In many movies and television shows, wealth is almost a personality trait. When a rich character is introduced, the source of their wealth is usually explained quickly and with little nuance. Depending on the needs of the story, a rich character usually inherited their money or invented something. (The films and shows that really want to depict a rich creep usually make them successful bankers or lawyers.)

However, Hollywood does take the time to depict actual entrepreneurs. Unfortunately, these people aren’t usually the most capable. The end result is that many end up with a distorted view of what it takes to be successful in business. So here are three “successful” entrepreneurs and why they are actually TERRIBLE at what they do.

Most Unsuccessful Fictional Businessmen

These characters are beloved and have fans all over the world. I am not saying they’re bad characters. Or that they deserve to fail. But as entrepreneurs, they are terrible at what they do.

George Bailey, “It’s a Wonderful Life”

Portrayed by film megastar Jimmy Stewart, George Bailey is the title character of the 1946 Christmas classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life”. Played endlessly in December, the movie details what would happen if failed banker Bailey had never been born. Needless to say, it’s a heart warming story that has become a yuletide staple. Unfortunately, Bailey was an absolutely terrible banker.

At the beginning of the movie, Bailey is contemplating suicide as the result of his failing bank. For years, George had been running the family business, a bank that services all members of the community. He even goes so far as to build “Baily Place”, an affordable housing project. When all these endeavours fail, George is looking for some way to save his bank and starts to think that suicide to collect a life insurance policy is the only option. Of course, an angel stops George from doing this and the town rallies behind their favorite son to donate money to keep the bank going.

As heartwarming as “It’s a Wonderful Life” is, George Bailey is a terrible bank manager. Though he was able to keep the bank open during the Stock Market Crash of 1929, Bailey ultimately had to rely on charity to keep his bank operating. Bailouts have become a depressing phenomenon among banks and emblematic of issues facing America, including lack of entrepreneurship. As it turns out, one of America’s most beloved characters was a pioneer of the publically funded bank bailout.

Scrooge McDuck, “Duck Tales”, among other things

In the Disney universe, Scrooge McDuck is richer than anyone. With his vault full of gold coins, Scrooge has more money than any wizard or king. While it’s difficult to criticize the business acumen of someone that can literally swim in gold, Scrooge isn’t the best entrepreneur. In fact, he may just be the luckiest person (or duck) in history.

People tend to forget that Scrooge McDuck is actually in possession of a “magic, lucky dime” that turns all of his investments and businesses into successes. To be fair, this “Number One Dime” was the first payment Scrooge ever earned and he didn’t learn it was lucky until later. In some stories, Scrooge even starts to lose money the moment the dime is out of his possession. Scrooge is known for his thriftiness and does make some amazing investments. But he is more of a treasure hunter than anything else.

Bruce Wayne, “Batman”

Writing this entry hurts but it must be said. Bruce Wayne, CEO of Wayne Enterprises and secret identity of the superhero “Batman”, is not a talented businessman. Regardless of the iteration of Wayne (either comics, film, or even video games), he is routinely running his company into the ground with undisciplined leadership and downright theft. Batman, a thief?!? You shout angrily into your monitor or phone. Well, what else would you call embezzlement?

This is an issue that has been debated endlessly across the internet. The verdict? Yes, yes Batman is an embezzler. His moral code extends to not killing people but theft is okay, apparently. This was even discussed in the Christopher Nolan Batman trilogy when younger Bruce is shown stealing so he won’t starve.

But Wayne’s ineptitude goes further than stealing from his own company. Wayne Enterprises routinely develops cutting edge weaponry that would yield billions for shareholders. Instead, Bruce often shelves the technology for his own use as Batman. Between stealing from the company he is supposed to lead and mismanaging their products, Bruce Wayne is a terrible entrepreneur. The reason for this is simple. He’d rather be doing… other things with his time.