Marvel Movie Plot Holes: Characters Surviving When They Should Have Died

When discussing the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), one of the most thrilling aspects is watching your favorite characters navigate through perilous situations. However, at times, it can be equally entertaining to point out the plot holes and inconsistencies. Specifically, there are instances where a character should have died, but they quite inexplicably did not. Let's take a closer look at some of the most notable examples from the MCU.

Iron Man: Tony Stark’s Near-Death Experiences

While Tony Stark, aka Iron Man, is one of the most resourceful characters in the MCU, even he has been through some close calls. In Iron Man (2008), when the explosion caused by the Extremis experiment hits Stark, the impact and concussion alone should have taken his life. Similarly, in Iron Man 3 (2013), when his Humvee is riddled with machine gun fire, it's hard to believe he survived—especially with the severe damage he endured. The consequences of that battle were so extreme that even Stark's highly advanced suit of armor should have been incapable of saving him. Moreover, in the Chitauri invasion of New York, when Stark's suit was not built for space travel, it also seemed like a clear plot hole.

Captain America: The Botched Timeline

Captain America (2011) introduces us to Steve Rogers, who has spent 70 years in suspended animation under the Arctic. Even though the striking crash into the frigid waters of Lake Erie should have been fatal, he managed to survive and, more surprisingly, resurfaced in the 21st century. This incident is a prime example of a comic book-to-movies gap that the MCU tried to close in subsequent films by introducing the Harbinger Protocol. However, it's still a plot hole for many fans who question how Steve Rogers, without ongoing medical support, could have survived for so long.

Thor: The Destroyer’s Wrath

In Thor (2011), when the Destroyer droid strikes Thor, a fully human Avenger, with such force that it sends him flying 20 feet, it would be reasonable to assume that he should have died. The royal realms of Asgard are no match for these technological marvels, and it’s a testament to Thor's strength that he survived the attack. Yet, it’s another plot hole that adds to the intrigue of the film.

Hawkeye and Rocket: Space Survival

Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) presents an entirely different kind of plot hole with the survival of Glen Tillman, also known as Star-Lord. During a scene where the unlikely duo, Cyborg Thor and Peter Quill, are stranded in space without any form of protection, it would be logical for them to perish. However, they not only survived but played a critical role in the film’s outcome. This raises questions about the plausibility of space travel in the MCU, even for an alien life form. The survival of Rocket Raccoon during this period is another puzzle, showcasing the injuries he endured and how he managed to recover.

Agent Coulson and the Elite Team

While Jack Coulson is no longer an active agent in the FXE (formerly S.H.I.E.L.D.), he made several significant plot holes in his heyday. In Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (2013), 3.02 - “Chosen”, Coulson is impaled by a drill shaft and pulled back to life. This scene is one of the most debated and closely analyzed instances in the MCU due to its reliance on science fiction elements to explain his survival. Similarly, in Doctor Strange (2016), personal physician Dr. Stephen Strange undergoes a car crash that results in a series of severe injuries. First, his car plunges off a cliff, and later, the hospital staff pierce his pericardium, the membrane surrounding the heart, both events should have been fatal. These scenarios highlight the recurring theme of near-death experiences in the MCU and the unexpected ways characters manage to overcome them.

Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes

Another iconic moment is seen in The Winter Soldier (2014). When the Winter Soldier, Bucky Barnes, is shot in the eye by a sniper, it appears that Bucky would have succumbed to his injuries. Yet, he survived, raising questions about the and the extent of his abilities. Similarly, in Agent Carter (2015-2016), when Steve Rogers is involved in his car being blown up, he too survives, making it another interesting plot hole for fans.