The first few episodes of Ironheart pulled back the curtain on a legacy character with deep roots in the MCU. That surprise comes in the form of Alden Ehrenreich, who starts off playing a seemingly regular guy named Joe McGillicuddy, only to be revealed as Ezekiel Stane, the son of Jeff Bridges’ Obadiah Stane from Iron Man.
It’s a interesting connection to the film that kicked off the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe, and Ehrenreich is clearly aware of the significance. Speaking to ScreenRant, he opened up for the first time about stepping into a role so closely tied to the franchise’s origin:
“Well, it’s nice to be a part of something that relates back to the whole legacy of the story, especially because that character was in the first real Marvel movie that started all of this.”
He also shared a fun connection between his casting and another MCU icon.
“And I had just worked with Robert Downey Jr. [on Oppenheimer] when I got this part, and so I got to talk to him about it and that was nice. I just FaceTimed with him, and I was like, ‘So this has come my way, and this is the role — what do you think?’ And he was like, ‘Yeah, do it.'”
As for why Ezekiel Stane was chosen for Ironheart, head writer Chinaka Hodge told TV Line it was about mining the MCU’s overlooked corners:
“It’s a gem of a ‘hanging chad’ in the Obadiah Stane story. One of the best things about the MCU is how things connect, but I think so many of the throws have been forward or to other MCUs or alternate universes, and it’s so much fun to reach back.”
Hodge also hinted that Ezekiel’s journey may only be beginning:
“Alden’s so great in the role and the character is so much fun. I expect, as a fan, it will live a long time.”
That said, it’s unclear where exactly Ezekiel will pop up next. With Armor Wars no longer on the immediate horizon, Ezekiel’s future in the MCU might be a waiting game. But if Ehrenreich’s take on the character resonates with fans, don’t be surprised if Marvel finds a way to bring him back.
The first three episodes of Ironheart are now streaming on Disney+.
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