Loki finale includes surprise WandaVision Easter Egg

Listen closely to the opening fanfare and you'll hear Black Panther cry "Wakanda forever!", Star-Lord challenge Ronan to a "dance-off", as well as Captain America's trademark catchphrase: "I can do this all day".

Other featured callbacks include Captain Marvel's mantra of "higher, further, faster", Thor describing Hulk as a "friend from work", but it's one of the last inclusions that could hit particularly hard.

As we zoom through the cosmos, we hear Vision's touching line from the penultimate episode of WandaVision: "What is grief, if not love persevering?"

The quote was highly praised upon its debut, spreading like wildfire on social media, as well as spawning a vast number of meme parodies – this is the internet, after all.

It's unclear if Marvel always intended to include that particular moment in the Loki episode six opening, or if the decision was made in response to how warmly the line was received just three months ago.

The sequence was also notable for confirming that several prominent real-world figures, past and present, also exist within the continuity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

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We hear Neil Armstrong begin his "one small step for man" line after walking on the moon, while Nelson Mandela states, "we have fought for the right to experience peace," and late activist Maya Angelou proclaims: "I will rise".

Also included are some of the world's most famous present day activists, including environmental campaigner Greta Thunberg (with an extract from her famous "how dare you!" speech to the UN), as well as Nobel Peace Prize recipient Malala Yousafzai.

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While politicians and celebrities have made cameo appearances in the pages of Marvel Comics, the recent film and television adaptations have rarely acknowledged notable figures or events from the real world – but the universe does look set to change after that shocking Loki ending.

Is Loki dead or did Loki survive Infinity War? Who exactly is Sylvie in Loki? Find out everything you need to know about the Loki cast including Kang the Conqueror and how to watch Marvel movies in order with our comprehensive coverage.

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