Marvel Cinematic Universe: Definitive Guide To Easter Eggs, In-Jokes And Foreshadowing

Thor: The Dark World

11. Stan Lee Cameo

And, after that onslaught of obscure references comes the Stan Lee cameo to lighten the mood. It's revealed Selvig (who was, after all, last seen running around Stonehenge naked) is in an asylum, and the shoe he was using as an example belongs to Stan's character, one of the other inmates.

10. The Asgard Soldier Loki Turns Into Is Same One Who Reports His Death

If you wanted a clue that Loki wasn't actually dead before the last minute reveal, here it is. The Asgardian soldier he turns into just after Thor frees him is the same one who finds his body and reports his death to Odin. You think such a seasoned shapeshifter would have more than one guise in his arsenal.

9. Loki Becomes Captain America (And The Character's Music Plays)

After the Asgardian soldier, Loki becomes Captain America, a fun (uncontracted) nod to The Avengers. But the reference goes a bit deeper than just the appearance; when Loki's transformed the signature theme from The First Avenger plays.

8. Thor Decaptitates Bor's Statue

When escaping Asgard, Thor accidentally decapitates a massive stone statue of an ancient Asgardian, which Loki dryly points out is sculpted after the pair's Grandfather, Bor. That's the same Grandfather who led the army against Malekith in the opening prologue, somewhat contextualising the events.