Unveiling the Plot Holes in Well-Known Movie Prequels

Introduction

Movie prequels have long been a source of excitement and anticipation for fans of popular franchises. They offer a unique opportunity to delve into the backstory of beloved characters and settings, providing a deeper understanding of the fictional worlds we have come to love. However, as much as prequels enrich the narrative tapestry, they also run the risk of creating plot holes and continuity errors that can disrupt the carefully constructed timeline of a franchise.

Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins and Ian McKellen as Gandalf in The Hobbit Battle of the Five Armies

While some discrepancies may be minor and easily overlooked, others stand out as glaring inconsistencies, leaving fans puzzled and questioning the logic of the prequel's storyline. In this article, we will explore the challenges and shortcomings faced by well-known movie prequels, shedding light on the notable continuity errors that have left audiences scratching their heads.

Ian McKellen as Gandalf in The Hobbit The Battle of Five Armies

Gandalf Knows That Bilbo Has The Ring

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014) concludes with a perplexing revelation as Gandalf, while escorting Bilbo back to the Shire, cryptically warns him about the dangers of using 'magic rings.' This seemingly implies that Gandalf is aware of the peculiar ring acquired by Bilbo. However, this revelation creates a significant continuity error when juxtaposed with the timeline of The Lord of the Rings.

Gandalf talking to Bilbo in The Hobbit An Unexpected Journey

The supposed plot hole of Gandalf knowing about Bilbo's ring can be rationalized by the existence of other magical rings in Middle-Earth, leading to Gandalf's unawareness of the One Ring's presence. However, the delay in addressing the ring's significance and the missed opportunity to confront the looming threat of the Nazgûl years earlier raise valid concerns about the narrative coherence of the prequel.

Gandalf talking to Bilbo outside the troll horde in The Hobbit An Unexpected Journey

Puss In Boots Becomes An Assassin

The character of Puss in Boots undergoes a jarring transformation as his moral compass appears to deviate between the events of Puss in Boots (2011) and his subsequent portrayal in Shrek 2. In Puss in Boots, he exhibits heroic tendencies and a desire to redeem himself, only to be depicted as an assassin for hire in Shrek 2, a stark contrast that raises questions about the consistency of his character development.

Shrek, Donkey, and Puss in Boots in Shrek 2

The timeline of Puss' evolution from a noble figure to a notorious assassin presents a significant continuity error, leaving viewers perplexed about the seamless integration of these conflicting portrayals within the overarching narrative of the Shrek franchise.

Luke Skywalker Is Not Hidden Very Well

Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith (2005) introduces a puzzling twist in the form of Luke Skywalker's 'concealed' upbringing on Tatooine. Despite the efforts to hide him from Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader, the decision to send Luke to Anakin's home planet and maintain the Skywalker name raises logical inconsistencies and questions about the effectiveness of the concealment strategy.

Luke Skywalker in Tatooine looking to the distance in Star Wars A New Hope.

The oversight in concealing Luke's identity and the potential risk of exposure to the Sith forces highlight a significant continuity error in the prequel, challenging the credibility of the narrative and the strategic decisions made by the characters.

Owen and Beru Lars in Revenge of the Sith.