*Warning: Spoilers ahead for The Marvels*
The Marvels is the latest addition to the growing list of projects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film is a loose continuation of multiple MCU titles such as Captain Marvel (2019), WandaVision (2021), and Ms. Marvel (2022), and features many references to those projects. Easter eggs and references are sprinkled throughout The Marvels in such an intelligent way. The film is unapologetically cultural and religious, and the references are a mix of geeky finds as well as cultural nuggets. So let’s get into it!
The Khan Family Loves Cricket
Making their much-anticipated return is the beloved Khan family from the Disney+ show Ms. Marvel. Muneeba (Zenobia Shroff), Yusuf, and big brother, Aamir (Saagar Shaikh) are present for the whole adventure. A Ms. Marvel project would not be complete without the wholesomeness and love that this family brings.
When the main trio first start switching places, the Khan family are together in their lounge watching cricket. It’s no secret that cricket is a beloved sport among brown people. People from Pakistan are extremely passionate about it, so it’s no surprise to see this Pakistani family watching a match together.
Nega-Bands vs. Quantum Bands
Back in 1969, the Nega-Bands made their first comic book appearance in Captain Marvel #16. They’re presented as a gift to Mar-Vell, to indicate his desire to die for the Kree Supreme Intelligence. In the arc, Rick Jones finds a pair of bands as well. Once they are activated, Mar-Vell and Rick are able to swap places.
In The Marvels, they’re called Quantum Bands and Dar-Benn (Zawe Ashton) is on the hunt for them, however, she only finds one. The other band is in New Jersey with Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani) who received it as a gift from her Nani (Urdu for Grandmother.) When Dar-Benn uses the power of her band, it activates Kamala’s band as well. Because Kamala, Carol (Brie Larson), and Monica (Teyonah Parris) share similar light-based powers, they begin swapping places with each other once they use them.
The Islamic Frame in the Khan Household
There is a picture frame hanging on the wall in the lounge of the Khan house. These are very common occurrences in any Muslim household. The frame will either contain the name of Allah (God), Muhammad, or it will be a few verses of the Quran. The frame must always be safeguarded because it contains holy text.
It is nice to see that no matter what happens during the battle in the house, the frame is always unharmed. A bit later in the film, the frame is brought to S.A.B.E.R. and can be seen while the Flerken eggs are hatching. It’s extremely heartwarming to see Nia DaCosta give so much thought to the Islamic religion.
Skrulls in New Asgard
When Carol saves a Skrull colony from Dar-Benn’s destruction, she has to find them a new home. She calls on an old friend for a helping hand. Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson) arrives via the Bifrost, shares an amazing moment with Carol, and takes the Skrulls back with her.
Will the Skrulls be able to live with the citizens of New Asgard? Secret Invasion makes it clear the President of the United States (Dermot Mulroney) has an ax to grind with the shape-shifting extraterrestrials.
Kamala Forms the Young Avengers
In the penultimate scene of The Marvels, Kamala talks to Carol about a team. The next scene shows Kamala (who is doing her best impression of Nick Fury) recruiting Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld) to form their own team. Kamala also mentions that Ant-Man has a daughter. Will Marvel take aspects of the Young Avengers and The Champions to create a team of young superheroes for the MCU?
Islamic Supplications
The next few Easter eggs from The Marvels are rounded up under one heading as they share a similar theme. There are three separate scenes that include different supplications, which emphasize the Islamic faith.
As the Khan family goes up to S.A.B.E.R. for the first time, Aamir stares out the window and takes everything in. He says “Subhanallah” which expresses praise and admiration to God (Allah).
In another scene when Nick Fury and the Khans are heading back to Earth, Aamir repeatedly recites “La-illah-ha-illalah Muhammadu-Rasoolullah.” The phrase translates to “There is none worthy of worship except God (Allah) and Muhammad is the messenger of God.” This is also known as a form of protection for Muslims and shows their faith in God.
The final supplication happens when Kamala uses both bands together for the first time. As she sends the blast out, she exclaims, “Bismillah.” Muslims are taught to say this before performing any action. It means “In the name of God (Allah)” and it signifies that everything Muslims do, they do it for Allah.
Maria Rambeau is Binary
When Monica gets stuck in another universe, she wakes up in a hospital bed with who looks to be her mom sitting at her bedside. In this parallel universe, Maria Rambeau (Lashana Lynch) is called Binary. In the comics, Binary a name Carol goes by when she’s in an enhanced, more powerful form. Marvel already used Maria as Captain Marvel in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, so it makes sense for them to go a different route for an alternate universe.
Kelsey Grammer’s Beast in the MCU!
The last of The Marvels Easter eggs takes place after Monica sees her “mother,” when another character walks into the room. As the camera pans over to him, it’s revealed to be Dr. Hank McCoy aka Beast from the X-Men, portrayed again by Kelsey Grammer from the Fox-verse movies. With the inclusion of the music from X-2 and X-Men: Days of Future Past, this post-credits scene adds much excitement for the future of the MCU.
Which Earth is Monica stranded on? Are these the exact same characters from the Fox-Verse? Beast mentions Charles by name and speaks about him like he is still alive. Will we see Sir Patrick Stewart back as Professor X?
Which Easter Eggs Did You Spot in ‘The Marvels’?
This list was written after a single viewing. As more people head to the cinema to watch this fun and wacky movie, there will be more eyes zoning in on every scene, scouring for small tidbits that could be hidden.
How many of The Marvels Easter eggs did you find, and what were they? Let us know on the Agents of Fandom socials, and keep it locked for more Marvel news!
