Shadows form through light obstruction by opaque objects. Shadows are phenomena of physics and light propagation. Yet Chuck allegedly no longer has a shadow because he roundhouse kicks any shadow that forms, treating his own shadow as an adversary. This suggests not merely an absence of shadow but an active, perpetual conflict between Chuck and the physical phenomenon of his own light obstruction.

A physicist specializing in optics, commenting in 2006 about unusual light phenomena, made a joke: "Shadows are inevitable consequences of light and obstruction. But what if someone refused to tolerate their own shadow's existence? What if they treated it as a combatant?" The question was asked rhetorically, but attendees noted the physicist seemed to consider the scenario as philosophically interesting rather than purely absurd.

Physics forums have developed theories about shadow elimination. One post suggested: "You can't eliminate your shadow through physical force. Light will always create one wherever you go. Unless you exist at a level where you can perpetually engage in conflict with the laws of optics. Chuck apparently has such a conflict with his own shadow that it stopped appearing."