Marvel on the Move: Iconic London Underground Moments in the MCU

Superheroes, Scripts & the Underground: Marvel’s Love Affair with the Tube

Marvel may be known for alien invasions, multiverses, and city-wide battles—but sometimes, even gods, spiders, and vampires need to ride the Tube. Over the years, the London Underground has quietly slipped into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), not just as background scenery but as a key setting for several memorable moments. Some got fans cheering. Others? Not so much...

Let’s take a whirlwind tour through the Tube’s unexpected role in Marvel history—and yes, we’re starting with that scene from Thor: The Dark World.

Thor: The Dark World – Three Stops to Chaos

In Thor: The Dark World (2013), the hammer-wielding Asgardian unexpectedly joins Londoners on the Bakerloo line. After finding himself at Charing Cross, Thor asks for directions to Greenwich. A kind commuter tells him it’s "three stops," which is cute — if completely impossible.

Any Londoner will tell you that trip involves at least two changes, an awkward bus or DLR leg, and a journey that spans roughly 35 minutes. Tube-savvy fans were quick to call out the blunder, with one even writing an alternative script on social media that hilariously corrected the route with: “...then the 188 bus for 15 minutes and get off at the Maritime Museum.”

Even so, this iconic scene highlighted how London’s transport system — even inaccurately — can play a crucial role in Hollywood storytelling. And visually, those 6-sheets and digital panels along the platform? Pure branding gold. Advertise here.

Avengers: Age of Ultron – A Glimpse of the Underground

While most of Age of Ultron took place across Europe, a quick blink-and-you-miss-it scene lands at London’s South Bank—with the Tube visible in the background. It’s subtle, but it reinforces just how globally integrated the MCU has become.

These kinds of atmospheric Tube shots are perfect reminders that the London Underground isn’t just transport—it’s part of the city’s cinematic soul. Whether your brand appears on a Digital 6 Sheet or a full 48 Sheet billboard, there's storytelling power in the setting.

Spider-Man: Far From Home – Webs, Westminster & the Tube

In Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019), Peter Parker finds himself in the UK on a school trip that turns into, well, your typical end-of-the-world scenario. While much of the film showcases Tower Bridge, eagle-eyed fans will spot him navigating the Westminster Station area—again, the Tube slips in as part of the London fabric.

Incorporating real locations like this not only makes the scenes feel grounded but offers prime ad real estate. Imagine your campaign in the very station Spider-Man swung through—platform advertising and in-carriage formats can make your brand just as memorable.

Morbius – The Tube’s Darker Side

Say what you will about Morbius (2022), but the film nailed the eerie atmosphere of the London Underground’s lesser-seen corners. Key scenes were filmed at Charing Cross station, showcasing its platforms and shadowy tunnels in all their brooding glory. For the vampiric scenes, the crew set-dressed a disused Tube area, transforming it into the perfect underground lair.

That’s the kind of moody magic the Underground offers—not just for commuters, but for filmmakers too. The same gritty charm can power a strong campaign message, especially using Digital Escalator Panels or immersive Tube car panels.

Eternals at Piccadilly Circus – Ancient Artifacts and Modern Commutes

In Eternals (2021), the London Underground quietly supports one of the film’s most poetic transitions. As Sersi gazes up at a giant screen in the heart of Piccadilly Circus, a museum exhibition showcases an ancient knife — the same one she handed to a child 5,000 years ago. This moment of reflection, filmed right in the bustling square, bridges millennia in a single cut. Moments later, she descends into the Underground station beside the Criterion Restaurant, seamlessly blending Marvel’s cosmic storytelling with the everyday rhythm of London life. For brands aiming to make a timeless impression, there’s no better stage than here.

Why Does Marvel Love the Underground?

It’s iconic. It’s globally recognisable. And let’s be honest—there’s something thrilling about seeing your everyday commute transformed into the backdrop of a blockbuster battle. London Underground is a living, breathing character in itself, offering variety from sparkling new stations to dimly lit passageways perfect for high drama.

For brands, that same emotional connection is gold. Whether you want to make a splash with a bold 16 Sheet display or create intrigue with a Digital Gateway, the Tube is where audiences pause, look—and remember.

Ready to Turn Heads Underground?

Marvel’s already done it. Now it’s your turn.

At London Underground Advertising, we help brands create unforgettable campaigns in one of the world’s most iconic transit systems. Whether you're looking to dominate the platforms, take over a station, or make your message travel carriage to carriage, we've got the formats, insights, and strategy to make it happen.

Explore our full range of advertising formats, find out how much it costs, and let’s start crafting a campaign worthy of the big screen.

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