If we said Ironheart, the new Marvel Studios show about a genius who builds a special suit allowing her to fly around, linked to the original 2008 film Iron Man, you’d say “No duh.” The entire idea and premise of the show are intrinsically linked to that character and film. But if we told you the connection went beyond that, and linked to a supporting character in that film played by an Oscar winner, you’d probably be like “Tell me more.” So we will.
Ironheart debuted its first three episodes on Disney+ this week, and we think it’s awesome. It’s a really fun, slick show about a flawed lead character trying to find herself in this wild Marvel Cinematic Universe. So, before we just go ahead and spoil this fun reveal, we’d urge you to give the show a shot. You’ll be happy you did.
Or, you know, just keep reading here. That’s fine too.
In the first few episodes of Ironheart, Riri Williams is in need of some specific pieces of tech. She finds them thanks to a black market buyer who calls himself Joe McGillicuddy, played by none other than young Han Solo himself, Alden Ehrenreich. Joe is lying about a lot of things, clearly, but soon we realize it’s way beyond just lying. It turns out, Joe’s real name is Ezekiel Stane and he’s the son of Obadiah Stane, former head of Stark Industries who became the Iron Monger and died at the end of the original Iron Man. He was played by Jeff Bridges.
What we learn in Ironheart is that Tony Stark covered up Stane’s villainous turn, letting him have a heroic legacy. However, Ezekiel knows the truth and is constantly haunted by it. He’s worried he’ll be corrupted by power like his father and, well, only three episodes of Ironheart are out so we’ll stop there.
Some fans are sure to be annoyed at this seemingly out of the blue connection back to Iron Man but we think it fits into the DNA of this show. Riri is always thinking about Stark, his legacy, accomplishments, and more. And, with Joe/Ezekiel, she finds someone who shares a lot of those concerns.
What’s next for the son of Jeff Bridges? Will there (inevitably) be more wild MCU connections? We’ll find out next week when the final three episodes of Ironheart come to Disney+.
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
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