Ms. Marvel has concluded its six-episode Disney+ run at an uncertain time in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Despite the MCU’s continued, unprecedented commercial success, there is a growing critical backlash—a sentiment that this multi-billion dollar experiment in narrative storytelling has peaked and lost its way.
And while it’s true that the MCU is in a rebuilding phase—and shouldn’t be expected to reach the heights of Infinity War or Endgame—there is a definite sprawl with the current crop of television shows and movies. There are a lot of character introductions without follow-ups and many mysterious objects and loose ends without any resolution.
We need to get some answers, and soon. And that’s why it’s unfortunate that Ms. Marvel has not gotten the levels of hype and public attention that WandaVision, Hawkeye, or even Loki received. Because more than any of those, Ms. Marvel charts a clear path forward. It connects the Phase 4 movies together, and it gives us a good inkling of where this all is headed. Ms. Marvel shows us that there is a plan, even if it is a circuitous one.
And now that people know how important Ms. Marvel is to the bigger picture, let’s hope more people watch it. It’s a fantastic, fun show with a big heart. And Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani), the MCU’s teenaged American Muslim superhero, is a fully realized character who forges an emotional connection with the audience—so much so, that you can’t help but smile when she finally takes to the streets of Jersey City dressed in her full superhero gear.
Here are 30 of the best Easter eggs and references we found in Ms. Marvel. And spoiler alert: We break down the big reveal in the season finale that turns everything on its head. You’ve been warned.
1. New Marvel Logo
2. YouTube Star?
3. Sloth Baby Productions
4. Ant-Man Podcast
5. Ms Marvel's Creators
6. Upside Down TV
7. Camp Lehigh
8. America's Ass
9. I Can Do This All Day
10. Asgard Pride
11. Stark Cheerleader Cosplay
12. Black Widow and Iron Man Memorial
13. Department of Damage Control (DODC)
14. Kingo 'Eternals' Reference
15. Superhero Pose
16. Stark Drone
17. Ten Rings Logo
18. Kree Hand?
19. Dr. Erik Selvig Reference
20. Preliminary Costume
21. Chitauri Weapons Tech
22. A Real QR Code
23. Costume Designer
24. Full Costume Reveal
25. The Haram and Halal hats
26. Embiggen
27. Arabic Name
28. Iconic Lamppost Shot
29. Is Kamala Khan a mutant?
The mid-credits scene sets up The Marvels (coming on July 28, 2023). We see Kamala’s bangle glow right before she disappears and is replaced by Captain Marvel (Brie Larson, playing Carol Danvers). Danvers looks around Kamala’s room, concerned and muttering “Oh no no no,” before walking out of the frame.
Assuming the MCU is using the comics for inspiration, this reveals that the bangle is actually a Nega-Band, an ancient Kree artifact that can manifest thoughts into physical energy. In the comics, one can also use the Nega-Bands to swap positions with another character. So wherever Captain Marvel used to be? That’s where Ms. Marvel is now.
So where is Kamala? The comics would say she’s in the Negative Zone, an anti-matter continuum. But she could also be in the Noor Dimension, which was discussed and established during the show, and would prevent the MCU from having to explain yet another plot point.
We’ll find out soon enough. But for now, there’s a lot to look forward to. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever opens on November 11, 2022, with more hints, clues, and breadcrumbs to come. We’ll be there to cover them all.