Comic book movies are usually loaded with Easter Eggs for diehard fans, but ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’ seems packed to the gills with more than usual. And in some cases, there are some that you stare at and think, “That means something, but I don’t know off the top of my head what.” Fortunately, The Hollywood Reporter and Spider-Man superfan Dan Gvozden have compiled an extensive list.
Here are a few highlights:
The License Plates – Throughout the movie, license plates on various vehicles bear “Vanity” inscriptions that are obviously references to something, but if you aren’t a walking comic book encyclopedia, here’s what they mean.
- “463” – When Fury and Hill are investigating the appearance of the Earth Elemental (The Sandman) in Mexico, they walk past a vehicle whose license plate reads “463” a reference to ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ #4, published in 1963– the first appearance of The Sandman.
- “ASM 212” – Appears behind Ned while Betty is taking his picture in Venice, shortly before the Water Elemental (Hydro-Man) makes his appearance. ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ #212 was the first comic book appearance of Hydro-Man.
- “ASM28965″ – This appears on one of S.H.I.E.L.D.’s vehicles during the battle with the Fire Elemental (the Molten Man), who made his comic book debut in– what else?– ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ #28, published in September (9), 1965. In the comics, the Molten Man/Marc Raxton is the uncle to Liz Allan, who was reinterpreted in ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ as Liz Toomes, Peter’s love interest and The Vulture’s daughter. But there’s no way this Molten Man can be related to the film version of Liz.
- “MTU83797” – Appears on the back of a car as Peter is rushing to tell Fury about Mysterio’s true nature. It’s a reference to ‘Marvel Team-Up’ #83, from July (7), 1979, which featured a team-up between Spider-Man and Nick Fury.
- “TASM143” – Appears on an overturned car after the fight between Mysterio and the Wind Elemental (Cyclone). ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ #143, in which Peter travels to Paris and battles the villain Cyclone for the first time.
- “AMF1562” – Refers to ‘Amazing Fantasy’ #15, published in 1962, the first appearance of Spider-Man. This license plate is on the back of the car May brings to pick Peter up from the airport.
Crusher Hogan Vs. Bone Saw McGraw:
Crusher Hogan was the wrestler that Peter upstaged after first receiving his powers, leading him to briefly pursue a career in show business rather than super heroics.
In the 2002 ‘Spider-Man’ movie, Macho Man Randy Savage portrayed this character, although his name was changed to Bone Saw McGraw to avoid confusion with Hulk Hogan, one of Savage’s biggest rivals in the WWE.
In ‘Far From Home’, during the early scene of Peter attending the fundraiser for May’s charity, a poster behind Peter advertises a wrestling match for Crusher Hogan, while behind Happy, there is a poster for a bout between Hogan and Bone Saw McGraw.
Speaking of the 2002 ‘Spider-Man’…
Mid-Credits Scene:
The jaw-dropping mid-credits scene packed in a lot of references, including the oh-so-welcome return of J.K. Simmons as J. Jonah Jameson, now the head of DailyBugle.com, no longer a stodgy old newspaper, but an online “news” outlet.
A more subtle reference is shown when Spidey runs across the roof a building that may look familiar– it’s the penthouse where Norman Osborn lived in the original ‘Spider-Man’ movie. Does the modern film version of the Green Goblin live there as well? Hmmm…
But perhaps the most important “Easter Eggs” in that scene are there to remind you to stop on your way home and pick up some delicious Doritos and Dr. Pepper.
Gvozden’s article includes a LOT more Easter Eggs (although not the one about Doritos and Dr. Pepper. I caught that all on my own, thanks!), with much more in-depth analysis.
How many Easter Eggs did you spy in ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’?
