In keeping with Ernest Cline's original novel, the virtual world of the OASIS in Ready Player One is chock full of Easter eggs and pop culture references featuring characters from the comic book, movie, TV and video game worlds. According to the author himself, this pastiche of pop nostalgia was, ironically, greatly influenced by the very man who is bringing this story to life on the big screen, Steven Spielberg. So naturally Ready Player One will feature references to the iconic director's beloved films, including the 1993 classic, Jurassic Park. Take a look at the screenshot below from the latest trailer to see why Ready Player One can confidently say 'We have a T-Rex.'
That monster truck really must go faster. Jeeps have a proud history of outrunning the king of the dinosaurs, but the Bigfoot monster truck is entirely unproven in this arena. I have to assume that this T-Rex is not just some generic Tyrannosaur, but is in fact Rexy, the OG and undisputed queen of Isla Nublar from Jurassic Park. Given Steven Spielberg's influence on the Ready Player One novel, I can't wait to see what of the legendary director's other memorable cinematic creations make it into this film. I haven't read the book, but I think Jaws and E.T. seem like probable candidates.
Ready Player One is built off a cool concept that allows you to see Rexy, the DeLorean from Back to the Future, along with the Iron Giant, Freddy Krueger, Harley Quinn, Master Chief and a Gundam, and it all works. The novel was particularly fond of 1980s pop culture references. While the influence of that decade on the pop culture landscape cannot be overstated, it is cool that the feature film adaptation will be incorporating callbacks to more recent times so that no matter what age you are, this film has an Easter egg that speaks to you.
What a visual feast this movie is going to be. These shots in the OASIS are chock full of characters from decades of pop culture across various mediums. Watching this movie will be something of a Where's Waldo/scavenger hunt-type experience where you are constantly scanning the screen to see what you can find, with every recognizable reference giving you those warm, nostalgic, childhood feelings and putting a smile on your face. Take a look at the most recent trailer below and see how many Easter eggs you can spot.
You really have to go frame by frame on the trailers for this film to catch everything. I know I'm jumping ahead here, but the eventual Blu-ray of this film has to have some kind of special feature where you and friends can watch together and either all search for certain things or tally to see who catches the most Easter eggs. Ready Player One welcomes us to the OASIS on March 29.
