The series finally presents the secret character of Alden Ehrenreich … and is more connected to the MCU than you thought
During the first three episodes of Ironheart, Marvel took an ace under her sleeve Revealing the role played by Alden Ehrenreich, And yes, nothing they told us was true enough. The actor, known for his role as Han only in Only: a Star Wars storyInitially it appears with a name that has a smell of an economic joke: Joe McGillicuddy. But don’t be fooled by that facade of a neighbor with a foreign dog and a garden full of cacas. Behind that aspect a character is hidden with a very dark legacy and a direct connection with the past of Iron Man.
From the first minute, this Joe already has a strange smell (and not only for the neighbor’s dog). He lives in a quiet neighborhood, seems harmless and even feels nostalgia for his father, who inspired him to devote himself to technological ethics. But when Riri Williams asks for his door in search of help with his armor, the pieces begin to adapt. It turns out that Joe has a hobby slightly Concern: a collection of dangerous technology accumulated in its basement … which presumably never used. Of course, of course.
Ezekiel Stane, the surprise that Ironheart connects with Iron Man
While the plot advances, which seemed to be an unlikely friendship between Joe and Riri takes a fairly dark turn. Confesses his passion for Bionic plants And the Blacklash has a hand (literally, since a chip has been implemented in the arm). But the moment that changes everything comes when Riri finds an urn with the ashes of someone called Obididah S.. When you release it from the fright, Joe soon reveals the truth: those ashes are of Obadiah StreeThe notorious iron monger of the first Iron ManAnd he is his son: Ezekiele “Zeke” Stane.
In comics, Zeke is one of the most lethal bad bad guys who inherited the legacy of Iron ManWith an intelligence similar to that of Tony Stark, but with an unfortunate obsession with revenge. Become a living weapon after modifying your body with technology and although in the series of Ironheart We have not yet reached that point, Its version in the MCU seems to have the potential to explode … in every way.
For now, Zeke does not show hatred for Iron Man, nor an irrational fanaticism for his father. But that scene in which the dog’s gift is sought again and she hurts anger by cutting the neighbor’s flowers … clarifies it There is something accident that cooks inside him.
An evolution threat
The presence of Zeke in Ironheart It is not just a wink for fans of the origins of the MCU. Your connection with the events of Iron Man It establishes a continuity that Marvel had left something forgotten in recent years. In addition, it contrasts perfectly with the journey of Riri Williams, a young inventor with good intentions, in the face of a family inheritance full of darkness and an excessive ambition.
This also revives an old discussion in the Marvel universe: should children bring their parents’ sins? In this case, Ezekiel struggles to get away from the name of Iron Mong … but at the same time it seems seduced by the power it represented.
Technology against magic, the other great conflict
Beyond the family drama and connections with the past, Ironheart Has another very interesting axis: The clash between science and supernatural. Riri not only comes across Zeke Stane, but also with Parker Robbins, The hoodA criminal with access to dark magic. This contrast between the intellect and the mystic is the thematic heart of the series, and probably what will mark the course of the character in the future appearances of the MCU.
Who is Ezekiele Stane in the comics?
The role of the paper is a classic Iron Man enemy, created by Matt Fration and Barry Kitson. It appeared for the first time Order And then in The invincible iron manshowing Visceral hatred of Tony Stark. Unlike other bad guys who use only armor, changes their body with stolen technology, becoming a “man of the machine” with superhuman skills. His intellect, manipulation and charismal ability made him an enemy who goes beyond the classic bad with a metal dress. If Marvel decides to develop it as in comics, we could be addressed One of the new large antagonists of the MCU technological saga.
What does this mean for Riri Williams’ future?
The arrival of a character like Ezekiel Stane could be the perfect trigger for the rings to be evolved. Until now, we have seen her as a young woman with great potential, but in front of someone who combines genius, ambition and personal bonds could be her great challenge. Also, if the MCU decides to explore the technological bad line – something that had cooled after Iron Man 3-,, Ironheart It could be the new battlefield for that conflict. And with Zeke on the scoreboard, Everything is ready to explode.
