Marvel Studios may have quietly spoiled a major twist in its upcoming Ironheart series. A new behind-the-scenes featurette hints that the Disney+ show could include not one, but two major villains — and one of them might be a familiar name for longtime Marvel Comics fans: Zeke Stane.
Ironheart stars Dominique Thorne as Riri Williams, a brilliant young inventor introduced in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The show will focus on Riri’s journey as she builds her own Iron Man-style suit and carves out her place as a hero. Already confirmed as one of the series' villains is The Hood, a magic-wielding antagonist played by Twisters actor Anthony Ramos. The clash between Riri’s technology and The Hood’s dark sorcery is set to drive much of the series' plot.
In a newly released behind-the-scenes featurette shared by Marvel Studios on June 13, eagle-eyed fans spotted a mysterious armored figure powering up in a darkened setting. The sleek and slim design of the arm, which emits electrical sparks, looks noticeably different from Riri’s bulkier Ironheart armor.
This quick shot has sparked speculation that Zeke Stane may be appearing in the series.
Zeke’s inclusion has been rumored since 2022, with some fans believing actor Alden Ehrenreich could be playing him. Although Ehrenreich is officially credited as “Joe McGillicuddy,” Marvel is known for using aliases to hide major reveals in the MCU.
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In the comics, Ezekiel “Zeke” Stane is the son of Obadiah Stane, the villain from the original Iron Man movie (2008). Created by writer Matt Fraction, Zeke serves as a dark mirror to Tony Stark. While Stark builds external suits of armor, Zeke believes in the fusion of biology and technology, modifying his own body to become a powerful living weapon.
Zeke’s approach makes him a terrifying adversary — one who doesn’t just wear his power, but becomes it. His cyborg-like enhancements have made him a serious threat to heroes like Iron Man in the comics, and now it seems he may be coming for Ironheart too.
With Ironheart already featuring a magical villain in The Hood, adding a tech-based adversary like Zeke Stane would be the perfect way to challenge Riri Williams on multiple levels — forcing her to confront both the mystical and the mechanical.
Zeke would also bring Ironheart full circle, connecting Riri's story back to the origins of the MCU and its very first villain. If confirmed, this inclusion could elevate the series beyond a solo origin story into a layered showdown between legacy, science, and sorcery[wide].
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