18 Easter Eggs & Secret Pixar References In "Turning Red"

Pixar has been known for cleverly including Easter eggs in their films, and the newest release, "Turning Red" is no exception. This film revolves around an adolescent Chinese-Canadian girl who discovers she has the ability to turn into a massive red panda thanks to a centuries-old family gift.
At its core, "Turning Red" is a coming-of-age film about self-acceptance and coming into one's own at its heart. It's also planted full of Easter eggs and nods to Pixar films. For example, there are references to Pixar's films, such as "Finding Nemo" and "Coco," as well as its next picture, "Lightyear," which will be released in June. Other Easter eggs in "Turning Red" are tied to the story's Toronto location, early 2000s adolescent culture.
If you didn't see them all while watching, don't worry! Scroll down to see the 10 largest Easter eggs in "Turning Red".Warning! Spoilers ahead for "Turning Red"!

#1 Lightyear

Source: Pixar

Miriam's skateboard has a "Lightyear" sticker on it. "Lightyear," which will be released in June, will chronicle Buzz's genesis tale.

#2 Finding Nemo

Source: Pixar

If you blink, you'll miss the "Finding Nemo" sticker on one of the toilet stall doors, which can be seen in the background while Mei and her best friends arrange a trip to see 4*Town in concert.

#3 Burrow

Source: Pixar

Mei jumps on her bed when her mum knocks at the door, but her sketching peeps out from beneath her bed. The "Burrow" sticker on the cover is a homage to director Madeline Sharafian's 2020 animated short.

#4 Pixar Ball

Source: Pixar

The Pixar ball is seen floating in the swimming pool during Devon's birthday celebration.

#5 Coco

Source: Pixar

When Mei turns into Red Panda Mei at school and she hurries home, we discover a "Coco" easter egg concealed in the colorful tissue paper art known as papel picado.

#6 Planet Pizza Truck

Source: Pixar

As Red Panda Mei hurries to attend 4*Town in concert at Toronto's Skydome, she passes the famed Pizza Planet truck from "Toy Story" on the street.

#7 Twilight/Nightfall

Source: Pixar

Mei’s best friend, Priya, reads “Nightfall" which is reminiscent of the “Twilight” covers.

#8 The Backstreet Boys

Source: Pixar

At the 4*Town concert, they are wearing all white as The Backstreet Boys did for their album Millennium.

#9 Bao'

Source: Pixar

"Turning Red" is set in Canada and makes several allusions to the country. Daisy Mart, where Mei's crush, Devon, works, is a genuine Canadian convenience shop. Lester B. Pearson Middle School, where Mei and her friends go, is named after Canada's 14th Prime Minister.

#10 Toronto And Canada References

Source: Pixar

Mei draws her and her friends as the Sailor Scouts in her notebook. And the aunties' transformation scene clearly similar transformation sequences from "Sailor Moon" and other magical girl anime.

#11 Multiple Sailor Moon references

Source: Pixar

In the science classroom, you can see a skeleton that is the same shape as Kevin from "Up" on the right by the board.

#12 Up

Source: Pixar

When Mei walks through the school, we can see a boy wearing a t-shirt with a Monsters Inc. character on it.

#13 Monsters Inc

Source: Pixar

Pixar has become increasingly inventive in how they include other Pixar characters into their films. This time is stickers. A Rainbow Unicorn from "Inside Out" sticker may be seen on Mei's flip phone.

#14 Inside Out

Source: Pixar

Ming makes Mei a delicious breakfast with a smile in it, just like Mushu makes for Mulan.

#15 Mulan

Source: Pixar

The dragons painted on the wall are Chinese Water Dragons just like Sisu from "Raya and the Last Dragon".

#16 Raya and the Last Dragon

Source: Pixar

When Mei first arrives at her family's temple, she says to the two red panda sculptures guarding the gate, "Hi, Bart. Hi, Lisa." She named the sculptures after the "Simpsons" brother and sister combination.

#17 The Simpsons

Source: Pixar

When Mei visits the shrine for the first time, she says "Hi, Bart. Hi, Lisa." This is a reference from the brothers "The Simpsons."

#18 Pixar short

Source: Pixar

When Mei turns around to sketch the kid, she sees Purl from a Pixar short hanging on the desk.