The Marvel Cinematic Universe has gone through some impressive changes since the inclusion of the multiverse in the Season 1 finale of Loki. For starters, it's shown that since any possibility is now a potential reality, past projects could cross over with current ones as the three Spider-Men in Spider-Man: No Way Home had proven. Furthermore, it's also added to the validity of beloved shows like Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. returning to canon in some capacity -- especially considering one overlooked Easter egg for a now fan-favorite character.
Werewolf By Night was the MCU's first Special Presentation that properly introduced monsters into the universe. But werewolves were only the tip of the iceberg as the character was also connected with a powerful universe-hopping creature known as the Man-Thing. While his likeness was teased as a winner of The Grandmaster's Contest of Champions in Thor: Ragnarok, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and its own surprise name-drop. Now, years following the Easter egg, it's possible that Man-Thing could be the key to expanding the MCU's lore in unexpected ways, starting with Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
When Did Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Tease Man-Thing?
In the First Season of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., the series was considered canon, though running parallel to the events of the MCU. This facilitated many tie-ins, including Coulson's crew providing Nick Fury with the Helicarrier shown in Avengers: Age of Ultron. However, this connection also opened the door for cameo appearances that included Lady Sif, Nick Fury and Maria Hill. The latter made an appearance in the episode "Nothing Personal," which tied into Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
The episode opened with Maria Hill talking on the phone with Pepper Potts about how the end of S.H.I.E.L.D. brought on countless questions that included name-dropping none other than Man-Thing. This came not long after Ellen Brandt -- Man-Thing's wife when he was human -- appeared as an Extremist baddie in Iron Man 3. Essentially, it seemed as though Man-Thing was just on the horizon. While it would still be another eight years before a full appearance, it was a clever Easter egg.
Now, with hindsight a factor, Man-Thing being first teased on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. could add to the ongoing rumors that elements of the series could remain canon. This includes the subtle teases that Chloe Bennet could return as Daisy Johnson, aka Quake. Plus, with S.H.I.E.L.D. being aware of Man-Thing's presence, there's also the potential for another S.H.I.E.L.D. team that's perfectly tailored for these situations also appearing in the MCU.
Man-Thing's Easter Egg Could Lead To Another Marvel Organization
In the Marvel Universe, there's a vast array of occult and supernatural events and artifacts that have taken place. But with S.H.I.E.L.D. always having their hands full, a new organization was introduced in Thunderbolts Annual #1 (by Ben Acker, Ben Blacker and Matteo Lolli) known as W.A.N.D. The Wizardry Alchemy Necromancy Division was headed by director Pandora Peters, and while short-lived, faced off with enemies like Doctor Druid and the Blasphemy Cartel. Plus, with more supernatural events occurring and no S.H.I.E.L.D., WAND could split the difference, monitoring the world's strange events like Man-Thing and much more.
Being that W.A.N.D. is so unique, it could reintroduce classic Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. heroes like Quake and Melinda May. It could give them a home after the events of the show or loosely making particular moments canon, thanks to the Multiverse. In the end, Man-Thing may have seemed like a random inclusion in the MCU, but his presence has been teased for a long time and could bring in new lore to Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D and also reintegrate classic characters into a budding Multiverse.