With the recent release of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, fans are reveling in the film’s box office success. Yet, amidst the laughter and applause, there’s a hilarious plot hole left unaddressed in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
A Box Office Triumph with Unanswered Questions
Since its early May debut, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 has grossed over $475 million internationally, marking a triumphant return for Marvel. Despite this success, the film leaves us with intriguing queries about the MCU’s future, including one amusing plot hole that is yet to be filled.
The MCU History That Shapes the Question
To understand this plot hole, we need to revisit key moments in MCU history. Significant events from past Avengers movies have facilitated some delightful interactions between superheroes like Rocket (Bradley Cooper) and Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan).
In one memorable scene, Rocket is left desiring Bucky’s gun and new vibranium arm. Despite Bucky’s refusal, Rocket is determined to acquire the arm.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3: Where is Bucky’s Arm?
Years later, despite Bucky being turned to dust and the Guardians leaving Earth after Endgame, Rocket never gets Bucky’s gun or his arm. Even in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, set several months post-Endgame, Bucky still has his arm.
Meanwhile, Rocket undergoes significant character development throughout Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. From being a guarded raccoon, he evolves into a character who values and loves his family, moving beyond his past antics.
The Unexplained Gift in The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special
Fast-forward to Christmas 2025, Nebula (Karen Gillan) surprises Rocket with an unexpected gift in The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special – Bucky’s arm. The origin of this arm, whether real or replica, remains a mystery, forming a fascinating plot hole that Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 leaves unexplained.
Perhaps Nebula, having formed a unique bond with Rocket over the years, learned about the arm and decided to gift it to him. Regardless of whether Rocket returned the gift, the gesture remains a testament to their evolving relationship.
The Enigma of the MCU Plot Hole
Although this plot hole isn’t detrimental to the overall storyline, it’s certainly a point of interest for fans. Even if Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 hasn’t provided a satisfactory explanation, we hope Marvel will offer some clarity in future projects.
Despite the unanswered questions, the action-packed Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 keeps audiences engaged over its two-day timeline. During this period, Rocket is primarily unconscious or battling for his life, leaving no room for answering our queries about Bucky’s arm.
Future MCU Installments: A Hope for Answers
However, MCU enthusiasts can anticipate Bucky’s return in future films, where he will undoubtedly need his arm. As one of the main characters in Thunderbolts and a likely appearance in Captain America 4, we can hope for a resolution to this hilarious plot hole.
In conclusion, while Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 leaves us with a comedic question mark, it doesn’t overshadow the film’s overall success and enjoyment. As we look forward to future MCU installations, we remain hopeful for an explanation that would provide closure to this entertaining mystery.
