Many directors use techniques that pay tribute to their cinematic colleagues and influences, creating layered, referential moments in their films. Within the realm of the superhero, though, the Easter egg is king. Most directors nowadays sow fun little seeds throughout their films, but Marvel and DC both delight in throwing their fan- and creator-service around. Zack Snyder’s Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice was no stranger to this practice.

Aside from the more obvious references, such as Perry White’s “It’s not 1938 anymore!” swipe (Superman’s debut year in Action Comics), there were more obscure nods - like the man who uncovers Jimmy Olsen’s tracking device, Anatoli Knyazev (genetically augmented villain “KGBeast”). Apparently, there are some hidden treasures in BvS which are even more obtuse, such as this gem.

Batman super fan @mas_critical dug up a real doozy (via Heroic Hollywood). While watching the film, he caught a shot of a broken window that looked suspiciously familiar. Using his Dark Knight-inspired sleuthing skills, he noticed that the light through yonder window broke in a very similar shape to that of Ontario – the Canadian province where Superman creator Joel Shuster was born (in Toronto precisely). Take a look at the broken glass in question beneath:

Not one to make assumptions, the DC devotee contacted BvS staffers via Twitter, including Snyder, cinematographer Larry Fong, and photographer Clay Enos. A personal friend of the director, Enos showed the still to him for confirmation. Snyder happily affirmed the egg, saying “#finally someone noticed.”

Snyder’s comment isn’t just a fun fan moment, it also displays the amount of thought that went into Batman V Superman. Despite his detractors, the oft-dogged director truly put his heart and his inner fan-boy into the superhero smash-up. His love of comic book properties comes across in his oeuvre as well, which includes four-color spinoffs like Man of Steel, 300, and Watchmen, among others.

Hopefully, Snyder’s hot-and-cold streak will end with Justice League and its different tone. His appreciation for the art form clearly led him to place tons of fun Easter eggs in BvS, of which there are probably a few more waiting to be discovered. It will also be fun to watch what other little nods show up in Justice League and beyond.

Next: Amy Adams Felt Sorry for Zack Snyder Over Batman V Superman Backlash

Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice Ultimate Edition is now available in digital, Blu-ray, and DVD formats.

Suicide Squad is now playing in theaters. Wonder Woman opens in theaters on June 2, 2017, followed by Justice League on November 17, 2017; Aquaman on July 27, 2018; an untitled DC Film on October 5, 2018; Shazam on April 5, 2019; Justice League 2 on June 14, 2019; an untitled DC film on November 1, 2019; Cyborg on April 3, 2020; and Green Lantern Corps on July 24, 2020. The Flash, The Batman solo movie, Dark Universe and Man of Steel 2 are currently without a release dates.

Source: Critical Mas, Clay Enos [via Heroic Hollywood]