Loki was full of Easter eggs that referenced comic books, creators, and other MCU movies, but it also had subtle nods to non-Marvel items and events that can be easily missed. While major Marvel Easter Eggs like the Thanos Copter and the statue of the Living Tribunal are undoubtedly exciting, subtler, lesser-known references scattered throughout the show can be equally satisfying to find.
These non-Marvel Easter eggs are just more proof of how meticulously crafted the series was. As fans begin the long wait for the next season of Loki and make predictions about how the multiverse will be explored in the ongoing series, What If…?, it’s the perfect time to delve into the Easter eggs that don’t have anything to do with the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The Case Of D.B. Cooper
The first episode of Loki gave crime and mystery fans an unexpected treat. While delving into Loki’s past, viewers learn that he was the man behind the infamous D.B. Cooper case, as he had to pull this stunt as punishment for losing a bet with Thor.
The unsolved case took place in 1971 when an unidentified man hijacked a Boeing 727 and held it for a ransom of $200,000. Like how it was shown in the episode, D.B. Cooper parachuted out of the plane and scattered cash everywhere. Even the way Loki looks in this scene is surprisingly accurate to the actual forensic sketches of D.B. Cooper, from the dark shades to the slick hair.
Music From Se7en
While Loki is unsuccessfully looking for answers in the TVA’s library, there’s a recognizable sound that starts to play in the background. Bach’s "Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major" may just be another classical song for some, but for diehard fans of Se7en, it’s a clear reference.
It’s a subtle nod to a similar scene in Se7en when Detectives William Somerset and David Mills are doing their own research in a library. According to Looper, a panel with the stars and producers of the show confirmed this reference. Director Kate Herron herself said, "There's a little reference to Se7en in Episode 2, a little needle drop which I'm sure fans of that film will recognize instantly."
A Lot Of 90s Drinks
The TVA workers sure love their discontinued drinks, as fans can spot them throughout different episodes in the show. The first drink that makes an appearance is the 1995 PepsiCo energy drink, Josta Cola, which Mobius can be seen sipping in the first episode. Another TVA worker, Casey, enjoys a 1990 fruit juice, BoKu in episode 2, before it’s hilariously ripped away from him by Loki.
The last drink is not in the hands of a TVA worker, but is instead held by one of the best Loki variants from the MCU and the comics, Kid Loki. The 1989 drink, Hi-C Ecto Cooler, was released after the massive success of Ghostbusters in 1984. Fans who are familiar with the short-lived drink might be able to spot Slimer on the juice box.
Soldiers From Aliens
In episode 3, Loki and Sylvie are attempting to board the ark, but have to get through two guards who are checking for tickets. The credits reveal that the guards are named Corporal Hicks and PVT Hudson, which is a nod to the cult classic 1986 sequel, Aliens.
In Aliens, Private Hudson and Corporal Hicks are played by Bill Paxton and Michael Biehn, respectively. While they’re not running away from any aliens in the MCU, they do lose to the wit and cunning of the two Loki variants that work together to get past them.
Lady Sif’s Locks
After Mobius locked Loki in a time loop, viewers are greeted by a very angry Lady Sif, who is furious with the protagonist for chopping her hair. This is a story that is directly taken from Norse mythology.
In the tale, Loki casts a spell on Sif which puts her to sleep. While she sleeps, Loki mischievously cuts off her golden locks, which were both her and Thor’s prized possession. This act is definitely something the God of Mischief will have to add to his list of things to make up for, though it’s questionable that any of Loki’s nicest gestures will ever be enough for Lady Sif to forgive him.
Oak Island’s Treasure
Back in the TVA in episode 5, a dizzying pan gives viewers a glimpse of the TVA monitor, which mentions "Oak Island, Nova Scotia." This real-world island located on the south shores of Canada has been shrouded in mystery for years.
Rumor has it that great treasures are hidden somewhere on the island, and since the 1700s, treasure hunters and thrill-seekers have visited the location hoping to discover its secrets. Its appearance on the Sacred Timeline might be hinting that there is some truth (at least in the MCU) to these rumors, but fans aren’t likely to find out.
The Mystery and Lore of Monsters
While the Loki variants are drinking Roxxiwine in their hideout in The Void, a pile of books can be seen next to Alligator Loki’s kiddie pool. One title stands out in particular in this scene from episode 5 – The Mystery and Lore of Monsters by C.J.S. Thompson.
Originally published in 1930, the book details the origins of mythological creatures like fairies, dwarves, and giants. Its core message is to explain how monsters are, in fact, a normal part of real-life and society. This is a fitting story for a scene that features the Loki variants that have been excluded from their own timelines and societies.
Polybius Arcade Game
In episode 5, an inconspicuous arcade game can be spotted in the variants’ hideout in The Void. The label reads "Polybius," which is an urban legend from the early 2000s. The fictitious arcade game is said to have been placed around Oregon during that time, as part of a secret government experiment that went terribly wrong.
Those who tried the game allegedly got quickly addicted to it and experienced hallucinations. Legend has it that men in black would even visit these machines to collect data. It’s not surprising to find this controversial game in The Void, as it likely caused a Nexus event that made it necessary for the TVA to prune it (and possibly the entire bowling alley) from its timeline.
The Philadelphia Experiment
As the Loki variants formulate a not-so-brilliant plan to fight Alioth in episode 5, a massive pruned ship appears in The Void. Alioth then annihilates the ship and its crew, which is actually based on a real ship from the Navy.
The USS Eldridge was said to be part of the "Philadelphia Experiment" back in 1943. The military experiment was testing a cloaking device and, according to the myth, rendered the ship completely invisible. The fact that it appears briefly in The Void is a testament to just how much work the creators put into referencing and "solving" these popular urban legends.
Famous Quotes
During the intro in episode 6, viewers hear some of the most memorable quotes from the MCU that are also interspersed with non-MCU lines. As the camera pans away from earth to the rest of the universe, fans may recognize some of these lines from famous personalities.
These quotes are taken from real-world figures like Greta Thunberg and Neil Armstrong. Some of the more memorable quotes include Armstrong’s "one small step for man" and Maya Angelou’s "I will rise." Fans are reminded that in the Sacred Timeline, these real-life superheroes exist and play an important part, too.