The Flash is a film that serves up a smorgasbord of delightful Easter eggs, callbacks, and appearances from the vast archive of Warner Bros. and DC.
The Flash is a roller-coaster ride through alternate universes and time paradoxes, stuffing its Easter basket full of… surprises.
Drawing inspiration from MCU counterparts such as Spider-Man: No Way Home and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, as well as Sony’s venture Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, The Flash embraces the charm of alternate realities and the expansive DC universe.
There are plenty of Easter eggs in The Flash to make any long-time fans as well as new fans of the franchise squeal in their seats, and point at the screen like that Leonardo DiCaprio meme.
WARNING: THIS WILL CONTAIN HEAVY SPOILERS FOR THE FLASH.
The Flash movie DC Easter Eggs
1. Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman
In one of the first scenes of The Flash, the screen is graced with none other than Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman’s presence. Fresh off her cameo in Shazam! Fury of the Gods, the charismatic Diana Prince, A.K.A Wonder Woman, springs into action. The scene finds Ben Affleck’s Batman teetering on the edge of a bridge, in a frantic race against time to prevent a criminal, clutching deadly chemicals, from plunging into the river below – an act that could spell disaster for the city.
As Batman’s grip loosens and the criminal begins to fall, a familiar golden rope swirls through the air – it’s the Lasso of Truth! With perfect timing, Wonder Woman swings into action, ensnaring the falling criminal and averting a city-wide catastrophe. With the day saved, she then takes off into the sky, off to her next endeavor.
2. Barry and Iris
So far, within the DCU landscape, Barry and Iris’s interactions have been fairly limited, with their only significant encounter being in Zack Snyder’s Justice League, where Barry uses his super-speed to rescue Iris from a car crash. Other than this pivotal scene, Kiersey Clemons, who brings Iris to life, has been noticeably absent from the DCU’s film roster.
This could mean that The Flash effectively validates the events that unfold in Zack Snyder’s Justice League. The conversation takes an interesting turn when Iris mentions the unforgettable car crash incident, hinting that they’ve crossed paths before. However, Barry playfully denies any such encounter, subtly acknowledging the ambiguity surrounding Zack Snyder’s Justice League‘s place in the DCU canon. It’s a clever tip of the hat, delivered with just the right amount of whimsy.
3. Michael Keaton’s Batman
Imagine a movie titled The Flash whose success hinges significantly on a character who isn’t even the Flash! Well, that’s exactly the situation the creators of The Flash found themselves in.
Barry Allen finds himself journeying through an alternate timeline where Batman isn’t the familiar Ben Affleck he knows. Instead, it’s the face that we 90s babies associate with Batman – Michael Keaton.
Last gracing our screens in 1992’s Batman Returns, directed by Tim Burton, Keaton’s Batman isn’t just a vital cog in the story’s machinery. His comeback serves as a major hook in the film’s marketing strategy too. What if Michael Keaton had declined the role? Did they have a plan B in their back pocket?
Questions aside, I am very happy that he did accept the role. His performance, other than nostalgia, was a breath of fresh air for a franchise that seems to be trying everything not to collapse.
4. Alternate Barry
As Barry embarks on his journey across time, he finds himself in the bedroom of his alternate, younger, and much more obnoxious self. As Barry gets stuck in this new universe, he needs alternate Barry to get his powers so he may continue to have them. It makes sense, yes. Well, it’s not what happens.
Alternate Barry does get his Flash powers, but actual Barry ends up losing his in the process. That means he needs to do a complete crash course for a very immature 18-year-old so he can master his powers and help Barry get home.
It’s great to watch how different both alternate Barry and real Barry are from each other. Barry starts to realize why he has a hard time socially, and both Barries (is that the plural of Barry? It is now.) do mature more in the process, to the point where alternate Barry sacrifices himself so he doesn’t become an evil time-traveling mutant and Barry can undo everything.
5. James Gunn’s DC and Scooby-Doo Reference
In a fun twist, alternate Barry’s room decor features a throwback poster of the 2002 movie Scooby-Doo. It’s a clever nod to James Gunn’s early Hollywood days, as he penned the script for the Scooby-Doo movie. This tasteful reference pays tribute to Gunn’s rise in the ranks, now proudly standing as the mastermind behind DC Studios, side by side with Peter Safran.
Moreover, a blast from the past moment in The Flash unveils a young Barry donning a t-shirt adorned with the iconic Mystery Machine logo from the Scooby-Doo series. It’s a light-hearted gesture, subtly hinting at Gunn’s indelible imprint on the DC universe.
6. Temuera Morrison as Tom Curry
The Flash isn’t without its fair share of delightful cameos, one of which is Temuera Morrison. Remember him from 2018’s Aquaman, where he brought life to Tom Curry, the dad of our aquatic hero?
As Barry takes a detour through an alternate dimension in The Flash, he reaches out to the Justice League and makes a call to Tom Curry. Here’s the catch: Morrison reprises his role but with a twist. In this version, he’s married to a human, and his insight into Arthur Curry is limited to his canine companion’s knowledge, as the aquatic hero Aquaman was never brought to life.
7. Barry is in Metropolis during Man of Steel
A fun little nugget in The Flash takes the form of a retcon, offering an unexpected twist. If you were among those anticipating a replay of the infamous Metropolis battle from Man of Steel, you might be in for a surprise. Those scenes were borrowed directly from Man of Steel and the DCU’s chronology, revealing an interesting fact – Barry was present in Metropolis during Zod’s assault.
Freshly charged with his super speed, Barry dashed to Metropolis, eager to lend a hand. However, he quickly found himself in over his head, concluding that this was a situation best left in the capable hands of Superman. This clever intertwining of timelines brings a fresh perspective and depth to Barry’s story.
8. Alternate Classic 80s Movies
Navigating the choppy waters of alternate realities, The Flash playfully explores how these different dimensions deviate from both the familiar world of Barry and the audience. A delightful twist comes in the form of references to classic 80s movies, but… this is a different universe.
In The Flash, Marty McFly from Back to the Future is brought to life by Eric Stoltz, while Michael J. Fox dons his dancing shoes to lead Footloose. The cherry on top of these reimagined roles? Kevin Bacon, of all people, zooms into the spotlight as Maverick in Top Gun. Hilarious. These unexpected casting switches lead Barry to the humorous conclusion that “I broke the universe.”
9. Danny Elfman’s Batman Score
As Michael Keaton dons the Batman cape once again in The Flash, we’re treated to the nostalgic notes of Danny Elfman’s classic 1989 score. The familiar, exhilarating strains of music, as featured in the trailer, weave their way into the finished film, underscoring the action with a palpable sense of anticipation.
Whether it’s our first glimpse of the Batcave or Keaton’s thrilling first brawl as the Dark Knight, the resonant melodies harken back to the thrill of experiencing Tim Burton’s Batman for the first time. It’s a musical throwback that’s sure to stir emotions and rekindle fond memories.
10. Joker’s Laughing Bag
Adding another feather to its cap of nods to the 1989 Batman movie, The Flash delights fans with the reappearance of the Joker’s notorious laughing bag. In the original Batman film, the Dark Knight does succeed in halting the Joker’s reign of terror, but not without Joker having the final cackle – quite literally – from a bag nestled in his jacket pocket.
The iconic bag resurfaces in The Flash, discovered by our alternate universe Barry within the shadows of Keaton’s Batcave.
11. Flashpoint Reference
The Flash draws its roots from the iconic Flashpoint comic book. Yet, it’s within one striking moment that we get a clear nod to the comic’s original narrative.
In the film, we witness Barry seeking Batman’s help in an unconventional manner – by asking Batman to tie him to a chair and zap him with electricity, all in an audacious attempt to reclaim his lost powers.
This particular scene parallels a similar endeavor in the Flashpoint comic, where Thomas Wayne’s Batman is the one assisting Barry. Even though their initial attempts prove fruitless, the homage to the source material is undeniable and serves as a delightful treat for fans of the comic.
12. Emperor Palpatine Reference
In The Flash’s final act, the alternate version of Barry begins learning a lot of Flash-related powers, such as how to build up energy and channel it to shoot lightning at enemies.
After Barry says Kryptonians cannot be defeated by him and alternate Barry, the latter asks “What if I just Emperor this guy?” before shooting lightning at a soldier. It was so hard to not cackle and cheer. This is an obvious reference to Emperor Palpatine from the Star Wars franchise, whose primary weapon is his Force lightning.
This is a second reference to a Disney movie, which I found very interesting. The first one is even more interesting, and it’s coming up next.
13. Michael Keaton’s Batman knows how time travel works
No matter the ins and outs of Michael Keaton’s Batman understanding time travel, it’s an essential cog in the narrative wheel. Any time-traveling movie requires those in-depth exposition moments, giving the audience a crash course in the do’s and don’ts of venturing through time and alternate realities.
While explaining it all to Barry and alternate Barry, he mentions a specific movie that told us that, when you go back in time and change the past, the timeline branches out. Remember Avengers: Endgame? Interesting that he hints at an MCU movie, and it’s the second Disney movie referenced in The Flash. Regardless, he states that’s the wrong idea and explains that once the past is changed, it’s like two spaghetti noodles intersecting, creating a second past and a second future, leaving you at the point where the two universes meet.
I…… have to agree that this makes so much more sense than the MCU’s Multiverse, and it breaks my little Marvel fangirl heart to admit it.
Regardless, The Flash also needed to set the stage, explaining the core plot to the audience. In this scenario, the dual versions of Barry become the perfect conduits for Batman to lay down the ground rules for the audience.
However, if we flip the perspective and look at the story a bit more organically, having Keaton’s Batman play the time travel guide makes complete sense within the film’s narrative. Throughout much of The Flash, Batman takes on the role of Barry Allen’s mentor – whether it’s Ben Affleck’s iteration or Michael Keaton’s. It feels only natural that Bruce would be the one to introduce Barry, and by extension the audience, to the intricacies of time travel, fitting seamlessly within their mentor-protege dynamic. This interaction becomes the first step towards the heartening bond between Bruce and Barry, weaving a significant emotional thread through the plot of The Flash.
14. Superman Fight Reference
Towards the end of the film, alternate Barry feels overwhelmed by the lightning-quick Kryptonians. But our original Flash, ever the optimist, has a different perspective. With an assuring smile, he asserts that The Flash holds the speed crown, subtly tipping his hat to an unforgettable Justice League showdown.
It’s a nostalgic nod to that epic face-off between the Justice League and Superman, where Barry showcased his superior speed. Though it was only by a hair, Barry managed to outpace the Man of Steel, reminding us all that even in the face of extreme challenges, The Flash always rises to the occasion.
15. DC’s Spherical Multiverse
As The Flash reaches its thrilling peak within the Speed Force scene, we’re given a visual feast of the sprawling DC multiverse. This grand cosmos is presented as an awe-inspiring ballet of multicolored orbs, encapsulating a diverse range of DC universes.
This stunning portrayal aligns seamlessly with DC’s own vision of the multiverse, as laid out in their online multiverse map. The Flash has certainly nailed the accuracy, captivating us all by letting these colossal cosmic spheres dance and crash against each other, offering a dazzling representation of the DC multiverse in all its vibrant glory.
16. Christopher Reeve’s Superman
In The Flash, the scene of the multiverse colliding sets the stage for a veritable parade of cameos hailing from various beloved DC franchises of yesteryears.
As Barry’s actions ripple through the timeline, one of the realities impacted is none other than the world of the 1978’s Superman, featuring the legendary Christopher Reeve. Through the magic of…. well…. meh CGI, we see this iconic character come to life once again, his gaze fixed upon the unfolding chaos in the multiverse.
The only problem I have with it is the fact Christopher Reeves was really strict when it came to studios showing him standing after he became paralyzed. I suppose it is a nice homage, but slightly insensitive since Reeve’s wishes are apparently not being respected after his death.
17. Helen Slater’s Supergirl
Guess who else makes an unexpected yet welcome appearance in The Flash? It’s none other than Helen Slater’s Supergirl, brought to life through the magic of the same meh CGI.
Fans might remember Slater from her role as Supergirl in the 1984 film, which found its roots branching off from Reeve’s renowned Superman series. She’d later return to the DC Universe as Kara and Alex Danvers’ mom, Eliza Danvers.
18. John Williams’ Superman Score
Just as Elfman’s striking Batman score melodically paints the backdrop for Keaton’s return, so too does John Williams’ legendary Superman symphony make its grand entrance in The Flash.
As the CGI husks of Reeve and Slater grace the screen once more as Superman and Supergirl, the strains of Williams’ iconic composition from the 1978 film fills the air.
Just as Elfman’s music invokes the early cinematic glory of Batman, Williams’ score carries the same nostalgic weight for Superman, beautifully bringing to life one of his earliest and most revered screen appearances.
19. Nicolas Cage’s Superman
Even though director Andy Muschietti spilled the beans about the cameo ahead of the film’s release, the unexpected appearance of Nicolas Cage as Superman in The Flash still lands a gasp-worthy surprise.
The backstory here is intriguing – Cage was originally cast to fill the boots of Clark Kent in Tim Burton’s ill-fated Superman Lives. However, following a tumultuous pre-production phase marked by multiple rewrites and creative clashes, the project was axed. Despite this rocky history, Cage finally dons the cape as Superman in The Flash, battling a humongous spider in his own universe, all the while observing the timeline going haywire.
Honestly, my favorite cameo. And his hair looks glorious.
20. Adam West’s Batman
Beyond the impressive guest appearances of Krypton’s famed offspring, The Flash also has a bundle of unexpected delights featuring the guardian of Gotham himself.
As The Flash zips through the multitude of orb-like multiverses, we catch a fleeting glimpse of none other than Adam West, donning the Bat-suit from the beloved 1960s Batman series and film. Although it’s just a quick look, it serves as a heartfelt tribute to one of the pioneers of Batman’s live-action legacy.
21. Cesar Romero’s Joker
Taking a stride alongside Adam West’s Batman is none other than Cesar Romero’s iconic Joker. Though his appearance is not as prominent as some of our superhero celebs like Christopher Reeve, Helen Slater, or Nicolas Cage in The Flash, Romero’s unique rendition from the vintage ’60s Batman series does get its moment in the multiverse spotlight.
It’s hard to imagine Batman without his most notorious nemesis, and The Flash tilts its cap to Romero, one of the original actors to bring to life the notorious Joker, delighting audiences with this delightful tribute.
22. Lewis Wilson’s Batman
Tying together the series of Batman cameos in the dynamic Speed Force sequence is none other than the portrayal by Lewis Wilson. Wilson holds the distinction of being the trailblazer who first brought Batman to life on the silver screen, way back in the 1943 film serial Batman.
23. Teddy Sears’ Flash
In the thrilling climax of The Flash‘s breathtaking Speed Force journey, a familiar face races into the scene. That face belongs to none other than Teddy Sears, well-known to fans for his significant role in CW’s The Flash, where he brought the sinister character of Hunter Zoloman, or Zoom, to life.
In an intriguing turn of events on the TV show, Zoloman grew weary of his villainous lifestyle and opted for a makeover. Donning the guise of Jay Garrick, aka The Flash, in his own universe, he even sported the signature winged helmet straight out of the comic books.
In a twist, you can spot this particular version of The Flash dashing through the Speed Force in the movie’s final act, underscoring The Flash’s grand ode to its roots and character evolution.
24. Andy Muschietti’s Cameo
As The Flash gradually regains its equilibrium in the closing moments, a delightful surprise awaits viewers. Director Andy Muschietti adds an extra dash of pizzazz to the scene by taking a small yet noteworthy role himself.
Picture this: Barry, in a typical speedy dash, is en route to his father’s court hearing. Along the way, he swiftly snatches a hot dog from a seemingly unsuspecting reporter stationed outside the courthouse.
That reporter is none other than Muschietti himself, sneaking into one of the last surprise appearances in the film.
25. George Clooney’s Batman
Unquestionably, the most jaw-dropping moment of The Flash has to be the film’s final surprise guest.
When Barry thinks he’s finally made it back to his timeline, his phone rings with a call from Bruce Wayne. Expectantly, Bruce rolls up to the courthouse but instead of the familiar face of Ben Affleck emerging from the car, it’s George Clooney who steps out, once again donning the Batman persona from the infamous yet fondly-remembered Batman & Robin.
The film draws to a close shortly after Clooney’s unexpected entrance, sparking a frenzy of speculation about the future trajectory of the DCU. Whether Clooney is set to reign as the DCU’s Batman is still up in the air, but one thing’s for certain: the film’s ending has certainly thrown a curveball in the destiny of the Dark Knight.
26. Jason Momoa’s Aquaman
As the credits roll and the lights begin to dim, The Flash surprises us with one last gem – a post-credits scene featuring the charismatic Jason Momoa reprising his role as Aquaman. Regardless of the time shift, there are certain constants in Barry’s life, and Momoa’s Aquaman happens to be one of them. We see Barry emerging from a bar, propping up a tipsy King of Atlantis, who’s amusingly attempting to make sense of the wild tale spun by The Flash.
As Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is all set to hit screens in December 2023, viewers can eagerly anticipate further unraveling of The Flash‘s intricate web of Easter eggs, callbacks, and star cameos.
These are sure to redefine the future course of the DC cinematic universe. So, stay tuned, because the adventure is only just beginning!