Jarhanpur. However, Malik recognizes Superman as a local hero he’s encountered occasionally before – a hero who has endured hardships, and consistently lends a helping hand. Furthermore, Malik maintains his faith in Superman despite Lex exposing Jor-El and Lara’s ominous message to the world.

Despite being threatened at gunpoint by Lex Luthor for information about Superman, Malik remained steadfast in his admiration for Superman, even going so far as to express his readiness to give up his own life for the Man of Steel. In the end, Malik’s unwavering loyalty to Superman resulted in him sacrificing his life. This selfless act not only served to motivate Superman to confront Lex Luthor but also pushed Metamorpho (Anthony Carrigan) towards a heroic stance, overcoming his own apprehensions. Moreover, Malik’s sacrifice left an indelible mark on the movie and the citizens of Metropolis.

Malik Is Remembered for His Sacrifice in Superman

Following Lex Luthor’s capture and arrest, Malik Ali receives recognition in a Daily Planet article for his heroic acts, despite his untimely demise. Despite being a lesser-known character from the Superman universe, Malik Ali leaves an indelible mark as an ordinary man without superpowers or high-tech equipment. His actions demonstrate extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and serve as a testament to Superman’s ability to inspire heroism within others, showing that his true power lies in empowering the heroes hidden within us all.

Unfortunately, this action made Malik a target of Lex Luthor, as Luthor showed no regard for Malik’s life and saw him merely as a tool to extract information from Superman. Despite being imprisoned in another universe and weakened by Kryptonite, Superman could withstand much more than what was demanded of Malik. However, Superman’s compassionate friend, Malik Ali, remained steadfast. In the end, Malik sacrificed his life for the hero he admired deeply, proving himself to be every bit as selfless and heroic as Superman himself.

James Gunn’s Superman is now playing in theaters.

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2025-07-21 18:19