10 Times Marvel Movies Referenced DC

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For years, the realms of Marvel and DC comics have appeared as fierce competitors to many. However, they are indeed giants in the comic book industry, engaging in storytelling battles spanning over decades. Contrary to popular belief, they maintain a mutual respect for each other, as seen through subtle references within their respective works and even epic crossovers. This bond extends beyond the pages, with the Marvel Cinematic Universe and more, often subtly acknowledging DC characters by name-dropping them or making cheeky nods in their films, more than you might think. From Superman to Batman, DC superheroes have found themselves mentioned quite frequently in Marvel movies.

In a playful nod to fans or a bold jab (particularly at Deadpool), the Marvel films have consistently acknowledged DC Comics. Although these instances don’t necessarily hint at an imminent crossover, they undeniably bring a smile to long-time comic enthusiasts. Here are ten occasions when Marvel movies (from MCU and beyond) subtly, humorously, or even self-referentially referenced DC in surprising, amusing, and downright meta ways.

1) Deadpool on Cable’s Attitude — Deadpool 2 (2018)

Wade Wilson, the Marvel character who knows himself best, quickly took a dig at DC’s darker movie style in Deadpool 2. While battling Cable to protect Russell in prison, Deadpool quipped, “You’re so gloomy, are you actually from the DC Universe?” amidst their exchanges of blows. This humorous remark not only brought laughter from the audience but also highlighted the contrast between the grimmer aesthetic of the DC Extended Universe and the more light-hearted vibe of the Deadpool movies.

The joke serves as an outstanding demonstration of Deadpool’s ability to shatter the fourth wall and satirize Hollywood simultaneously. It also takes a playful jab at films such as Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, which were often associated with a somber and brooding tone, and coincidentally released only a few months prior to Deadpool 2.

2) Aunt May Knows Superman — Spider-Man (2002)

Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy was setting the stage for superhero movies and takes place in a universe where other comic book artists were active. In the initial movie of the Tobey Maguire series, Peter Parker, played by Maguire, receives a stern warning from Aunt May not to burden himself with the world’s problems.

During Peter’s hospital visit, Aunt May advises him, “You’re pushing yourself too hard. Remember, you’re not invincible like Superman.” This phrase subtly acknowledges the famous superhero, and it’s particularly entertaining when you consider that Spider-Man and Superman have shared many comic book adventures throughout the years, such as their iconic battle in the 1976 comic “Superman vs. The Amazing Spider-Man: The Battle of the Century.

3) Happy Not So Happy with Tony’s New Life — Iron Man 3 (2013)

In the course of Tony Stark’s life, Happy Hogan stands out as one of the rare individuals he can depend on entirely. From the very beginning, Happy has functioned as his right-hand man and remained steadfast by his side, enduring his capricious decisions and drastic business shifts with minimal protest… or at least, not too much protest, given that Happy is known for his good nature.

In a different tone, Happy expresses concern about a mysterious scientist who’s visiting Pepper, revealing later to be the film’s antagonist, Aldrich Killian. He advises Tony to be wary of this individual. Despite Tony trying to reassure him, Happy expresses his longing for the past, suggesting that Tony often seems preoccupied with his superhero companions, a reference to the Justice League from the DC animated series of the ’70s and ’80s.

It’s a quick aside, but it’s a fun Easter egg for fans of both universes.

4) Green Lantern Lampooning — Deadpool (2016)

Deadpool, being a character that often references pop culture, is likely to make jokes about topics his audience finds amusing. This could be particularly useful for Ryan Reynolds’ emotional release. Notably, the creators of Deadpool didn’t hold back when poking fun at Reynolds’ previous superhero roles.

Following Wade’s long-awaited decision, he lets out a sigh and reaches out to the unsettling recruiter to schedule his “Super Serum” procedure. As he lies on a rickety gurney in a shabby, filthy lab, he makes it clear that if he becomes a superhero, he doesn’t want his costume to be green or animated. This is a deliberate reference to the 2011 DC film “Green Lantern,” where Reynolds portrayed Hal Jordan. The movie was widely criticized, but perhaps most notoriously for its fully computer-generated suit.

5) Venom’s Kryptonite — Venom (2018)

In a similar vein to how Venom’s universe features its own equivalent of DC Comics characters, or perhaps a planet resembling Krypton, in the initial Venom film, as Anne drives Eddie to the hospital, they discuss Venom’s vulnerabilities, specifically sound frequencies, and how an MRI poses a significant threat to the symbiote. Anne wonders if this is analogous to Venom’s equivalent of Kryptonite.

The way DC language is used subtly hints at Venom’s vulnerabilities, which might be familiar to common readers, but it also offers a deeper interpretation for Marvel fans, suggesting that DC is consistently present across the Marvel Multiverse. This is particularly fitting given that Venom is an alien who has chosen to act as a protector, just like how DC seems to be a constant protector in the Marvel Universe. However, it’s also possible that this reference could simply be a slip-up in wording that might get overanalyzed.

6) Batman and Robin Tease – Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007)

It’s simple to overlook the fact that “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer” was actually one of Marvel’s cinematic releases before the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) grew into its current massive form. Interestingly, this movie even managed to throw a subtle jibe at Batman and Robin, Gotham City’s crime-fighting duo.

Following a conversation between Reed and Sue about leaving the team and disbanding the Fantastic Four, Johnny Storm confides in Ben Grimm about it. The two then engage in a worried dialogue, with Ben questioning, “Should we carry on alone as just the two of us?” To which Johnny replies, “And what should we call ourselves then, The Dynamic Duo?” – a term often associated with Batman and Robin.

7) Karun as “Alfred” — Eternals (2021)

In the movie Eternals, the Bollywood star Kingo (played by Kumail Nanjiani) is assisted by a human valet named Karun (Harish Patel). This character has won over many viewers. At one point, Gilgamesh playfully compares Karun to Batman’s butler, Alfred.

The humor lies in the fact that Kingo bears a striking resemblance to Bruce Wayne’s butler, Alfred Pennyworth, albeit set in a cosmic context. If you imagine Bruce Wayne trading his gadgets for Bollywood dance routines, you’d have a character quite like Kingo.

8) Ikaris’ Mistaken Identity — Eternals (2021)

The Eternals didn’t just make one DC reference; they also made a significant one when comparing Ikaris to Superman himself. A scene occurs where Phastos’ child, upon meeting Ikaris (Richard Madden), exclaims enthusiastically to his father that he’s Superman. Despite Phastos repeatedly trying to hush him and explain that Ikaris isn’t actually Superman, the boy insists.

In an enthusiastic manner, he shares that he spotted Ikaris on television, saying, “I saw him on TV! You were flying and shooting beams of light.” In a somewhat awkward pause, Ikaris gently clarifies that he doesn’t wear a cape. This exchange is humorous but also emphasizes the similarity in their superpowers.

Nate Moore, producer of “Eternals”, has shared in interviews that they intentionally inserted this reference to suggest that these divine beings have not only inspired ancient myths and folklore, but also the stories of gods in modern mythologies like DC. This multiple layer connection between a Marvel character, derived from a god, inspiring a DC character within the “Eternals” universe, is a case of meta storytelling stacked upon meta storytelling.

9) Flash’s Autobiography – Spider‑Man: No Way Home (2021)

As a huge fan, I can’t help but admire Flash Thompson for transforming his high school friend Peter Parker’s genuine identity dilemma into a business venture in the film “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” Swiftly capitalizing on the revelation of Peter’s secret identity, Flash (Tony Revolori) penned a memoir titled “Flashpoint: My Life as Peter Parker’s Best Friend” – a title that cleverly references DC Comics’ iconic 2011 crossover event, Flashpoint.“.

In the DC Comics narrative titled Flashpoint, Barry Allen travels back in time to save his mother, triggering a sequence of events that splits reality asunder. This leads to characters transforming into their opposite counterparts, history being rewritten, and a whole alternate timeline being revised. Not only is it a subtle reference to DC’s cataclysmic event affecting multiple universes, but it aligns seamlessly with the film’s central themes that revolve around those exact topics.

10) Flash Gordon Reference – Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

Before jumping into the comments to argue that Flash Gordon isn’t part of the DC Universe, consider that he had a short-lived comic stint under their label during the lively ’80s. Therefore, this upcoming reference could be considered a subtle inclusion in the DC collection.

In the movie “Avengers: Infinity War,” Tony Stark playfully teases Peter Quill by referring to him as “Flash Gordon.” This nickname suits Quill’s character, which draws inspiration from old-school science fiction heroes, and Star Lord himself takes it as a sincere compliment.

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2025-06-26 23:42