History EnsembleDarkhorse / LiveActionFilms

* In ''Film/{{Maleficent}}'' there was this one guy who was captain of the watch. Or the soldiers. He tries to talk some sense into the crazy king, who then yells at him. The favourable contrast to the crazy king earned him some fans. Who [[SlashFic ship him with Diaval]].

** Don't forget ''Film/GodzillaMothraKingGhidorahGiantMonstersAllOutAttack'' The movie features [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin Godzilla, Mothra, King Ghidorah]] and some other monster who appeared for five seconds in ''Film/DestroyAllMonsters'' and who doesn't even make it to the final showdown. Which just means little Baragon went up against Godzilla ''[[CrowningMomentOfAwesome all by himself!]]''
** Hell, nearly every Toho {{Kaiju}} is an EnsembleDarkhorse of one kind or another. The most notable examples besides Anguirus are: [[Film/GodzillaVsBiollante Biollante]], a gigantic rose/Godzilla/human hybrid that operates on sheer terror; Gorosaurus, the giant TyrannosaurusRex from ''Film/KingKongEscapes'' who got a CrowningMomentOfAwesome in ''Film/DestroyAllMonsters!'' (Heck, if fellow EnsembleDarkhorse Baragon's suit hadn't been so damaged, he might not have appeared at all!); and Mechagodzilla, Godzilla's HumongousMecha EvilTwin that always gives the King a run for his money.

** Within the group of Dwarves, there is Bofur, in part because of his greater character development, and his CrowningMomentOfHeartwarming with Bilbo. It may also have something to do with him being played by the always charming James Nesbitt. He also has some of the best facial hair in the film, which is saying something in a film full of bearded men.

* ''Film/PacificRim'': '''''Cherno Alpha''''', the Russian Jaeger, despite it and its pilots not getting a lot of focus in the film [[spoiler:and getting killed off]], has become a fan favorite across the fandom. Could be its unique head and that it apparently has [[ShockAndAwe Tesla-infused fists]]. Or because the Russian-designed Jaegers operate under the simple rule that either the Kaiju goes down or ''they'' do, preferably whilst taking the Kaiju [[TakingYouWithMe down with them]]. As such, they [[NoOSHACompliance don't come equipped]] with escape hatches. Cherno's pilots [[HappilyMarried Aleksis and]] [[BattleCouple Sasha]] [[HuskyRusskie Kaidanovsky]] have been the subject of much fanart. And it seems like [[http://jaegercon.tumblr.com/post/58032749716/jaegercon-interviews-guillermo-del-toro del Toro himself]] agrees with the Cherno love.

** Newt's quite popular as well, the little {{Keet}}!

** Gaga, the gangster who is Boyka's patron, also is quite adept at stealing the scenes he's in. Also, quite a few people think Andriago Silva, a UsefulNotes/{{Capoeira}} fighter played by Lateef Crowder in ''Film/UndisputedIIIRedemption'', should have had a much more prominent role than he did.

** Reggie is right up there with Inspector Clouseau and Pinhead as far as defining this trope goes. He's the balding ice cream salesman sidekick in the first film -- and the protagonist of the next three!

* The Franchise/MarvelCinematicUniverse has created a few Darkhorses:
** The ComicBook/HowlingCommandos in ''Film/CaptainAmericaTheFirstAvenger'', considering they're only in a handful of scenes and one montage. Since then they've returned for cameos in ''Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'', the ''Agent Carter'' short film, and the ''Agent Carter'' TV series.
** Another example from ''Film/CaptainAmericaTheFirstAvenger'' is Agent Peggy Carter, as played by HayleyAtwell. In the comics she's mainly just TheLostLenore to Steve, appearing first namelessly in flashbacks to the 40s. This film gave her a larger supporting role and [[http://www.heraldscotland.com/arts-ents/more-arts-entertainment-news/hayley-atwell-on-any-human-heart-and-flirting-with-captain-america-1.1068462 a new actress determined to do her most in portraying her]], showing her to be just as badass as Cap and his emotional partner. As a result the popularity of both the actress and the character ''exploded'', to the point where Peggy received her own {{Film/Marvel One Shot|s}} and then ''[[Series/AgentCarter TV show]]'', as well as cameos in ''[[Film/CaptainAmericaTheWinterSoldier The Winter Soldier]]'', ''Series/AgentsOfSHIELD'', ''Film/AntMan'', and ''[[Film/AvengersAgeOfUltron Age of Ultron]]''. Peggy is, without a doubt, the most popular heroine in the MCU.
** Loki from ''{{Film/Thor}}'' has been hugely popular since the movie was released despite the fact that he is the villain and only has roughly twenty minutes of screen time. His popularity seems to rival that of [[ComicBook/TheMightyThor Thor]], the hero and [[AloofBigBrother older brother's]] popularity, especially the [[MrFanservice female]] fanbase, no doubt because of [[Creator/TomHiddleston his actor]]. And he does a repeat performance in ''Film/{{The Avengers|2012}}'', in many places beating characters who are popular enough to carry their own movies (and sequels): ''Film/IronMan'', ''Film/{{Captain America|TheFirstAvenger}}'', ''Film/TheIncredibleHulk'' and Thor (again). Advertising for the ''Thor'' sequel quickly became almost entirely "Here's more Loki". And several months after filming ended, they went back and shot some additional scenes just of him.
** Idris Elba's performance as Heimdall in ''{{Film/Thor}}'' gets this. A classic case of AbilityOverAppearance, all but the most rabid of detractors enjoyed his performance and the hints that he's even more powerful than he lets on.
** For villain's side in ''{{Film/Thor}}'', there's Laufey. In the comics, he's been long dead and more or less forgettable. And while he's DiscOneFinalBoss in this film, he has pretty good characterization and is surprisingly favorable thanks to his PragmaticVillainy and ReasonableAuthorityFigure (despite still evil). The less can be said for Malekith in [[Film/ThorTheDarkWorld the sequel]] who is a BadBoss, FlatCharacter, and GenericDoomsdayVillain.
** [[Characters/AgentsOfSHIELD Agent Coulson]] from ''Film/IronMan'' ''Thor'', ''Film/IronMan 2'', and ''Film/{{The Avengers|2012}}'' has quite a few fans. Remember the guy who kept trying to get Tony to get Iron Man to join SHIELD, was mostly ignored, and there's a RunningGag of him saying SHIELD's full name and being told it was too long? ''That's him.'' This gag's pretty much all he gets as well as being in a few crowd scenes. By now, he's one of the most popular characters in the Franchise/MarvelCinematicUniverse just due to being his lovable Woobieish self, the face of SHIELD to everybody who doesn't like organizations like SHIELD. Watch "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Thor's Hammer". You'll see why. PowersThatBe have definitely taken note and the actor has ''really'' gotten into the role, so he wound up in ''Thor'' and had a much bigger role in ''The Avengers''. There are ''two'' [[Film/MarvelOneShots short films with him]] (the other being The Consultant) and now he has appeared in first a non-canon side story in the comics, and then an [[CanonImmigrant appearance that definitely counts]]. Also, he's a major character in ''WesternAnimation/UltimateSpiderMan'', being the SHIELD agent who is under cover as the principal at Peter's high school, keeping an eye on them. His design is basically [[InkSuitActor the exact likeness of his actor, Clark Gregg]], and he also has the same voice - Gregg has so much fun with the role and is somewhat protective of it by now. There's just one Agent Coulson! He's also got a cameo in ''WesternAnimation/IronManArmoredAdventures.'' Coulson's gone from a bit part to a ''phenomenon.'' For a middle-aged human in a world of superheroes, he really impressed.
*** [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJkXktD8PC0 "COULSON!!! YOU WILL BE AVENGED!!.... COULSAAAAAN!!!" ]]
*** And now, in likely the penultimate performance for an ensemble darkhorse, is the lead character of his own spin-off TV show.
** In ''Series/AgentsOfSHIELD'', Lorelei is also quite popular due to her cunning, [[EvilIsSexy looks]], and skill in battle.
** Antoine Triplett gets a lot of love for being a really nice guy and for having nice chemistry with Simmons. Many fans were ecstatic when he joined the team near the end of Season One and essentially [[spoiler: replaced Ward]].
** Before she had even ''appeared yet'' (or even being ''cast'' yet), Mockingbird had gained a lot of hype after she was revealed to be joining ''Agents of SHIELD''. [[http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=poll&id=250 CBR's SDCC announcement poll]] has her announcement as the ''highest'' rated announcement of the second day, even beating Sam Raimi's ''Franchise/EvilDead'' TV series announcement, ''Series/TheWalkingDead'' season 5 trailer reveal, and ''Film/GuardiansOfTheGalaxy'' sequel announcements. She also dominated [[http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=poll&id=264 a later poll]] concerning new characters people are hyped for in the second season, with 46% of the votes going to her. When she ''does'' appear, this does not change. Going from Tumblr, in less than twenty minutes of the episode finishing people were posting their love for her character, even ones who never heard about her or what was such a big deal about her.
** To a lesser extent than Bobbi, Mack, who joined the supporting cast in the second season, is also beloved for his friendship with Fitz, as well as being a genuinely friendly and charming character.
** Skye's father. Thanks to him being a complex, CreepyAwesome character and Kyle Maclachlan's magnificent performance, everytime he appeared on screen, you can bet the review and comments will be gushing about him and place him as the best thing in the episode.
** Raina has got a lot of attention from fans to her AffablyEvil, AntiVillain and MonsterFanGirl status, with many prasing Ruth Negga's awesome performance. It's the point that in the 5th episode was renamed to 'Girl in the Flower Dress' from 'Scorch' because even the creators like her.
** Dummy, from ''Film/IronMan''. Sure, it's an artificially living thing but it has its fans.
** [[Film/GuardiansOfTheGalaxy Yondu]] is gaining some popularity due to his badassery and fun lines.
** [[Film/GuardiansOfTheGalaxy Korath]] is quite well-liked, despite his lack of screentime compared to Ronan or Nebula.
** [[spoiler:Howard the Duck]] due to his hilarious cameo at the end at the end of ''Film/GuardiansOfTheGalaxy''. Marvel predicted this would happen and took full advantage of by digitally re-releasing his original comic series the same week as the movie's launch. He's also getting a new series which likely wouldn't have happened without the film.
** Heartwarmingly, [[spoiler:Laura Barton and her children]] from ''Film/AvengersAgeOfUltron'', who have been embraced by the fandom for adding more depth to Clint and [[spoiler:not dying at the end]].
** Spider-Man stole the show in ''Film/CaptainAmericaCivilWar'', with his part in the big fight between the allies of Captain America and Iron Man being one of the most memorable parts of the film.
** Pre-release, Black Panther received a lot of attention despite his limited screen time in the trailers, thanks to his cool, comic-accurate costume and badassery (outrunning Captain America, roundhouse kicking Winter Soldier in the face, and casually shrugging off bullets). Upon the release of the movie, he's considered one of the best things about it.

** Also, RLeeErmey's character, DrillSergeantNasty Hartman. He was only in the first half of the film, but the way people go on about him, you'd be amazed that there's actually more to the film after the boot-camp arc. He also gets a lot of MisaimedFandom and DracoInLeatherPants treatment from fans.

** The Russian family became unexpectedly popular, probably due to being a leftover from Snyder’s footage. The daughter is especially popular, [[http://www.kansascity.com/entertainment/movies-news-reviews/article184976913.html with critics]] [[https://movietime.guru/justice-league-when-everybodys-special-nobody-s-special-94e054cbde15 and reviews]] [[http://www.syfy.com/syfywire/chosen-one-of-the-day-the-little-girl-in-justice-league-who-was-ready-to-take-on-the stating they found her more heroic and interesting]] then the main heroes, becoming something of a MemeticBadass. Keep in mind three out of four of the family members are not even named. [[Fans even tend to throw around theroies that the two children are the Wonder Twins]] or that the daughter will become Terra or Supergirl. No really.

** The Russian family became unexpectedly popular, probably due to being a leftover from Snyder’s footage. The daughter is especially popular, [[http://www.kansascity.com/entertainment/movies-news-reviews/article184976913.html with critics]] [[https://movietime.guru/justice-league-when-everybodys-special-nobody-s-special-94e054cbde15 and reviews]] [[http://www.syfy.com/syfywire/chosen-one-of-the-day-the-little-girl-in-justice-league-who-was-ready-to-take-on-the stating they found her more heroic and interesting]] then the main heroes, becoming something of a MemeticBadass. Keep in mind three out of four of the family members are not even named.

** Creator/MichaelMcElhatton‘s character and his gang of terrorists have a large fanbase. See EvilIsCool.

* In the ''Film/XMen'' movies:

** Even though Toad only appeared in the first movie, he is very popular. This is mainly because he is tasked with taking out Cyclops, Jean Grey, and Storm by himself...and he utterly [[CurbStompBattle annihilates all three of them]]. [[WhatCouldHaveBeen Toad was supposed to appear in the second movie and have a fight scene with Nightcrawler, but these plans were scrapped due to conflicts in Ray Park's schedule]].

* "Bob the Goon" from Creator/TimBurton's ''Film/{{Batman}}'', aided in no small part by his hilarious death scene. Toy Biz may have predicted this with the toyline: the only characters to get figures were Batman, SelfDemonstrating/TheJoker and Bob.

* Robert Muldoon and Roland Tembo are usually quite popular among the ''Franchise/JurassicPark'' fandom. {{Justified|Trope}}, as both are the OnlySaneMan and GreatWhiteHunter in their respective novel/movie. Not to mention that both are the ones in [[AuthorityEqualsAsskicking charge of the security of a lot of people]].
** Before the film, no one really knew what a ''Velociraptor'' was. After the film, however, they became THE go-to dinosaur, rivaling ''Tyrannosaurus rex'' in popularity.
** ''Dilophosaurus'', too. It only fully appears on-screen in the first movie and the original novel ([[spoiler: unless you count a hologram from ''Jurassic World'']]), but you'd never know that looking at the larger franchise: it's in every toyline and almost every video game. Being able to spit poison and having that freaky-cool frill certainly helps cement it's reputation as one of the most unique dinosaurs in the franchise.
* ''Film/JurassicWorld'' gives us a load of examples, mainly dinosaur ones. To no one's surprise, audiences fell in love with Owen's [[RaptorAttack raptor]] [[SiblingTeam pack]], but the standout is the ''Mosasaurus'' -- it's speculated that this film will do what the original 1993 movie did for the ''Velociraptor'' and really put the species firmly in the public interest. On the human side, Zara, played by the beautiful Creator/KatieMcGrath, has garnered a surprising amount of viewer love [[TheWoobie and sympathy]] for being the film's ButtMonkey and for [[spoiler:her truly horrific death at the hands of the ''Pteranadon'']]. Also of note is the so-called "[[http://d2nv22tjwik63z.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/scene-stealer.jpg Margarita Man]]", an unnamed park visitor who is seen briefly running for cover during [[spoiler:the flying dinosaur rampage]] [[SugarWiki/FunnyMoments with a margarita cocktail in each hand]]. To top it off, he's played by Music/JimmyBuffett.

** "He took your gun apart with just ONE DEFT MOVEMENT... how did he DO THAT?"

** Some would argue that Reggie is right up there with Inspector Clouseau and Pinhead as far as defining this trope goes. He's the balding ice cream salesman sidekick in the first film -- and the protagonist of the next three!

** Ursula, Peter's cute Russian neighbor with a fairly transparent crush on him. Despite being a character original to the films and never formally dating Peter, some fans actually prefer her as a love interest to Kirsten Dunst's Mary Jane, who is something of an AdaptationalWimp in these films.

** Bifur, despite having a smaller role than any of the above characters, is quite popular on {{Tumblr}} (mainly because of his head injury).

* Colonel Miles Quaritch from ''Film/{{Avatar}}'' was probably not intended to be nearly as popular as he was (after all, he wasn't a perfect blue-skinned space alien or someone who joined their side). But when he showed as much sheer badassery as he did, it became impossible not to admire the guy to some extent, whatever side you're on. To further illustrate, Quaritch is not the main character of this movie. He is, in fact, a villain. ''The'' villain. Yet for a while, his was the longest and first section on [[Characters/{{Avatar}} the character sheet]]. Not to mention the only character to get his own listing. All the other characters were grouped together. Even James Cameron acknowledges the power of this trope, as he has announced that Stephen Lang will be returning to play the good Colonel [[http://www.flickeringmyth.com/2013/10/james-cameron-confirms-stephen-lang.html in all three sequels]].
** It is especially notable that Mr. Lang was the first member of the original cast to be officially signed on for the sequels. Yes, even before Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana, ''the main protagonists.''

* ''[[Film/TheRoom]]''

* Both "Doggie" - the pug that is lovingly referred to as such by Johnny at the flower shop, The Football and Chris-R seem to be considered the only good actors in the film, but that is not really saying much.

** From ''The Battle of the Five Armies'' comes Dáin Ironfoot, for being CrazyAwesome and the way he [[LargeHam devours the scenery]]. Not to mention riding a huge boar to battle, headbutting everyone to death, and his magnificent ScrewYouElves speech.

* Colonel Miles Quaritch from ''Film/{{Avatar}}'' was probably not intended to be nearly as popular as he was (after all, he wasn't a perfect blue-skinned space alien or someone who joined their side). But when he showed as much sheer badassery as he did, it became impossible not to admire the guy to some extent, whatever side you're on. To further illustrate, Quaritch is not the main character of this movie. He is, in fact, a villain. ''The'' villain. Yet until recently, his was the longest and first section on [[Characters/{{Avatar}} the character sheet]]. Not to mention the only character to get his own listing. All the other characters were grouped together. Even James Cameron acknowledges the power of this trope, as he has announced that Stephen Lang will be returning to play the good Colonel [[http://www.flickeringmyth.com/2013/10/james-cameron-confirms-stephen-lang.html in all three sequels]].

** Phantom of Krankor from ''PrinceOfSpace''.