The MCU has had an immense number of pop culture references throughout the franchise, including many film and TV references with which many fans are familiar. With as many references as they have made, they were bound to mention a handful of projects that featured actors within the franchise.
The franchise has tiptoed around film and show references that directly relate to some of the actors in the MCU, but it was sure to come through on multiple occasions. It is fun to speculate on whether or not the characters in the MCU are aware that they have doppelgängers that have careers as actors, but one thing fans can be sure of is that films and shows of note were well worthy of the mention.
Westworld (Iron Man 3)
The film Westworld became the basis of one of Tony Stark's quips in Iron Man 3 when Tony calls the Extremis-enhanced Eric Savin "Westworld" in reference to his resemblance to Yul Brynner, who played The Gunslinger in the 1973 sci-fi western.
Though not directly referenced in Iron Man 3, the show based on the 1973 film features a handful of MCU actors from different properties. The Thor franchise is represented well by Anthony Hopkins and Tessa Thompson, and MCU newcomer Jeffrey Wright also appears in the series as Bernard Lowe.
Rocky (Captain America: The Winter Soldier)
As Steve Rogers continued to adjust to modern life, he made sure to make note of major pop culture events he had missed while he was frozen. One of the notable films that Steve made sure to check out was 1976's Rocky. Fans are well aware that Rocky is not only Sylvester Stallone's most iconic role but one of the most iconic characters in American cinema in general.
Going from the boxing ring to space, Stallone ed the MCU in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, and it will be interesting to see how his character is further explored.
Pulp Fiction (Captain America: The Winter Soldier)
Captain America: The Winter Soldier gave a subtle nod to one of Samuel L. Jackson's most iconic characters. At the end of the film, when it was believed by the general public that Nick Fury was dead, his tombstone read, "The path of the righteous man: Ezekiel 25:17." Fans of 1994's Pulp Fiction recognize this as the beginning of Jules Winnfield's most famous quote.
Jackson has had an illustrious career as an actor, and this reference saw two of his best characters become connected. As one of the MCU's most tenured actors, fans of the franchise always welcome an appearance of Nick Fury wherever he shows up next.
Mallrats (Captain Marvel)
The View Askewniverse has developed a loyal cult following, with the in which he also cameos) on a bus. Mallrats features Michael Rooker as game show producer Jared Svenning.
MCU fans know Michael Rooker as Yondu Udonta from the Guardians of the Galaxy films as the captain of a rejected faction of the Ravagers and father figure to Peter Quill. Rooker's role in Mallrats sees him play another fatherly role, acting as the father of Claire Forlani's Brandi Svenning.
Hot Tub Time Machine (Avengers: Endgame)
The rules of time travel vary across the many films that deal with the subject, and Hot Tub Time Machine, which featured Sebastian Stan as Blaine.
Sebastian Stan has brought Bucky Barnes to life over the last decade as the Winter Soldier has become his most well-known role. While Bucky has been portrayed as a fairly serious character, it contrasts to his role as Blaine in Hot Tub Time Machine, where he was able to show off some of his comedic chops.
The Big Lebowski (Avengers: Endgame)
Tony Stark made plenty of film references throughout his time in the MCU, including a handful of snarky quips towards Thor. His reference to The Big Lebowski in Endgame is funny not only because Thor resembled Jeff Bridges' "The Dude" but also because Bridges portrayed Stark's business partner turned archenemy in Iron Man.
Obadiah Stane was the very first villain in the MCU, and seeing another Jeff Bridges character referenced over ten years later by the man he played opposite was a nice coincidence.
The Office (WandaVision)
As The Office being one of the definitive 2000s sitcoms, it would only make sense that the show made multiple references to it. The most blatant was the episode theme song, which sounded extremely similar to that of The Office. Despite The Office's fairly large cast, only one member who was part of the main cast at some point has ed the MCU, with that being James Spader as Ultron.
Spader's Robert California from The Office and his performance as Ultron in Avengers: Age of Ultron both have unique on-screen presences that are similar in that they provide unexpected comedic moments as two characters who are intimidating on paper.
Modern Family (WandaVision)
Though WandaVision's 2000s-inspired episode repeatedly referenced The Office, the episode's mockumentary-style also borrowed from The Incredible Hulk.
The Hulk has changed a lot since Phase 1, and The Incredible Hulk is one of the more forgotten films of the MCU considering the recasting of Bruce Banner and the fact there are not too many recurring characters outside of a few. Ty Burrell's appearance as Doc Samson has not been brought up since then, but it would have been nice to have seen a possible fully powered Samson vs. Hulk matchup.
Kung Fu Hustle (Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings)
Shang-Chi has arguably the best hand-to-hand combat in the MCU, and it is clear that it was inspired by some of the great martial arts films that came before it. A cool detail the filmmakers added in Shaun's room at the beginning of the film was a Kung Fu Hustle poster, giving a nod to the Stephen Chow action-comedy. Both films share similarities, with one, in particular, being actor Yuen Wah who portrays Guang Bo in Shang-Chi.
American audiences may not realize, but Yuen Wah is a legend. He has worked as Bruce Lee's stunt double, racked up plenty of acclaimed acting credits, and amassed other amazing accomplishments. As Guang Bo in Shang-Chi, he is an elder of Ta Lo and an advanced marksman who teaches Katy how to shoot a bow and arrow.
Man Of Steel (Eternals)
Much has not been revealed on how much of an impact Zeus will have in Love and Thunder, but fans should be excited at the prospect of Crowe playing another important entity in a cinematic universe.
