The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) rarely shies away from embracing contemporary culture, and that includes internet memes. While the specific “What are thoooose?!” meme isn’t explicitly uttered verbatim, its spirit and comedic timing find a playful echo in Spider-Man: Homecoming.
From Vine to Vulture, Shoes That Shocked the World
The “What are thoooose?!” meme, forever etched in the internet’s collective memory, originated on Vine in 2015. A user, Brandon Moore (aka Young Busco), famously pointed at a police officer’s worn, orthopedic shoes, exclaiming the now-iconic phrase. The meme quickly spread, becoming synonymous with judging footwear and generating countless parodies across social media platforms. Its relatability stemmed from its universal application; anyone could use it to playfully criticize questionable shoe choices.
Before delving into its subtle nod in the MCU, it’s crucial to understand why Marvel, notorious for its intricate details, would even consider referencing such a fleeting cultural phenomenon. The MCU excels at grounding its fantastical narratives with elements of everyday life, making its heroes relatable and the world feel tangible. Inserting a meme, even indirectly, achieves this perfectly, acting as a cultural touchstone that audiences instantly recognize and connect with.
The Homecoming Connection: A Sneaky Shoe Diss
Spider-Man: Homecoming, directed by Jon Watts, masterfully captured the essence of high school awkwardness and the burgeoning superhero career of Peter Parker. It’s within this context that the meme subtly appears. While no character directly shouts “What are thoooose?!,” a specific scene involving Ned Leeds’ Lego Death Star creation provides the crucial link.
Peter accidentally destroys Ned’s meticulously constructed Lego Death Star after arriving late, his superhero duties once again interfering with his normal life. While Ned is initially upset, he quickly pivots, observing Peter’s beat-up, seemingly worn-out shoes. He makes a comment that is clearly poking fun at the state of Peter’s footwear, and though he doesn’t say the exact meme phrase, the intent is undeniable. The comedic timing, the focus on the shoes, and the underlying judgment all strongly suggest an intentional callback to the “What are thoooose?!” phenomenon.
This moment, though brief, resonates with the audience because it taps into the shared experience of judging footwear and participating in internet culture. It’s a subtle acknowledgement that the writers and directors were aware of the meme’s popularity and wanted to incorporate it into the film’s comedic fabric. It’s this attention to detail that elevates Homecoming beyond a standard superhero flick and makes it a truly memorable and relatable experience.
Why Not A Direct Mention?
Why didn’t they just have someone yell “What are thoooose?!” directly? Several factors likely contributed to this decision. First, direct references to memes can quickly become dated and feel forced if not executed perfectly. A subtle nod, like the one in Homecoming, allows the film to acknowledge the meme without becoming overly reliant on it. Second, Marvel has a history of incorporating humor in nuanced ways, preferring wit and observational comedy over blatant slapstick. And third, the focus remained on Peter’s awkwardness and relatable financial constraints – beat-up shoes being a classic high school trope.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the “What are thoooose?!” meme and its potential presence in the Marvel Cinematic Universe:
1. What exactly is the “What are thoooose?!” meme?
The “What are thoooose?!” meme involves pointing out and humorously criticizing someone’s footwear, often due to its style, condition, or perceived ugliness. It originated from a Vine video and quickly spread across social media, becoming a popular way to jokingly judge shoes.
2. How popular was the “What are thoooose?!” meme when Spider-Man: Homecoming was released?
The meme was at its peak popularity in 2015 and 2016, a year or two before Spider-Man: Homecoming was released in 2017. This timing makes the subtle reference within the movie particularly relevant, as it reflects the cultural landscape of the era.
3. Is there any official confirmation from Marvel about the “What are thoooose?!” reference in Spider-Man: Homecoming?
No, there has been no official confirmation from Marvel Studios or the filmmakers that the shoe-related joke in Spider-Man: Homecoming was a deliberate reference to the “What are thoooose?!” meme. However, the context and comedic timing strongly suggest it.
4. Are there other examples of memes being referenced in the MCU?
Yes, the MCU has incorporated other meme-worthy moments and references, although often subtly. Star-Lord’s dance-off with Ronan in Guardians of the Galaxy has been meme-ified, as have several of Tony Stark’s snarky lines. The specific phrasing of popular memes is generally avoided, likely to avoid dated humor and legal complications.
5. Why would Marvel risk referencing a meme that could become outdated?
Marvel likely viewed the reference as a subtle nod to contemporary culture, rather than a defining element of the film. By keeping it understated, they minimized the risk of it feeling dated and instead enhanced the film’s relatability.
6. Could the scene in Spider-Man: Homecoming simply be a coincidence?
While coincidence is possible, the specific focus on Peter’s shoes and the comedic context surrounding the observation makes it highly probable that it was an intentional reference. The visual gag is perfectly set up with the prior destruction of the Death Star, creating an opportunity for a lighthearted critique of Peter’s attire.
7. What makes Spider-Man: Homecoming a suitable film for a meme reference?
Spider-Man: Homecoming is set in a high school environment, making it inherently relatable to a younger audience that is actively engaged in internet culture and meme sharing. The film’s comedic tone also lends itself well to incorporating subtle meme references.
8. Did Tom Holland or other actors in the film ever comment on the potential meme reference?
There are no publicly available comments from Tom Holland or other actors specifically addressing the “What are thoooose?!” meme connection in Spider-Man: Homecoming.
9. How does this subtle reference impact the overall viewing experience of Spider-Man: Homecoming?
For viewers familiar with the meme, the subtle reference adds an extra layer of enjoyment and reinforces the film’s connection to contemporary culture. It’s a small detail that demonstrates the filmmakers’ attention to detail and understanding of their target audience.
10. What are some other popular memes that might fit into the MCU’s comedic style?
Memes involving relatable struggles, ironic situations, or awkward interactions could potentially be incorporated into the MCU. The “Distracted Boyfriend” meme or variations of the “This is Fine” meme could be adapted to fit certain character dynamics or plot points.
11. Does the MCU have a legal department that approves these types of cultural references?
Yes, Marvel Studios has a legal department that likely reviews all scripts and storyboards to ensure compliance with copyright laws and avoid potential legal issues. This includes careful consideration of any cultural references, including memes.
12. Will we see more meme references in future MCU films?
Given the MCU’s consistent effort to reflect contemporary culture, it’s likely that we will see more subtle meme references in future films. However, these references will likely remain understated and integrated organically into the narrative to avoid feeling forced or dated. The key is subtlety and relevance.