Contains spoilers for “Ironheart” Episode 3 — “We in Danger, Girl”

Before Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne) heads off to engage in a clandestine tech exchange with Joe McGillicuddy (Alden Ehrenreich) in “Ironheart” Episode 2, titled “Will the Real Natalie Please Stand Up?,” she offhandedly notes that the name seems made up. Fans likely shared similar suspicions upon Ehrenreich’s casting in Marvel’s latest Disney+ show, since “Joe McGillicuddy” is not a figure from the comic books. However, the truth is unveiled in the next episode, “We in Danger, Girl,” revealing that his real identity is Ezekiel Stane, son of Obadiah Stane (portrayed by Jeff Bridges) from the original “Iron Man” film.

While rumors floated as early as January 2024 that Ehrenreich would portray Ezekiel, it still comes as a surprise. Ezekiel, who possesses superpowers himself in the comics, first appeared in 2008’s “The Order” #8 by Matt Fraction and Barry Kitson. The story outlines how Zeke, raised with a disdain for Tony Stark due to his father’s influence, develops advanced weaponry that he eventually trades to terrorists. Additionally, he enhances his body with biotechnology, transforming himself into a semi-cybernetic being. 

With his cybernetic enhancements, Zeke gains increased strength, force fields, and a range of weaponry instantly accessible. The live-action portrayal of Ezekiel seems to share an interest in bionics, as Episode 3 depicts him experimenting with integrating the technology into his own physiology. 

Riri is understandably shocked to learn that her black market buddy is Obadiah Stane’s son but not for the reasons you might automatically assume. She mentions that Obadiah died in a plane crash, a reference to the ending of “Iron Man,” where it’s implied that Obadiah’s rampage in the Iron Monger suit will be covered up and his death explained away by news of a fake plane crash. It appears as though that story stuck: all these years later, the world at large still believes Obadiah was fundamentally a good man who died in a tragic accident. 

Zeke reveals the truth, namely that Obadiah tried killing Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) so that he could assume control of Stark Industries, adding that he doesn’t want anything to do with his father, his family name, or his legacy. In fact, Zeke is so indifferent to the memory of his dad that Obadiah’s remains are just sitting in a Ziploc bag on his kitchen counter. Obadiah has been dead for close to 20 years at this point, and Zeke still can’t be bothered to put his ashes in an urn. 

Ezekiel’s MCU entrance has been a long time coming, as an early draft of “The Avengers” script included him engaging in villainy alongside Loki (Tom Hiddleston). He’s here now, and despite his timid demeanor, there’s still a chance that a little bit of Obadiah resides in Zeke. “Ironheart” Episode 3 ends with Riri leaving behind evidence at a crime scene that could implicate Zeke, meaning there’s a reason he could turn on her in a future episode.

“Ironheart” Episodes 1 through 3 are available to watch on Disney+ now. Episodes 4 through 6 will come out on July 1.