Captain America: Brave New World has arrived, and while critics have mixed feelings, it’s still fun to spot the numerous references to the wider Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and Marvel comics.
Here’s a look at some of the most notable Easter eggs in the film.
The Blip and President Ross’s Speech
President Ross makes a subtle reference to the Blip during his speech, nodding to the events of Avengers: Infinity War, where half the world disappeared after Thanos’s snap.
Celestial Island and Tiamut
In the backdrop, Celestial Island is mentioned, which ties into the events from Eternals. Celestial Island is likely inspired by Celestial Mountain from the comics, where the Avengers once set up headquarters.
The Hulk Hunter
President Ross is referred to as “The Hulk Hunter,” a callback to the early Incredible Hulk comics, where he relentlessly pursued the Hulk. The film even features a quick clip of Edward Norton’s Hulk, offering a fun nostalgic moment.
Sam Wilson’s New Wings and Red Wing
Sam Wilson’s Captain America now sports upgraded wings designed by the Wakandans, which can absorb kinetic energy, similar to Black Panther’s suit. His Red Wing drone also gets an upgrade, including laser and crime-fighting tools.
Serpent Society and Sidewinder
The film introduces the Serpent Society, a group of snake-themed villains from the comics, though they appear as forgettable mercenaries in the MCU version. The leader, Sidewinder, is played by Giancarlo Esposito, though his portrayal is less colorful than the comic version.
Isaiah Bradley’s Story
Isaiah Bradley plays a significant role in the film, acting as Sam’s role model. His story, rooted in the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, is a powerful and painful reminder of America’s past experiments on African American soldiers.
Sam’s Past as a Counselor
A small but meaningful reference is made to Sam’s background as a counselor. This subtle detail highlights his earlier role helping soldiers, which ties into his leadership as the new Captain America.
Ant-Man and Sam’s History
Throughout the film, there are constant references to Ant-Man, particularly due to Sam’s past interactions with Scott Lang. These references nod to their humorous first meeting and the rivalry that continues.
Adamantium and Lord Dark Wind
Adamantium, the metal famously associated with Wolverine, is introduced in the film, setting the stage for possible future X-Men connections. Lord Dark Wind, a character linked to adamantium in the comics, might be foreshadowing future developments.
Red Hulk’s Transformation
The film culminates in Thunderbolt Ross becoming the Red Hulk, a significant moment for comic book fans. However, this transformation is less impactful than in the comics, where the Red Hulk was a major threat, even defeating Thor and Silver Surfer.
Betty Ross’s Return
After years of absence, Betty Ross makes her return, played by Liv Tyler. Her reappearance opens the door to potential storylines, including the possibility of her transformation into the Red She-Hulk.
Secret Wars Tease
In the film’s post-credit scene, there’s a hint at the upcoming Secret Wars, with The Leader alluding to alternate Earths and heroes. This sets the stage for exciting future Marvel developments, especially for fans of the 2015 Secret Wars comics.
These Easter eggs serve as delightful nods to the larger Marvel universe, offering a mix of nostalgia and teasers for what’s to come in future MCU films.
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