Defendor is a 2009 Canadian-American superhero comedy-drama film. The film is directed by Peter Stebbings and stars Woody Harrelson as the titular character, Arthur Poppington/Defendor.
Defendor is a mentally challenged man who is obsessed with comic book superheroes. He becomes convinced that his city is in danger from the notorious criminal mastermind, Captain Industry. He decides to fight crime and protect the city's innocent citizens by adopting the persona of 'Defendor,' a masked vigilante superhero he creates based on his comic book heroes.
Defendor's journey is complicated by his interactions with a young prostitute named Kat Debrofkowitz (played by Kat Dennings) whom he befriends while she is being abused by his arch-enemy Captain Industry. Defendor's interactions with Kat humanize him tremendously, and we see the inherent goodness in him despite his limitations.
As Defendor's actions draw the attention of the police and the media, he becomes a local hero. His actions also draw the attention of his arch-nemesis Captain Industry (played by Elias Koteas), who sees Defendor as a worthy adversary.
The film has themes of mental illness, social inequality, and the vigilante justice system. It is a heartwarming and ultimately uplifting film about a man who, though unwise and misguided, tries to do right by his community.