Marvel Cinematic Universe: Definitive Guide To Easter Eggs, In-Jokes And Foreshadowing
Thor: The Dark World
18. The Blackboard - The Nine Realms
Selvig's blackboard is a complete treasure trove for Marvel Easter eggs, some winking to the comics and other hinting at events in future Marvel movies. Most prominently is the scientist's work on the convergence, which features a 2D representation of the nine realms and the effect of the convergence, both a glimpse of the film's finale and a nice visual of the wider Marvel universe. Interestingly, it maintains the structure of the World Tree seen in Captain America: The First Avenger.
17. The Blackboard - 616 Universe
One of the notes on the blackboard refers to the 616 universe, in Marvel lore the main comics universe that's been in existence since Fantastic Four #1 in 1961. The MCU world is designated the 199999 universe, but mentioning another world sets up the possibility of alternate universe as some point down the line. What a great way to keep the franchise going.
16. The Blackboard - The Crossroads
Selvig is clearly aware of the Crossroads, an otherdimensional reality where the laws of physics are completely messed up. It's most famously linked to Doctor Strange, who once sent an out-of-control Hulk there, meaning the realm could feature in his debutant movie in 2016, or at the very least later on in the series.
15. The Blackboard - The Fault
Written just about "The Crossroads" is a mention to The Fault, a, well, fault-line in the universe that leads to various other times and realities. It comes from the version of Guardians Of The Galaxy on which the MCU versions are based, making an appearance in their sequel possible. However, more interesting is its connection to another group of superheroes; The Fault was created by Black Bolt, leader of the Inhumans.
14. The Blackboard - Kyle + Yost = X
In the top right corner of the blackboard is a clearly un-mathematic equation; "Kyle + Yost = X". This at first seems like a rather simple creator Easter egg; Craig Kyle is the film's executive producer (and co-producer of Thor) and Christopher Yost wrote the screenplay. However, the equals is referencing/teasing something that will never come to pass in the MCU; before Thor: The Dark World, Kyle and Yost worked on the X-Men comics, writing the Messiah Complex event and creating the new version of X-Force.
13. The Blackboard - Simonson's Theory Of Relativity
Below the main divergence drawing is the mention of Simonson's Theory of Relativity. Obviously there's no such theorem in the real world; this is a reference to Walt Simonson, a prominent Thor writer in the eighites who popped up in person during the final act of Thor. Simonson is probably best known for creating Beta Ray Bill, a character die-hard fans can't help but wish will show up at some point.
12. The Blackboard - Nexus Of All Reality
The various acknowledgements of alternate universes on the board may all seem a bit out there, but Selvig does provide an explanation for how it could happen - the Nexus of All Reality. A multiverse gateway, the Nexus links all versions of reality together, making it something of a writer's wet dream.
