The cinematic Easter eggs that went unnoticed in some of the greatest films of all time

(ABC4) – For the average American, an Easter egg is nothing more than a springtime treat. And while there’s no denying the satisfaction of scoring a few holiday gifts, the alternative is just as exciting.
Moviegoers across the country have dubbed these sly pop culture references that filmmakers slip into their productions as “cinematic easter eggs.”
An article published by Collider pointed out some of the most obscure and unnoticed cinematic easter eggs that were hidden in some of the greatest films of all time.
Toy Story: For starters, who would have guessed that the creators of the “Toy Story Trilogy” would feature Stephen King’s “The Shining” in their playful sequel? A nod to “The Shining” appeared in the first film where the carpet in Sid’s house is identical to that in the Overlook Hotel.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier: It’s no secret that Samuel L. Jackson made a name for himself long before “Captain America” premiered when he played Jules Winnfield in “Pulp Fiction.” So, it makes sense that the actor credits his role as Nick Fury to whoever made him a legend. At the end of “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” Nick Fury stands in front of his tombstone which bears the same quote from Ezekiel 25:17 that Jackson recites just before shooting a man in “Pulp Fiction.”
Fight Club: One only needs a screening of ‘Fight Club’ to understand that the film is a representation of consumerism. So what better way to foreshadow America’s ever-expanding consumption of goods than by adding a Starbucks logo to almost every scene in the film? It’s true, if you look closely, you’ll notice the brand’s coffee mugs more often.
The Godfather: The filmmakers have proven to be masters of metaphors and symbolism, and Francis Ford Coppola was no slouch in his making of “The Godfather.” The visionary used oranges to indicate that someone was near death. Whether the character is seen picking fruit from a tree or sipping a cocktail garnished with an orange twist, just know that he must meet an untimely end.
Frozen: One of the most obvious easter eggs is found in “Frozen.” When the castle doors open for the first time before Elsa’s coronation, Rapunzel and Eugine from ‘Tangled’ are among the first guests to step inside.
Hercules: Although we’re well aware that lions are incapable of time travel, Scar from “The Lion King” still managed a feature in “Hercules.” After finding fame as a hero in his city, Hercules can be seen posing for a sculpture. If you look closely, you’ll find that the fur he wears draped over his shoulders is none other than Scar himself.
HEY : If you’re unfamiliar, to grab this egg, it’s important to note that ‘Star Wars’ and ‘ET’ creators George Lucas and Steven Spielberg are close friends. However, “ET” was the first film to feature a crossover of their characters. Yoda makes his first appearance as a Halloween costume when Elliot and ET are tricking or treating. Additional characters can be seen as toys scattered around Elliot’s room.
Cinematic Easter Eggs make watching movies a whole lot more enjoyable. Now, with more familiarization, the hidden gems will surface as we continue to watch, stream, and enjoy.
For a closer look at Collider’s article, click here.