The entire series has been filled with references to decades of Marvel comics but Loki episode 5 was even more Easter egg-heavy than past episodes. References to existing MCU characters like Yellowjacket and those yet to be introduced like the Living Tribunal were included. Loki even delivered Throg, connections to Kang the Conqueror, new Loki Variants, and so much more. This includes the appearance of the Thanos Copter, a short-lived idea from the comics where Thanos piloted a helicopter with his name branded on the side. The latter was a huge hit with Marvel fans and those involved with the show are now discussing the process to include the Easter egg.

Related: Loki Episode 5: Every Marvel Easter Egg In The Void

Screen Rant spoke to Loki head writer Michael Waldron after episode 5 aired, and we asked him about the Thanos Copter Easter egg that got fans buzzing. Waldron revealed that this reference was not something he included in the script and gave all the credit to director Kate Herron and producer Kevin Wright. He even says that the Thanos Copter isn't something he would've even thought to try to get approved, but he loves that they did it.

For the Thanos Copter, I've got to give all the credit to that to Kate and Kevin Wright, our producer. The Thanos Copter, unfortunately, was not in the script. I think even I wouldn't have thought to do something that crazy. That was something that they got in there; they shot it, and it looks awesome. Hats off to them for that one.

The Thanos Copter made its first and only appearance in the comics in 1979's Super Stories #39. The Mad Titan used the Thanos Copter as part of his plan to obtain the Cosmic Cube, which was unsuccessful due to Hellcat and Spider-Man working together to stop him. The appearance of the Thanos Copter in the MCU's Void in Loki episode 5 confirms that there was an instance in the Sacred Timeline where Thanos tried to use the machine, but doing so was a nexus event in the TVA's eyes, so they pruned it from existence.

Since the Thanos Copter is too ridiculous of a concept to actually use with a powerful and menacing villain like Thanos, Loki's decision to include it a great reference for comic fans. Even Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn is a fan of the Easter egg, especially since he "predicted" that the MCU would use the Thanos Copter back in 2015. Unfortunately, we'll likely never see the Thanos Copter fly in the MCU unless it is somehow used by Sylvie and Loki to escape the Void in Loki's finale.

MORE: Loki Episode 5 Asks 6 Big Questions About The End Of Time