Spider-Man: Brand New Day is packed with references, callbacks, and surprises for Marvel fans. However, one small detail hidden in the background has now sparked a lot of discussion online.
While many viewers focused on the movie’s biggest moments, eagle-eyed fans noticed an anime poster hanging in Ned Leeds’ room. At first glance, it seemed like a simple nod to popular Japanese culture. Nevertheless, the reference carries a much deeper meaning.
As it turns out, the Easter egg secretly points toward director Destin Daniel Cretton’s next major project beyond the MCU.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day Includes a Hidden Naruto Reference
During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, actor Jacob Batalon confirmed that the filmmakers intentionally included the Naruto poster in Ned Leeds’ room as a reference to Destin Daniel Cretton’s upcoming live-action Naruto movie.
Batalon explained:
“Yeah, he’s definitely shouting himself out there, and we absolutely talked about his Naruto movie. So it was a really cool nod to himself. He deserves it.”
Interestingly, the reporter initially assumed that the anime reference came from Batalon himself because the actor has openly discussed his love for the Naruto manga in previous interviews.
However, Cretton intentionally included the poster as a subtle Easter egg for his future plans.
Another Anime Easter Egg Appears in the Movie
The scene does not stop with Naruto. Fans also spotted a Solo Leveling poster in Ned’s room.
That detail is particularly interesting because Solo Leveling is also getting a live-action adaptation. As a result, some viewers believe the filmmakers intentionally filled the room with references to upcoming projects inspired by popular manga and anime franchises.
Although Marvel Studios has not commented on the hidden references, fans have quickly embraced the connection.
Destin Daniel Cretton’s Naruto Movie Has Been in Development Since 2024
Destin Daniel Cretton has been attached to direct and write the live-action Naruto movie since 2024. Furthermore, Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto is closely involved with the production.
In an earlier interview with Rolling Stone, Cretton shared why the character resonates with him on a personal level.
He said that he feels “very connected to that character.”
The director also explained:
“I think his journey in the story that we are going to tell is something that I find very personal, not only culturally, but emotionally.”
Additionally, Cretton revealed that the adaptation will focus on Naruto’s early years and his struggles as an outcast.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day Continues Its Massive Box Office Run
While fans speculate about Cretton’s future projects, Spider-Man: Brand New Day continues to dominate theaters around the world.
The film has already earned an impressive $1.155 billion worldwide during its first week, making it one of Marvel’s biggest successes in recent years.
Meanwhile, Cretton still has several major projects on his schedule, including the highly anticipated Shang-Chi 2. However, the hidden Naruto Easter egg proves that the director is already looking ahead to his next cinematic adventure.
The Spider-Man: Brand New Day Easter egg may seem like a small background detail, but it offers fans an exciting glimpse into Destin Daniel Cretton’s future.
Whether audiences are excited for Naruto, Shang-Chi 2, or more MCU stories, the hidden reference shows how filmmakers often leave personal touches inside their biggest projects.
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