Genius Fan Theories About What's In The Briefcase In 'Pulp Fiction'

One prominent theory about the contents of the briefcase proposes that a spiritual item is housed within it. The item in question is Marsellus Wallace's soul. This theory relies on several key pieces of evidence. First, the combination to open the suitcase is “666,” an obvious reference to the devil. When the character is introduced, a shot lingers on the back of his head, where a bandage covers up a wound. 

Some speculate that when the devil steals a soul, he does so by taking it directly from the back of the victim’s head (though there's no biblical evidence to back up such a claim).

The theory posits that Marsellus sold his soul to the devil and is actively trying to get it back. As an interesting side note, this supposition could explain why Jules and Vincent are unharmed after being shot at. Since they're attempting to save a man's soul, God intervenes, seeing it as a holy endeavor. 

Although this links in with another theory about the suitcase containing diamonds, this one is far more specific. That's because, according to several theorists, the valuables are not just any gems; they're the diamonds from Reservoir Dogs. In that film, several crooks carry out a heist on a jewelry store and one person eventually escapes with the goods.

Combined with the theory that suggests Tarantino’s films take place in the same universe, it could mean the contents have a noteworthy history. 

Of course, it's possible the briefcase doesn't house anything particularly noteworthy or valuable. In fact, this is more than just a fan theory, as director Quentin Tarantino has added weight to this claim himself. He has previously spoken about the idea that the contents of the case are unremarkable and the case is simply acting as a plot device to drive the story forward and give the characters something on which to concentrate.

This is likely a tribute to the MacGuffins often used by Alfred Hitchcock in his movies.

One rather rational and simple explanation for what's inside the suitcase comes from several Redditors. They theorize that since the crooks are all interested in getting their hands on the briefcase, this must mean it's valuable. It also glows with an unmistakable gold tint. The only logical conclusion is the contents must be gold.

This would fit the bill in terms of color and its inherent value, with the likes of Marsellus Wallace willing to go to gruesome lengths to get it back.

This particular fan theory from a former Redditor argues that the briefcase is actually filled with an illicit substance. Specifically, the case likely contains a large amount of smack. Evidence for this assertion comes from the fact that Jules and Vincent take the case back from a group of young men who were clearly meant to have it. This could mean they were dealers who were unable to sell the product, leading Marsellus to send men to recover it.

If it is filled with powdery substance, it might explain why Vincent and other likely users (namely, Pumpkin) find the briefcase so alluring. They see the personal value of the contents while Jules isn't as interested since he doesn't partake.

For some, it doesn’t matter what fans think is in the case, but rather that the true contents are whatever was in the prop during production. Thanks to Phil LaMarr, who played Marvin in the film, the truth about what was actually inside the briefcase has been revealed.

According to the actor, the case held a “low-wattage yellow bulb” that gave off the infamous glow. It was nothing fancy, as Tarantino has claimed the case holds whatever the viewer desires.