WARNING: The following article contains spoilers for Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Read on at your own risk.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier had a fantastic weekend, opening with an absolutely astounding $96 million at the domestic box office. This means the superhero sequel has broken the record for biggest April opening ever (Sorry, Fast Five), and it's looking like the word of mouth campaign is spreading fast. Sure, critics love Cap 2, but fans are making an unexpected aspect of the movie go viral, which might spur a second major wave of moviegoers to the theaters this week.
We warned you once, but seriously, MAJOR SPOILERS ahead.
The most shocking revelation in Captain America: The Winter Soldier is not the identity of the titular Winter Soldier, but the discovery that S.H.I.E.L.D. is insanely compromised. In fact, the Nick Fury-fronted defense and espionage organization has been thoroughly infiltrated and corrupted by HYDRA. To show just how deep this conspiracy goes (in just about the lamest way possible), Captain America: The Winter Soldier has a scene where a senator played by Garry Shandling leans in to a dirty S.H.I.E.L.D. agent and whispers, "Hail Hydra" in his ear. Well, the send-ups and parodies have come fast and furious.
How far does HYDRA reach extend? All over movies, TV, and even theatre, apparently! Here's a few of our favorites.
Even Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. star Clark Gregg got in on the fun, sharing this Frozen-themed pic, along with a slew of others:
The fan survey anticipated a lot of things fans might love about Captain America: The Winter Soldier, but they didn't bet on all this HYDRA love.
For more on how this HYDRA revelation will impact the Marvel movie franchise moving forward, check out Eric's thorough rundown. For how S.H.I.E.L.D.'s shattering will affect Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., click here. For more reason to geek out over Captain America: The Winter Soldier, watch the trailer below.
And if you find more can't be missed #HailHydra snapshots. Tweet 'em at us.
