Marvel Cinematic Universe: Definitive Guide To Easter Eggs, In-Jokes And Foreshadowing
Thor
10. Stan Lee Cameo
Stan Lee's cameo in Thor is something of a surprise, his appearance the punchline to a joke the audience didn't even realise the film was telling. Just before Coulson turns up in the desert (seen in the post-credits scene of Iron Man 2), various locals are trying to shift Mjolnir, including a pickup truck driver, revealed as Stan the Man himself.
9. A Water Tower Says Welcome. Home of the Vikings
When S.H.I.E.L.D. close in on Puente Antiguo, a water tower can be briefly seen in the background proclaiming "Welcome: Home of the Vikings", a simple nod to the Norse origins of Thor, Odin, Loki et al. Coupled with the town's name, however, this suggests a backstory for Puente Antiguo, whose inhabitants were originally aware of their connection to the wider cosmic world.
8. Selvig References Bruce Banner And Hank Pym
When complaining about their treatment by S.H.I.E.L.D., Selvig name-checks a couple of his contemporaries who've had run-ins with the organisation, who just so happen to be key Marvel players. First up is Bruce Banner - "I knew a scientist - a pioneer in gamma radiation. S.H.I.E.L.D. showed up, and he was never heard from again" - which highlights how his angry nature isn't widely known in the scientific community. In the script he was going to follow by saying "Dr. Pym has had some dealings with these people. I'll e-mail him and see if he can help," but it was cut at the behest of producer Kevin Feige.
