As a longtime comic book enthusiast and moviegoer, I must say that these Easter eggs and cameos have made my fanboy heart sing! It’s fascinating to see how creators pay homage to iconic moments and characters from various universes.
Comic book giants Marvel and DC rule the roost in the world of comics. They’ve given us some of the most enduring and beloved superheroes globally, such as Batman and Superman from DC, or Spider-Man and Captain America from Marvel. Since the start of the 21st century, their live-action versions have reigned supreme at the box office and, whether for good or ill, reshaped the film industry.
Over the past few decades, Marvel and DC have been competing fiercely, both globally and at the box office, as well as for fan affection. Generally speaking, Marvel has come out on top in this rivalry, delivering a greater number of high-quality, consistently successful films.
While Marvel and DC films typically operate independently, there are moments when one film studio acknowledges the other, as seen in these ten instances. Often, these mentions are just playful, innocent references. However, occasionally, their rivalry sneaks into the movies, delivering a sharper, more competitive jab.
10 “Why Couldn’t I Have Been Stretchy or Have a Magic Hammer or Something?”
DC League of Super-Pets (2022)
The movie titled “DC League of Super-Pets” is an animated film centered around the pets belonging to DC Comics’ most renowned superheroes, brimming with amusing nods to Marvel. In this story, Ace (portrayed by Kevin Hart), Batman’s future dog, possesses near indestructibility, leading him into hazardous predicaments. As he prepares to enter a blazing inferno, Ace wonders aloud, “Why couldn’t I have been elastic or had a magical hammer instead?
There are actually two great Marvel Easter eggs in this line. The stretchy part refers to Marvel’s superhero Mr. Fantastic, while the hammer alludes to Thor’s iconic weapon, Mjolnir.
9 “You’re Not Superman, You Know.”
Spider-Man (2002)
In the year 2002, the blockbuster movie “Spider-Man” reigned supreme in Hollywood, earning immense profits and shaping the landscape of superhero films for the following two decades. Remarkably, even today, it remains a highly acclaimed film. Here, we follow the journey of a young Peter Parker, portrayed by Tobey Maguire, as he navigates his newly acquired superpowers, eventually morphing into the iconic character, Spider-Man.
In the trailers for this film, there’s a memorable quote that often caught my attention. It isn’t the classic “With great power comes great responsibility” from Uncle Ben (Cliff Robertson). Instead, it’s a witty, amusing remark made by Aunt May (Rosemary Harris) that references one of DC Comics’ well-known superheroes. She said this when she noticed Peter was always tired.
“You do too much. College, a job, all this time with me. You’re not Superman, you know.”
That’s right, Aunt May, he’s not Superman. He’s Spider-Man.
8 “I Don’t Wear a Cape.”
Eternals (2021)
It appears that Marvel often makes references to DC’s Superman. In the film Eternals, which received mixed reviews, we find a group of immortal extraterrestrial beings who reappear after millennia to safeguard Earth from their age-old adversaries. One such being is Ikaris, played by Richard Madden, who exhibits powers reminiscent of Superman. When a young boy spots Ikaris on the street, he exclaims enthusiastically, “That’s Superman! I saw him on TV. He was in London, battling a monster, and you were wearing a cape and shooting beams from your eyes!
“I don’t wear a cape,” Ikaris hits back smugly.
7 The Avengers or Super Friends? – Iron Man 3 (2013)
Back in the ’70s and ’80s, there was another significant superhero team apart from Marvel’s Avengers and DC’s Justice League. This team was none other than DC’s own Super Friends. Much like their contemporaries, they were depicted in an animated series, but unlike them, this group included both well-known characters such as Batman and Superman, along with lesser-known heroes from the DC universe, including The Atom and the Wonder Twins.
As a die-hard movie buff, let me share my take on “Iron Man 3.” In this thrilling tale, the trusty sidekick Happy Hogan, portrayed by John Favreau, delivers a crucial message to Iron Man, played by Robert Downey Jr. It’s an intriguing moment that adds depth to their relationship.
“Yeah, I miss you too. But the way it used to be. Now you’re off with the Super Friends.”
6 “I Am Aquaman/Iron Man.”
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023)
In the second Aquaman film, titled “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” which is the final installment in the DCEU, there were some subtle nods to Marvel. One such reference occurs towards the end when Aquaman (played by Jason Momoa) unveils Atlantis to the surface world for the first time. In a worldwide broadcast, he appeals for unity between the two realms through a heartfelt speech.
At last, he makes this revealing statement: “I am Aquaman.” This hints at a similar moment in 2008’s Iron Man, where Tony Stark unexpectedly unmasked as Iron Man before the world. There may be some intentional irony in this reference, as Iron Man and its climactic scene marked the beginning of the MCU, while Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom and its final line signify the end of the DCEU.
5 Green Lantern References
Deadpool (2016)
In an unusual twist for Marvel superheroes, Wade Wilson, more commonly known as Deadpool, stands out as a humorous, masked character. Capable of beheading enemies or brain-stabbing with ease, he follows these grisly acts with witty, sarcastic remarks. Known for his ability to break the fourth wall and directly address the audience, it’s no wonder that Deadpool’s self-aware humor dominates this list of entries.
Deadpool is played to perfection by Ryan Reynolds, who also portrayed the titular superhero in DC’s abysmal Green Lantern. Reynolds couldn’t pass up the chance to throw some humorous jabs at his old superhero project. In 2016’s Deadpool, Wade asks his captors not to make his super suit green or animated, a reference to Reynolds’ horrible, CGIed green suit in Green Lantern. But Reynolds doesn’t stop there. In 2018’s Deadpool 2, Deadpool time travels back in time and kills Ryan Reynolds while he’s holding the Green Lantern script, preventing the actor from ever making the movie.
4 “They Should Call Me Iron Man.”
DC League of Super-Pets (2022)
In this part of the movie DC League of Super-Pets, Superman (John Krasinski) is conversing with his dog Krypto (Dwayne Johnson), both gazing at a mirror. Using his laser vision, Superman ironed his shirt, but then inadvertently delivered what could arguably be one of the best dad jokes: “They should call me Iron Man,” he quipped, followed by a laugh and an embarrassed head shake. Rest assured, Clark, I’m confident that all the dads in the theater found it amusing as well.
3 “I’m Batman”
Deadpool 2 (2018)
In 1989, I found myself transported back to Gotham City with Tim Burton’s iconic film, Batman. The movie began with a chilling scene in an alleyway, where two thieves were discussing the latest rumors swirling through the underworld: whispers of a bat-like creature targeting crooks. Just as they finished their conversation, Batman (played by Michael Keaton) swooped down from the skies, confirming the gossip and instilling fear in their hearts. One thug stammered, “What are you?” To which Batman responded menacingly, “I’m Batman.
As a devoted cinema enthusiast, let me share that prior to 1989, the image of Batman largely revolved around the light-hearted superhero in blue tights, thanks to the humorous 60’s TV series starring Adam West. But then came a scene that introduced us to a grittier, more somber Batman, and his opening line has since become an iconic movie catchphrase. Christopher Nolan’s Batman (Christian Bale) echoed this line in his own introduction in the gripping film, “Batman Begins.” More than three decades later, the shock on fanboys’ faces was palpable when Michael Keaton revisited his role as Batman in “The Flash” and repeated that memorable phrase.
Apart from DC, even Marvel’s Deadpool 2 pays tribute to this iconic phrase. The character Cable (played by Josh Brolin) gets into a fight with unmasked Deadpool and when asked who he is, Deadpool cleverly responds, “I’m Batman,” mimicking Michael Keaton’s Batman voice.
2 Aquaman Calls His Brother Loki
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023)
In the film “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” another Marvel-style Easter egg is spotted early on. The protagonist, Aquaman, frees his criminal brother Orm (Patrick Wilson) from prison. This scenario might ring a bell, as it mirrors the dynamic between two brothers in the MCU – Thor and Loki. Their relationship is marked by sibling rivalry, and this tension carries over into the movie, with Aquaman even calling his brother “Loki,” alluding to the well-known feud between these brothers in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
1 Henry Cavill’s Cameo
Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)
In simpler terms, Henry Cavill is famously recognized for portraying Superman within the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). However, following James Gunn taking charge to develop a new DC Universe (DCU), both Cavill and the DCEU were let go. A fresh Superman will debut in 2025 instead. Speculations have been swirling that Marvel could cast Cavill as their Wolverine, but those whispers were silenced when it was revealed that Hugh Jackman would reprise his role as Wolverine in the recently unveiled “Deadpool & Wolverine.
Marvel left viewers astonished (in a favorable manner) as Cavill suddenly emerged in an unanticipated role, portraying a variation of Wolverine. Deadpool’s response to Cavill’s entrance mirrored the sentiments of many spectators: “wow, this is awesome!
Allow me to express, as a representative of mankind, it resonates profoundly with us. We aspire to extend to you a level of kindness and respect far beyond what is currently offered by those individuals nearby.
A brutal, not-so-subtle jab at DC Studios.
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2024-10-01 05:02