Marvel Cinematic Universe: Definitive Guide To Easter Eggs, In-Jokes And Foreshadowing
Iron Man 2
12. Arc Reactor Blueprints Credit Set Designers
Among the names mentioned on the Arc Reactor blueprints are those involved in the film's production; Sharon Davis (set designer on Iron Man 2 and probably the person behind this Easter egg's inclusion), William J. Law III (lead set designer on Iron Man) and Walt Hadfield (construction coordinator on both films).
11. Captain America Comic Book In Howard Starks Possessions
In amongst all of Howard Stark's important scientific documents is an original Captain America comic, revealing ahead of time a strong connection between Howard and Steve Rogers. It's so blink-and-you-miss-it that it was probably just meant as an in-joke for fans, but after the events Captain America: The First Avenger, where the comic is revealed to be part of the original Cap-inspired propaganda drive, it works within the continuity too.
10. Howard Starks Antarctica Map
Also in Howard's files is a map of Antarctica, which conspicuously appears twice. Ignoring the slim chance the filmmakers got their poles mixed up and intended to be hinting at Captain America's location, this is likely pointing towards the existence of Vibranium; the resilient metal was first discovered on the continent. Was Howard hoping to find some more of the material?
9. The Cameraman Of Howard Starks Video Is The Movie's Cinematographer
The set designers weren't the only ones to get in on the act of throwing in their own personal Easter eggs. The clapperboard for Howard Stark's Expo video/message for Tony states the cameraman is Johnny Libatique. The surname is clearly a reference to Matthew Libatique, cinematographer for the first two Iron Man films. Where Johnny came from isn't clear - possible John Slattery, who plays Howard in the scene.
8. Howard Starks Tesseract Drawing
Rounding off the collection of foreshadowing tidbits found in Howard Stark's files is a drawing of a tesseract, which may just be the Cosmic Cube that caused so much angst for Tony in The Avengers. Howard found the Tesseract after the events of Captain America: The First Avenger, after which it was studied by himself S.H.I.E.L.D.
