Top 10 Easter Eggs In Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse You Might've Missed!
#10: Everything on a Bagel
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While escaping from the Alchemax facility in “Into the Spider-Verse,” Miles chucked a bagel at one scientist. Reflecting on this moment’s conception, Chris Miller wrote, “a piece of history was born.” That might’ve sounded like a joke at the time, but the bagel ends up playing a crucial role in “Across the Spider-Verse.” Miles learns that the Spot is the same scientist that he hit with the bagel, which sent him down a villainous path. We can’t help but wonder if the bagel is also a homage to another multiverse movie involving a Polish baked good, “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” It might be a coincidence since both of these movies were made around the same time, but it would bring things full circle.
#9: The Significance of 42
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The number 42 popped up a few times in “Into the Spider-Verse.” It plays an even more prominent part in the sequel as we learn about the spider that bit Miles. No, this isn’t a “Hitchhiker’s Guide” reference, but the number does encompass a hidden meaning. It pays tribute to Brooklyn Dodger Jackie Robinson, who became synonymous with his No. 42 jersey. Robinson was also fittingly portrayed by T’Challa himself, Chadwick Bosman. In many respects, Miles’ arc in “Across the Spider-Verse” mirrors Robinson’s story. Both are skilled individuals who seek to join elite teams. Despite their talents, both are told that they don’t belong. Both must go the extra mile to prove that they’re worthy of the uniform they wear, taking control of their destinies.
#8: Comic Code Authority
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Like “Into the Spider-Verse,” this sequel dishes out a retro Easter egg before the plot even gets rolling. Following the studio logos, the film is given a stamp of approval from the Comics Code Authority. The CCA was introduced in 1954 to ease moral concerns surrounding comic book content after psychiatrist Fredric Wertham challenged the medium in the book “Seduction of the Innocent.” The seal was officially abandoned in 2011 with publishers finding it dated. Aside from being a clever Easter egg, the code ties into the themes of “Across the Spider-Verse.” Spider-Man 2099 could be seen as a censor trying to control what Miles can and can’t do. Where other Spider-People follow Miguel O’Hara’s strict rules, Miles is determined to write his own story.
#7: A “No Way Home” Nod
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Miguel O’Hara has his hands full keeping so many universes from collapsing. He apparently didn’t have time to intervene in Doctor Strange’s memory spell, although he is aware of that multiverse-shattering event. During his introduction, Miguel not only references Strange, but also Tom Holland’s Peter Parker and Earth-199999 where the MCU takes place. Other than this meta gag, co-director Kemp Powers says that the Spider-Verse is “not tied into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.” However, as Miles makes a break for it, he crosses paths with a Spider-Man bridging a gap together. We’re guessing the Spider-Society saw Holland’s Peter holding a ferry together recently and decided to prepare. Both are about 98% successful in keeping things together.
#6: Comic Book Canon
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Even more than the previous film, “Across the Spider-Verse” is like a comic book collage brought to life. So, it only makes sense to work several iconic covers and panels into the narrative. Amazing Fantasy No. 15, which first introduced the web-slinger, makes another appearance here. As Miles is given a lesson on the essential plot points in any Spider-Person’s story, we’re treated to an assortment of familiar drawings. Of course, there needs to be a moment where our hero loses sight of their purpose, as exemplified through Peter abandoning his suit in “Spider-Man No More!” For all the pain, there’s room for romance in Spidey’s life with an image from Peter and MJ’s wedding popping up. It’s a carefully-crafted web of the comic canon.
#5: Into the Raimi-Verse
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Uncle Ben’s death is another defining moment in the journey of almost every Spider-Person. For many audiences, the version that hit the hardest was in the 2002 Sam Raimi film. A still from this tear-jerking scene can be spotted as Miles is instructed about the importance of loss and how it shaped his counterparts. This isn’t the only reference to Raimi’s first “Spider-Man” film. In another trip down memory lane, the famous upside-down kiss between Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst is visible. More than two decades after this game-changing blockbuster came out, some moments remain instantly recognizable, even when hidden in the background.
#4: J. K. Simmons, the Only J. Jonah Jameson
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You can recast Spider-Man every several years, but as far as we’re concerned, only one man can play J. Jonah Jameson now. As we swing from one universe to another, we encounter various incarnations of the hotheaded Daily Bugle editor. One is seen on TV, another is heard on the radio, and a Lego version sits behind a desk barking orders. What do these Jamesons all have in common (other than a short fuse)? J. K. Simmons! The actor once again reminds us why he’s the definitive Jameson, voicing every incarnation of the character here. The Lego version even spouts a line from the 2002 film, demanding that Lego Peter get him a decent picture of Spider-Man. Flesh and blood or plastic, Simmons is Jameson.
#3: The Spider-Mobile Strikes Back
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Spider-Man doesn’t need a vehicle, as swinging from skyscraper to skyscraper is the most convenient way to get around New York. So, it’s baffling/hilarious to think that the character had a red and blue Spider-Mobile at one point in the comics. Spider-Man even acknowledged that it was a stupid idea, but Corona Motors offered a handsome fee and he needed the cash. The Spider-Mobile was among Peter’s possessions in “Into the Spider-Verse,” but we’d have to wait until movie #2 to see the car in action. Visiting the Spider Society, Miles encounters a group of Spider-People driving in the eyebrow-raising set of wheels. But was that an inanimate vehicle or the multiverse variant PeterParkedcar? Either way, we hope the Spider-Mobile like car was insured.
#2: A Familiar Prowler
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Although most of the universes we visit are animated, we take a few live-action detours. (xref) While poking around his “holes,” the Spot steals a pack of Venomint gum from Mrs. Chen of the “Venom” movies. (xref) As Miles learns about how grief ties into the Spider-Man formula, we see Andrew Garfield’s Peter holding a deceased Captain Stacy in his arms. The live-action cameo sure to ignite the biggest applause comes shortly after Miles arrives at the Spider Society. A variant of his Uncle Aaron has been detained. It’s not the Aaron that Miles knows and loves, but Tom Holland’s Spider-Man might recognize him. While unclear if this is the same exact Aaron Davis from the MCU, it is satisfying finally seeing Donald Glover in the Prowler costume.
#1: Spider-People Everywhere
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The Spider Society sequence alone is a treasure trove of Easter eggs. Comic book fans may recognize the Superior Spider-Man. But only hardcore fans will know Spider-Wolf, Spider-Horse, and the Bombastic Bag-Man. Other unique variants include Spinneret, an alternate version of Mary Jane Watson, and Ben Reilly, a Peter Parker clone. Outside of the comics, we saw the PS4 Peter appear in person and in the game Ganke was playing. There are TV variants as well, from “Spider-Man Unlimited” to the OG Spider-Man cartoon. The one that got us the most nostalgic was the Spectacular Spider-Man from the criminally short-lived animated series. (xref) And with all of these Spider-People together, it was inevitable that they take a certain meme to the next level.
