When a feature film adaptation ofReady Player Onewas in the works, authorErnest Clinewas candid about his doubts the movie would ever happen. Not only can development be a fickle beast, but the book is so packed with IP from various rights holders that including just a fraction of the references from the book would cost a boatload. As it turns out, Warner Bros. landed possibly the only director who could both navigate the various licensing issues and cut great deals:Steven Spielberg.
While the film takes place in the future and revolves around the virtual reality world of the OASIS, it’s packed to the gills with references to books, movies, video games, cartoons, and more from various decades—but mostly the 80s.A new trailer arrivedover the weekend that revealed even more Easter Eggs in the film, including a character from the fairly new video gameOverwatch, King Kong, and more than oneStreet Fightercharacter.
Here’s what we spotted—and click on any image for high-resolution.
Speed Racer and the ’66 Batmobile
In one of the opening shots of the trailer, we see IOI cars getting ready for a race, but peppered throughout there are a couple of other notable vehicles. Namely the Mach 5 from Speed Racer over to the left, and the 1960s Batmobile in the foreground. You can also seeStreet Fighter’s Ryu walking through the crowd, towards the left.
Wade’s DeLorean
This one’s not hard to spot, as Wade Watts’ (Tye Sheridan) signature mode of transportation in the OASIS is the DeLorean fromBack to the Future.
Everyone’s favorite rubber 90s toy shows up as graffiti in the Stacks.
Kaneda’s Bike
Olivia Cooke’s character Art3mis rides Kaneda’s bike fromAkirain the OASIS, which can be seen here.
“Oasis Coin” is teased in a newspaper clipping, teasing the currency used in the Oasis which is somewhat similar to Bitcoin.
Harley Quinn and Deadshot?
While thiscouldbe Deadpool here, Deadshot makes more since as that character is owned by Warner Bros. outright and easily used in this here movie. He’s flanked by Harley Quinn, but we’ll see her with another DC Comics character in a bit…
The mighty King Kong towers over the OASIS.
Harley Quinn and Joker
Yes indeed, that’s Joker dancing alongside his main squeeze Harley Quinn.
Tracer, Lara Croft, and Chun-Li
In this hero shot we see Tracer from the video gameOverwatch,Street Fighter’sChun-Li right there next to her, and Lara Croft over to the left somewhat in the background.
Yet anotherStreet Fightercharacter, Sagat, makes an appearance here sans shirt, with eyepatch. Can you identify any other notable faces in this shot?
