Why Bucky Feels Pain In His Robotic Winter Soldier Arm

Bucky's robotic arm leaves him in pain during Civil War. The reason, unsettling as it may be, shows a superpowered Bucky still has his limitations.

Bucky (Sebastian Stan) still feels pain in his robotic Winter Soldier arm during the events of Captain America: Civil War and the reason is a bit disturbing. The arm has granted him enhanced strength that's allowed him to become a superpowered individual. However, the pain he feels proves that a superpowered Bucky still has his limitations.

Introduced in Captain America: The First Avenger, Bucky is Steve Rogers' (Chris Evans) best friend who eventually joins him in his battle against HYDRA during World War II after the latter becomes Captain America. During a mission to capture Armin Zola (Toby Jones), however, he is presumably killed after falling out of Zola's train car. Bucky returns as the Winter Soldier, brainwashed by HYDRA to act as its assassin. In addition to being brainwashed, he also receives a robotic arm that replaces the one he lost during his fall.

In Captain America: Civil War, Bucky jumps down a flight of stairs trying to evade police after Zemo frames him for the UN bombing that kills King T'Chaka. To break his fall, he grabs onto a railing using his robotic arm. The ensuing pullback causes Bucky to shout in pain, which proves that despite its superpowered enhancements, the arm has limitations that can affect him just as much as it helps him.

The reason Bucky shouts in pain when catching the railing in Captain America: Civil War is fairly unsettling even if it gives viewers a better understanding of the drawbacks of the Winter Soldier arm. The fact of the matter is, the arm still functions as a part of his body. The superpowered enhancements do not change the fact that he will still naturally experience pain when his body is put under such stress, especially when the arm is attached to so many nerves that could've been damaged from losing his actual arm. And given their use of Bucky is as nothing more than a brainwashed pawn, HYDRA likely just attached the arm to suit their purposes without caring how it would affect him.

Fortunately for Bucky, he is taken to Wakanda to get a replacement after the Winter Solider arm is destroyed by Iron Man in Captain America: Civil War. While Falcon And The Winter Soldier shows Bucky's arm still has certain limitations, he also seems much more comfortable with it and so far hasn't had moments where he's shown genuine pain. Much like his making amends for his actions, Bucky gaining a new arm that better serves him shows the progress he is making in reclaiming his life.

Next: Captain America: Civil War's Alternate Ending Would Have Ruined The Movie (& Infinity War)