Tony Stark's "Underoos" Shout in Captain America: Civil War: Decoding the Meta-Joke

In the 2016 film Captain America: Civil War, a pivotal moment in the movie's dialogue features Tony Stark screaming 'Underoos!' to summon Spider-Man. This seemingly random outburst has puzzled many viewers, but it actually contains a wealth of cultural and meta-joke significance. Let's dive into the meaning behind this moment.

What Tony Stark Shouted to Summon Spider-Man

During the film, Tony Stark, played by Robert Downey Jr., famously yells 'Underoos!' This humorous line serves both a nostalgic reference and a clever jab at the character Spider-Man, who was then wearing a homemade suit.

According to various fan sites and Marvel official documentation, Tony Stark was making a reference to Underoos, a brand of pajamas and underwear popular among children in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Underoos as a Cultural Reference

Underoos were known for their fun superhero and animated character designs, often matching popular franchises like Spider-Man, Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. Tony Stark's exclamation 'Underoos!' serves as a subtle dig at Peter Parker's unsophisticated homemade costume, which is clearly a parody of the outfits available on the market. This in-joke is masterfully executed to make light of the fact that Parker's suit barely qualifies as a real superhero outfit.

Meta-Joke and Nostalgia

Moreover, Underoos are a meta-joke because they were clearly designed as exaggerated, fun costume products. The term itself is a reference to the very nature of costume and the whimsical world of superhero comics and films. Tony Stark’s exclamation is a way of connecting the viewers to the nostalgic elements of Underoos and the outdated technology of the time, all while mocking Peter's lack of sophistication.

For Generation Xers and older viewers who grew up with Underoos, this line is not just a joke; it's a return to a simpler time and a memory of their own childhoods. The line is effectively a segue into the plot, as Tony is clearly making fun of Peter's lack of resources and the comedic nature of the situation.

The Setting and Context

The film takes place in a world where Tony Stark is clearly out of practice when it comes to superhero work. His exclamation 'Underoos!' is the result of a brief moment of clarity where reality meets the absurdity of the situation. It's a way for Tony to pull himself out of his funk, thus initiating the charge against the villain U.S. Agent.

Furthermore, the line has a direct reference to the iconic 1980 film The Empire Strikes Back, which is fondly remembered by many fans. By referencing Underoos, Tony Stark is tapping into the collective nostalgia of the audience, a subtle reminder that his own technology has far surpassed that of the ’70s and early ’80s.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Tony Stark's exclamation 'Underoos!' serves not only as a comedic device to get Spider-Man's attention but also as a clever meta-joke and a nod to a bygone era. It encapsulates the theme of Captain America: Civil War—the clash between tradition and modernity, and the importance of teamwork and technology in combating global threats.

Captain America: Civil War is a fantastic example of how a simple, quotable line can have deep layers of meaning for both casual and hardcore fans. The 'Underoos' shout, in particular, is a testament to the film's wit and the genius of its writers, directors, and actors in weaving a complex narrative with numerous layers of humor and cultural references.