Spoilers for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 follow.
Videos by ComicBook.com
While all of the members of the Guardians of the Galaxy essentially got equal weight in the franchise’s sequel, it’s safe to say that the increased screentime of Yondu (Michael Rooker) resonated with a lot of fans. And with audiences seeing more of Yondu, a few questions entered their minds, such as how exactly the character’s yaka arrow works.
Seeing as the arrow and fin were created for the film – adapting Yondu’s traditional bow and arrow in the comics – many were left without a clear answer. That is, until franchise writer and director James Gunn stepped in.
In a series of recent tweets, which you can see below, Gunn explained exactly how the yaka arrow operates. Essentially, the arrow works with a ‘fin’ headpiece worn by the user, which transmits the whistling of the user.
Side note on the yaka arrow: the whistle sound is picked up by the headpiece and is transmitted wirelessly to the arrow.
โ James Gunn (@JamesGunn) June 8, 2017
He also touched on a bit of continuity that some wondered about after the closing minutes of Vol. 2, in which Kraglin (Sean Gunn) is seen practicing with the yaka arrow and a fin, despite Yondu’s similar-looking fin being cremated alongside his body. According to Gunn, these headpieces are much easier to get a hold of than the arrows, largely thanks to the popularity of brain implants within the Guardians universe.
2nd side note on the yaka arrow in explanation of an unnamed spoiler: the headpieces are fairly common/simple; the arrow is incredibly rare.
โ James Gunn (@JamesGunn) June 8, 2017
Not odd: there are many brain implantations in the universe (see Korath Vol 1); that tech is easily manipulated from one need to the other. https://t.co/N2eTwWOwXz
โ James Gunn (@JamesGunn) June 8, 2017
While it’s unclear if viewers will get to see Yondu use his yaka arrow again in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, fans have gone to great lengths to memorialize the character and his badass technology, even mashing him up with the recent images for Mary Poppins Returns.
MORE GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY: Awesome Mix Vol. 2 Getting Vinyl And Cassette Release / Beast Kingdom Shows Off Their Exclusive Star-Lord Figure / New Concept Art Reveals Alternate Ego Design / James Gunn Reveals His Growing Responsibility Within The MCU
Set to the backdrop of ‘Awesome Mixtape #2,’ Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continues the team’s adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos. The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mysteries of Peter Quill’s true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes’ aid as the Marvel cinematic universe continues to expand.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is written and directed by James Gunn (Slither). The film marks the return of the original Guardians, including Chris Pratt (Jurassic World) as Peter Quill/Star-Lord; Zoe Saldana (Star Trek Into Darkness) as Gamora; Dave Bautista (Spectre) as Drax; Vin Diesel (Furious 7) as the voice of Groot; Bradley Cooper (American Sniper) as the voice of Rocket; Michael Rooker (Jumper) as Yondu; Karen Gillan (The Big Short) as Nebula; and Sean Gunn (Gilmore Girls) as Kraglin. New cast members include Pom Klementieff (Oldboy), Elizabeth Debicki (The Great Gatsby, Everest), Chris Sullivan (The Knick, The Drop) and Kurt Russell (The Hateful Eight, The Thing).
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is in theaters now. Spider-Man: Homecoming lands on July 7, 2017, followed by Thor: Ragnarok on November 3, 2017. After that Black Panther debuts on February 16, 2018, while Avengers: Infinity War hits theaters on May 4, 2018. Ant-Man and the Wasp is slated for July 6, 2018, followed by Captain Marvel on March 8, 2019.