Superman's Underwear: The Clever Easter Egg in Daredevil: Born Again Season 2
Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 cleverly includes an Easter egg that references Superman's iconic costume detail. In Episode 2, a bystander makes a joke about the Anti-Vigilante Task Force officers wearing tactical vests, suggesting they might start wearing their underwear on the outside like Superman. This nod to the classic superhero costume trope of exterior briefs is a subtle yet clever inclusion in the episode.
The scene takes place at the hospital where Matt Murdock's PI friend is admitted, just before Bullseye's deadly encounter with two AVTF officers in an elevator. The reference draws a parallel between the officers' tactical gear and the traditional superhero look, with Superman's red trunks being the most recognizable example dating back to Action Comics #1 in 1938.
This is not the first time the MCU has referenced DC Comics characters. In Eternals, a child refers to Ikaris as "Superman" after witnessing his laser beam abilities on TV. Director Chloé Zhao confirmed that she wrote the line, and Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige approved it, acknowledging the cool reference. Additionally, Eternals includes a Batman nod when Gilgamesh calls Kingo's valet "Alfred," inspired by the iconic butler from the Batman series.
Zhao has emphasized that DC characters are fictional icons within the MCU, and any references to them are meant as tributes. The Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 Easter egg continues this trend by using a classic superhero costume detail as a cultural shorthand, adding depth and intertextuality to the MCU's storytelling.