Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel (2013) revitalized the Superman franchise, introducing a modern and complex take on the iconic superhero. While casual viewers enjoyed the epic battles and stunning visuals, true fans know that this film is packed with subtle references and hidden gems that pay homage to the rich history of Superman in comics, television, and film. Here are seven Easter eggs that only the most devoted fans will recognize:

1. The LexCorp Truck

In one of the intense battle scenes between Superman and General Zod, a truck is thrown through the air, smashing into buildings with catastrophic force. If you look closely, you’ll notice the logo on the truck reads “LexCorp,” a nod to Superman’s arch-nemesis, Lex Luthor. While Lex himself doesn’t appear in Man of Steel, this subtle inclusion hints at the larger universe that Snyder was beginning to build—a universe where Lex Luthor’s presence looms large.

2. Wayne Enterprises Satellite

Another blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment occurs during Superman’s battle with Zod in space. As they collide with a satellite, eagle-eyed fans can spot the logo of Wayne Enterprises, Bruce Wayne’s company. This Easter egg not only connects Superman to Gotham’s Dark Knight but also foreshadows the eventual crossover in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.

3. Smallville’s Pete Ross

Longtime Superman fans will recognize Pete Ross, who appears as a minor character in Man of Steel. In the film, Pete is a childhood friend of Clark Kent and even defends him from bullies. In the comics and the Smallville TV series, Pete Ross is known as one of Clark’s closest friends who eventually becomes Vice President of the United States. This connection serves as a nice nod to fans familiar with the broader Superman mythos.

4. The Phantom Zone Device

The black, cube-like device used to banish Zod and his followers to the Phantom Zone is a clever nod to the original Superman films. In Superman II (1980), the Phantom Zone is depicted as a two-dimensional, spinning rectangle that imprisons Kryptonian criminals. Snyder’s modernized version pays homage to this iconic image while reimagining it for a new generation.

5. The Codex Skull

One of the most intriguing elements of Man of Steel is the Codex, a Kryptonian artifact embedded in a skull that holds the genetic blueprint for the entire Kryptonian race. Devoted comic book fans will recognize this as a deep cut from Superman lore, particularly the Superman: Birthright series, where Krypton’s genetic control plays a significant role in the story. The inclusion of the Codex in Man of Steel serves as a link to these lesser-known but influential storylines.

6. Zod’s Kryptonian Battle Armor

General Zod’s imposing battle armor may seem like just another cool visual, but it’s actually inspired by designs from the Superman: Earth One comic series. This series reimagined the origins of Superman for a modern audience, and Zod’s armor in the film reflects this influence. It’s a detail that only true fans of the comics would appreciate, adding a layer of depth to Zod’s already formidable presence.

7. The Starro Reference

In one scene, a young Clark Kent is seen reading a book with a giant starfish on the cover. This seemingly innocent moment is actually a subtle reference to Starro, a classic DC villain known for being the first antagonist the Justice League ever faced in the comics. This small Easter egg is a clever nod to the larger DC universe and the rich history of Superman’s involvement in it.

Man of Steel is a film that rewards its most dedicated fans, filled with hidden details and subtle references that connect it to the larger DC universe and the deep lore of Superman. Whether it’s the nods to LexCorp and Wayne Enterprises or the more obscure references like Starro and the Codex skull, Snyder’s attention to detail ensures that Man of Steel remains a treasure trove for fans who know where to look. Did you catch all these Easter eggs on your first watch, or will you be rewatching with a new appreciation for these hidden gems?