While Marvel and DC are generally in perpetual competition, sometimes they greet each other, compliment each other, pay tribute to each other, honor each other through references or well-felt Easter eggs. Indeed, Marvel films often cite DC films, and vice versa. Little jokes, little digs or simply graceful tributes, it often happens that the two main firms in the superhero landscape are good sports. The proof with these 9 examples:
Krypto and THE super-animals
Released in 2022, this DC animated filmfor young people focuses on the pets of the greatest DC Comics heroes. We obviously find Krypto, Superman's dog, but also Ace, Batman's dog, or even the cat Moustache. More oriented towards a young audience, the film has in any case offered an easter egg for the competition. Indeed, at one point in the film, Krypto complains that he is not extensible, nor does he have a magic hammer. An obvious reference to two Marvel characters: Mr Fantastic, aka the Elastic Man and Thor and his hammer Mjolnir.
At another time in the film, it’s Superman himself making a reference to Iron Man. As he prepares to go out, Clark Kent uses his laser beams to iron a shirt. He then turns to Krypto, and says: “They should call me Iron Man”.
Spider-man
In the first Spider-Man, Peter Parker, played by Tobey Maguirehas a busy life. He's a good student at university by day and a superhero by night. In addition, he tries to conquer his crush Mary-Jane, while being a photographer for the Daily Bugle. Finally, he must also keep an eye on his aunt May, weakened by the death of uncle Ben. A very busy schedule for the teenager. A situation that worries his aunt May. The latter does not hesitate to remind him that he is doing too much, with a reference to Superman:
You're doing too much. College, your job, all that time you spend taking care of me. You're not Superman, you know.
The Eternals
In The Eternals, there is Ikaris. Incarnated by Richard Madden, this character is obviously very close to Superman. Very inspired by the Kryptonian, he shares many abilities with the DC character including super strength, the ability to fly in the air or even laser beams coming out of his eyes. In the film by Chloé Zhao, a little boy calls out to Ikaris:
You're Superman. I saw you on TV. You were in London, fighting a monster. You had a cape, and you were shooting lasers with your eyes.
To which Ikaris replies:
I don't wear a cape.
A new direct reference to Superman then.
Iron man 3
In Iron Man 3, director Shane Black makes a reference to DC's Super Friends. DC's Super Friends is a line of children's toys and books based on characters from the DC Comics universe. It is aimed at a younger audience and features more simplified and accessible versions of famous DC heroes, such as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and Aquaman. In addition to toys, DC’s Super Friends has also appeared in illustrated books and even in episodes of cartoons, particularly to introduce young people to the world of superheroes. In Iron Man 3, during a line, Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau) says to Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.):
I miss you too Mr. Stark. But I guess now you are with your Super Friends.
Aquaman 2
At the very end of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, James Wan offers a direct reference to the first Iron Man. Indeed, in the last sequence of the film, Arthur Curry, played by Jason Momoa, goes to a press conference to declare peace to the “surface dwellers”. The character can't help but loudly proclaim “I am Aquaman”. A direct reference to the iconic final line from the first Iron Man: “I am Iron Man”..
At another point in the feature film, Aquaman calls his brother Orm by the surname of the Asgardian god of lies. Indeed, the relationship between Aquaman and Orm is very reminiscent of that of Thor and Loki, and James Wan understood this well. It is therefore quite logical that he winks at the competition.
Deapdool
The Deadpool filmsare full of references of all kinds, and especially to DC films. In the first part directed by Tim Miller, Wade Wilson has fun sending the spectators a well-felt reference to Green Lantern. Indeed, Ryan Reynolds, who plays Deadpool in the Marvel trilogy, was also the face of Green Lantern in 2011. Unfortunately for him, the film was a critical and commercial failure. In Deadpool, when Wade agrees to undergo the Weapon X experiment, he asks the scientists around him not to give him a green CGI suit. A direct reference to the failed CGI of Green Lantern.
Deadpool 2
We stay with Wade Wilson, since in the second part of his adventures, the character does not hesitate to propose other references to the DC films. When Deadpool fights with Cable in the maximum security prison, the famous mercenary in red tights finds that Cable is particularly dark. He does not hesitate to tell him that he has the impression that he comes from the DC universe. In this same sequence, Cable asks Deadpool who he is. To which Wade responds “I'm Batman,” which has arguably become the most famous phrase to mock the Dark Knight. Finally, at the end of the film, Deadpool goes back in time to assassinate a version of Ryan Reynolds who is about to accept the role of Green Lantern.
Teen Titans Go The Movie
This is probably the best homage on this list. In the animated film Teen Titans Go, The Movie, Stan Lee makes a cameo. The famous cartoonist and scriptwriter from Marvel Comics was a regular at cameos, and appeared in many of the company's productions. This time, he makes his own little appearance at the competition since an animated version of Stan Lee, dubbed by him, comes to interfere in the DC film. It's hard to do better as a tribute.
Deadpool & wolverine
Let's finish with the latest MCU film to date: Deadpool & Wolverine. At the beginning of the film, Wade looks for a Logan to ask him for help. But before finding the version played by Hugh Jackman that we all know, the brainless mercenary crosses paths with many variants of the clawed mutant. One of them is played by Henry Cavill. In addition to the intensity of the surprise, Deadpool, as a true fan boy, wanted to thank Cavill for his work in the DC universe. When this Logan variant approaches Wade, Wade states:
May I say, sir, on behalf of all humanity, that everything you have done is right. We will treat you much better than those jerks on the street corner.