Bucky’s Arm Restoration in Thunderbolts: An In-Depth Explanation

Marvel Studios has unveiled the first look at Thunderbolts, an exciting new superhero film scheduled to premiere in early 2025. Fans were thrilled to see a mix of familiar characters coming together to form a ragtag team, including the former Winter Soldier, Bucky Barnes.

Portrayed by Sebastian Stan, it appears that Bucky’s iconic metal arm is back in action. This revelation is intriguing, especially since audiences last saw Bucky’s arm in the possession of Rocket Raccoon, a gift from Nebula during the Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special.

As of now, neither the MCU nor the latest film trailer has provided details on how Bucky recovered his arm. However, drawing from the extensive Marvel Comics lore, there are multiple potential explanations for Bucky’s reclaimed prosthetic.

The first theory posits that the newly acquired arm might originate from Wakanda. Post-Thanos’ defeat, it’s possible that Shuri crafted another arm for Bucky. Alternatively, he may have had a spare arm left over from his time in the hidden vibranium city. Another plausible scenario suggests that Bucky retrieved the arm from Nebula and Rocket.

Furthermore, this new arm could pave the way for introducing a powerful new metal into the MCU: Adamantium. With Wolverine now officially part of the cinematic universe, it would make sense to introduce the metal known for forming his claws and other weapons. There’s a possibility that Bucky was given a new Adamantium arm by government forces or a secret facility specializing in Adamantium technology. Whether Thunderbolts addresses the background story behind Bucky’s arm remains uncertain.

Disclaimer: The theories and scenarios discussed here are solely the writer’s opinions.

What is the history behind Bucky Barnes’ metal arm in Thunderbolts and the Marvel Cinematic Universe?

An essential element of Bucky Barnes’ character in the Marvel comics and films is his metal arm. His association with the prosthetic has a rich history, tracing back to his transformation into the Winter Soldier.

Initially, Bucky was fitted with this arm by the terrorist organization HYDRA after losing his original hand during a fall into a ravine. Dr. Zola, who was responsible for programming him as the Winter Soldier, provided Bucky with the enhanced arm to boost his combat capabilities.

Bucky’s arm was destroyed during his confrontation with the Avengers in Captain America: Civil War, as he became a key target in the Sokovia Accords. However, while sheltering in Wakanda, he received a new cybernetically enhanced vibranium arm courtesy of Shuri and her technological prowess.

After the battle against Thanos, audiences witnessed Nebula passing Bucky’s arm to Rocket Raccoon in the Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, echoing Rocket’s earlier remark in Avengers: Infinity War about stealing Bucky’s arm. This interaction marked the last instance viewers encountered the prosthetic before the Thunderbolts trailer.

In the latest sneak peek, Bucky is even shown removing a metal arm from a dishwasher and reattaching it. Although the context surrounding this event is still unclear, it is evident that Bucky has obtained a new arm for his upcoming endeavors.

Thunderbolts is set to be released in theaters on May 2, 2025.

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