Examining Six Moments That Feature Our Favorite Marvel Cinematic Universe Characters Being Jerks

While rewatching all 23 Marvel Cinematic Universe films for a recent data piece (read it here!), I came across six moments that feature superheroes being super jerks. There’s nothing especially egregious about these moments, however, they provide evidence that Happy Hogan, Captain Marvel, Thor, Tony Stark, Peter Quill and Captain America can be brats who take no issue with casual destruction, jealousy or littering.

None of these moments matter in the grand scheme of the MCU, I just wanted to point out some cheeky moments.

Spider-Man: Far From Home – Happy Hogan lands a plane on top of beautiful tulips

There is a moment in Spider-Man: Far From Home when Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau) is picking up Peter Parker (Tom Holland) after he’s had a terrible day/night. It’s a nice scene that features the two very likable characters bonding. However, the problem is, Happy lands his plane in a beautiful tulip field, which sends many of them flying. Couldn’t he have parked in another place? It’s a jerk move considering how tulips are big tourist attractions. I guarantee he didn’t pay the tulip farmer. 

Case for Happy – He is super worried about Peter and doesn’t care about the tulips. He wants to protect the kid.

Case against Happy – Don’t park in a tulip field. Make the kid walk an extra 100 yards.

Captain Marvel – Carol Danvers destroys a jukebox 

I’m totally cool with Captain Marvel (Brie Larson) stealing a jerky motorcyclists ride after he made rude comments towards her. However, I’m still not quite sure why she decided to destroy a jukebox to showcase her powers for Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson). A fully stocked jukebox with about 100/200 CD/records would cost at least $2000. It’s a jerk move, and I doubt the restaurant owner was repaid.

Case for Captain Marvel – Um……It’s better than blowing up the entire bar or kitchen.

Case against Captain Marvel – It’s a legit jerk move. Also, she seems very pleased that she cost a small business a jukebox.

Thor – Thor flips a gigantic table

I understand why Thor (Chris Hemsworth) flips the gigantic wooden table in the first Thor movie (He’s pissed off….). However, the Asgardians are going to have a heck of a time getting the table off its side. It’s a gigantic table loaded with cutlery, food and golden chalices, and I don’t envy the people who will have to muscle it back in place.  His breaking of the coffee mug is super jerky too.

Case for Thor – He’s a god who is used to doing what he wants without consequence.

Case against Thor – He’s a god who is used to doing what he wants. The dude doesn’t care about the underlings.

Iron-Man 2 – Tony dumps strawberries on the floor

Of all the jerk moves in this list, this is the least egregious. But, it’s still a jerk move so I had to include it. There is a moment in Iron Man 2 that features Tony (Robert Downey Jr.) spilling a bunch of strawberries on the floor (end of clip). It’s cool that he gave the guy selling the strawberries an incredibly expensive watch for the strawberries. However, he just dumps them on floor when he gets to Pepper Pott’s (Gwyneth Paltrow) office. I get that he owns the building, it just shows he doesn’t care that people have to pick up the mess. 

Case for Tony – Compared to Ultron, dropping strawberries on the floor is a minor issue.

Case against Tony – It’s inconsiderate and a waste.

Guardians of the Galaxy – Peter Quill is a jerk to a nice lady

The opening of Guardians of the Galaxy features, Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) being a charming cad who dances around, and is capable of escaping badass villains. However, when he gets back in his ship, he is super rude to a woman when he tells her that he “totally forgot about her.” I get that the scene is meant to establish that he is a “cool” womanizer who hooks up with many women (and does weird Jackson Pollack-esque stuff in his ship), but, it’s super jerky that he would be so brusque towards her.

Case for Peter – He just survived a dangerous mission and might not be thinking.

Case against Peter – Come on man….You didn’t have to say it like that. Don’t be a jerk.

Captain America: The First Avenger – Cap shows zero appreciation towards the people helping him out

In order to save some captured soldiers, Peggy (Hayley Atwell) and Howard Stark (Dominic Cooper) grab a plane and transport Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) over enemy territory. It’s crazy dangerous, and very brave of Howard and Peggy.  During this time, Steve doesn’t say “thank you,” he gets jealous about Peggy and Howard having “fondue,” and then gives her orders. It’s a jerk move.

Case for Cap – Dude is super serious and not sure how to act around women.

Case against Cap – Peggy and Howard are risking their lives to help you. Show some appreciation.

Obviously pointing out these moments is meant in a tongue-in-cheek manner. I just wanted to share these slightly jerky moments in hopes of making you chuckle. Did I miss any?