While there are countless Marvel movies to explore, arguably the most recognizable by audiences right now is linked to the Marvel Cinematic Multiverse. The expanding MCU franchise contains plenty of iconic props which have come to define not only individual characters but their respective films as well.
These objects might be a part of a costume, a weapon, or perhaps even a MacGuffin for the larger plot. They have usually been immortalized as collectible items and the films themselves somehow wouldn’t work without the inclusion of these fantastic prop designs, all of which were practically created at some stage during production.
Mixtape – Guardians Of The Galaxy: Vol. 2(2017)
While the cassette player and mixtape might have been crucial for the first installment of this franchise, its worth was perhaps made even more apparent in the sequel as the legacy of Peter Quill’s mother was taken with him on his hip. The Sony Walkman, with the Awesome Mix Vol. 2 became the defining prop of the film.
Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3 will have to rival some of the songs from the sequel, as there were some true classics amongst James Gunn’s choices. The look of the Walkman itself and that cassette really rounds out Star-Lord’s retro image and has influenced the comics and even video games. Even the name of the film is drawn from the object.
Shield – Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
Captain America can be summed up in a variety of ways, from a patriot to a soldier, or perhaps even the truest of the Avengers. But in terms of imagery, it’s the star-spangled shield that he will always be associated with, as that defensive device has become the symbol of hope in the MCU.
Falcon is now wielding that very same shield because of what it stands for, with the user becoming Captain America and portraying everything Steve believed in. The fact that it’s not an offensive weapon at first glance demonstrates Cap’s commitment to protecting the innocent. The shield’s worth was cemented in Captain America: The First Avenger.
Mjolnir – Thor (2011)
Much like Cap will always be recognized by what he wields, so too will Thor, whose own weapon became a major part of the narrative in the initial Thor film. Mjolnir might eventually get taken away from the God of Thunder, but it will always be connected to him.
Part of that is because only the worthy may lift Mjolnir. That says a lot about the worth and integrity of Thor’s character; plus the mystical design of the hammer itself is gorgeous. It’s followed him around since his first appearance, but it is that big-screen debut that allowed the audience to understand the importance of the prop.
Mask – Spider-Man (2002)
While it’s not a part of the traditional MCU, Spider-Man has since been brought into the Marvel Cinematic Multiverse and is, therefore, a part of the wider continuity. The film helped to redefine the superhero genre and carries with it plenty of important themes. Most notably that of the secret identity.
Masks and capes are all part of the gig, but for Spider-Man masks were the most important props of the movie. Spider-Man’s homemade mask helped to protect his loved ones while providing the notion that anyone could be a hero. His adversary, Green Goblin became a twisted madman by donning his protective headgear. Both are iconic in their capacity.
Infinity Gauntlet – Avengers: Endgame (2019)
The Infinity saga wouldn’t be the same without the many Infinity Stones and of course, most notably, the Infinity Gauntlet that houses them. Thanos’ image is framed with that of the Gauntlet, although he isn’t the only crucial character to utilize this device of such power.
That’s the name of the game, power. The strength that the Gauntlet represents comes at a great cost. It’s a piece of technology and cosmic weaponry that has both wiped out and saved the universe. It has also killed off the man that kicked off the MCU, thus becoming crucial to the tapestry of tales this universe has weaved.
Rings – Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings (2021)
Shang-Chi felt like a late addition to the MCU considering the titular Ten Rings had been featured ever since the initial Iron Man film. Fans knew the group but it was only here that they got to understand the power that they wielded, with the man formerly known as ‘Mandarin’ at the lead.
The Ten Rings themselves come from unknown origins and that will play into Shang-Chi’s story in the future. But they acted not only as a way to bring the Master of Martial Arts into the world of super people but as a passing of the torch moment from father to son. They are now a part of Shang-Chi’s legacy and once again even made it into the title of the production!
Eye Of Agamotto – Doctor Strange (2016)
Doctor Strange could choose any number of mystical items to utilize. His Cloak of Levitation is one such example, with the comedy addition getting a personality of its own. It’s the Eye of Agamotto that means the most to the clan Strange belongs to.
It’s an object that belongs to the Sorcerer Supreme and even houses the immensely important Time Stone. It’s named after one of the earliest magicians in the Marvel Universe and holds a great history within its engraved metal. Even after the removal of the Infinity Stone, Strange still keeps the important prop with him, as a reminder of his role.
Arc Reactor – Iron Man (2008)
The first Iron Man movie had a lot to achieve, ultimately creating the MCU as audiences know it today. But when thinking about the character it’s not the suit that first comes to mind, it’s the Arc Reactor at the center of his chest that powers the Iron Man armors.
It’s the device that Tony Stark created to save his life, playing into the beats of that initial release, while it also comes to represent the fact that Stark does have a heart. On both a personal level and in the larger scope of a superhero landscape, this device is representative of Iron Man in every way.
Throne – Black Panther (2018)
Fans know that there’s one object in Wakanda that will forever represent the people of the great nation. The throne that T’Chaka once sat on and T’Challa would eventually find himself on, has been at the center of a lot of conflicts. The returning Killmonger wanted that royal chair to himself.
Black Panther reflected political ideology and how a society with a Monarch operates in this fictional world. It talked about legacy and the idea that a mantle can be passed through generations, as long as it is held with respect. That Wakandan throne stands for all of those themes and is an iconic prop.
Tesseract – The Avengers (2012)
The Tesseract appeared before The Avengers and indeed as an Infinity Stone it was still significant after the first team-up film. For the plot of that action blockbuster, this cosmic weapon became the focus of Loki, who wished to bring a great army through the Tesseract-powered portal.
The object is the driving MacGuffin of the film and maybe the most recognizable Infinity Stone out of all the objects out there. It’s largely been pictured in the possession of the God of Mischief and has even contributed to the creation of new timelines in Loki. The prop sums up the potential of a shared universe and the galactic level threats that brought the Earth’s mightiest heroes together in the first place.
