The Ultimate Guide to Mind-Blowing MCU Easter Eggs & References in Loki Season 2 Episode 3

Warning! This article contains spoilers for season 2, episode 3 of Loki. In this installment, fans were treated to a plethora of Easter eggs and callbacks to the wider Marvel Cinematic Universe. Notably, the introduction of Victor Timely, a Kang variant, has sparked considerable intrigue among viewers. Jonathan Majors reprises his role as Timely, and his character's significance is heightened by the events of episode 3, setting the stage for the show's final three episodes.

The appearance of Timely in this episode brought with it a multitude of Easter eggs, one of which hints at Loki potentially replacing Ultron with Miss Minutes. Alongside these references, Loki continues to establish connections to other elements within Marvel Studios' vast universe. From nods to the state of the MCU multiverse to tantalizing teases regarding other Kang variants, the series offers a treasure trove of connections to other Marvel properties. Here, we explore every reference and Easter egg discovered in episode 3, titled "1893."

10 Marvel Studios' New Intro Theme

A recurring inclusion often seen in Marvel's various Disney+ shows is the Marvel Studios logo, particularly in relation to Easter eggs. This trend continued in Loki season 2, episode 3. Although the visuals of the Marvel Studios intro remained unchanged, there was a notable alteration in the accompanying fanfare. Instead of the usual heroic theme composed by Michael Giacchino, the music played over the Marvel Studios logo had a nostalgic feel, resembling that of an old-fashioned band. By using this version of the fanfare, the show aimed to evoke the earlier time period depicted in Loki season 2, episode 3, thus setting the tone for the upcoming Easter eggs.

9 Loki & Mobius' Dialogue Foreshadows Victor Timely

After leaving the TVA and arriving in Chicago in 1868, Loki and Mobius engage in a conversation regarding Ravonna Renslayer's decision to visit that particular time and place. In the midst of this discussion, Loki inquires, "Does any significant individual emerge from this era?" This query is made while Loki and Mobius stand underneath the open window of Victor Timely's residence, hinting at his forthcoming appearance in the episode and the emergence of a consequential Kang variant from that time period.

8 Loki References Iron Man 3's Chinese Theater Scene

During episode 3 of Loki season 2, Loki and Mobius embark on a journey to the Chicago World's Fair. Within this episode, they find themselves exiting the famous Chinese Theater in Los Angeles, after their unsuccessful attempt to locate Ravonna Renslayer. Interestingly, this renowned Chinese Theater is not only a popular real-life landmark but also appeared in Iron Man 3. In that specific Phase 2 movie, Happy Hogan suffered injuries from an Extremis soldier at the same location. This subtle connection draws attention in Loki season 2.

7 Loki Season 2 Has An Easter Egg To A Forgotten MCU Norse God

In addition to being present at the Chicago World's Fair in Loki season 2, episode 3, there is also a section dedicated to Norse mythology. Within this section, Loki and Mobius come across sculptures of Thor, Odin, and another deity known as Balder. As per Norse mythology, Balder is traditionally portrayed as Thor's brother and Odin's son. However, in contemporary adaptations and stories, Loki has taken on the role of Thor's brother, resulting in Loki season 2 playfully acknowledging this change. The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has effectively replaced Balder's Norse tale with Loki, leading the God of Mischief to humorously remark, "Why'd they include Balder? No one's even heard of him."

6 Loki Season 2 References Ant-Man's Family History

As Loki and Mobius peruse the schedule of stage performers at the Chicago World's Fair, their attention is drawn to Victor Timely's Temporal Marvels. While this itself is an intriguing Easter egg, there is another hidden gem to be discovered. Among the fair's roster of performers is Ferdinand Lang, an unmistakable reference to the MCU's Scott Lang. Considering that Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania introduced both Kang the Conqueror and a sneak peek of Loki season 2 in its post-credit scene, it is difficult to believe that the use of the name Lang is mere happenstance.

5 Victor Timely's Temporal Marvels

In Loki season 2, episode 3, the character Victor Timely introduces some enjoyable Easter eggs. One of these references is seen in the name of Timely's show at the Chicago World's Fair, which is "Victor Timely's Temporal Marvels." While this cleverly alludes to the Temporal Loom of the TVA and the overarching theme of time in Loki, the inclusion of the word "Marvels" serves as a not-so-subtle nod to the franchise Loki belongs to. Instead of opting for any other word to describe a remarkable occasion, screenwriter Eric Martin deliberately chose to acknowledge the studio he works for by using "Marvels."

4 Loki's Soundtrack Is Referenced Before Victor Timely's Show

As Loki and Mobius await Timely's demonstration, a band takes the stage, playing an old-fashioned rendition of "Green Theme," one of the most recognizable tracks from Natalie Holt's score for Loki season 1. This clever Easter egg not only captures the essence of Loki's music but also adds a delightful twist, considering the 1893 setting of the episode.

3 Loki Season 2's Chicago World's Fair References Rama-Tut

Rama-Tut, a popular variant of Kang in Marvel Comics, is portrayed as Nathaniel Richards who time-travels to become an Egyptian Pharaoh. The character of Rama-Tut also made an appearance in the end-credit scene of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. In episode 3 of Loki season 2, there is a subtle reference to the Egyptian version of Kang. While being pursued at the fair, Victor Timely takes refuge in an ancient Egyptian exhibit. This cleverly hints at the Egyptian variant of Kang that Jonathan Majors has previously portrayed, and effectively builds anticipation for other more formidable incarnations of Kang.

2 Victor Timely's Laboratory Is Decorated With Asian Symbols

One scene in the second season of Loki takes place in Victor's lab at the Chicago Fair, featuring Miss Minutes and Ravonna. Within the lab, the set is adorned with Asian symbols on two distinct objects. Although the specific language represented by these symbols remains uncertain, they could potentially establish a connection to the Asian-influenced realm of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), there has been a longstanding theory that Shang-Chi's rings are linked to Kang in some capacity, and the inclusion of Asian symbols in Loki's second season could be interpreted as a subtle homage to this idea.

1 Loki Season 2 References Season 1's Director

In the third episode of Loki season 2, towards the conclusion, Ravonna and Victor Timely embark on the SS Herron, a ship destined for Timely's proper laboratory. The name of the ship holds significance as it pays tribute to an important personality from Loki season 1. Kate Herron, the director of every episode in season 1, is associated with the heartfelt, understated homage of the SS Herron. Though not part of season 2's production, this subtle reference celebrates her contributions to the show's visual language, style, and atmosphere.

New episodes of Loki release Thursdays at 6pm PT / 9pm ET on Disney+.