Ezekiel Stane: Iron Man Villain Almost in The Avengers

Ezekiel Stane, the son of Obadiah Stane, nearly debuted as an Iron Man villain in The Avengers, a surprising revelation that adds depth to his current role in Ironheart. This near miss highlights the intricate connections within the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the characters' evolving trajectories.

Seventeen years after the events of Iron Man, and thirteen years after he was almost in The Avengers, the character makes his official entrance. Ironheart introduces Riri Williams navigating her superhero journey, facing challenges that require her to secure funding and overcome obstacles independently.

Apart from battling Parker Robbins, Riri encounters Ezekiel Stane, portrayed by Alden Ehrenreich. He is initially presented as Joe McGillicuddy before revealing his true identity to Riri. Ezekiel Stane, following in his father’s footsteps, becomes a formidable armored supervillain, utilizing his technological expertise and cybernetic enhancements to honor his father's legacy.

Ezekiel Stane’s Near Debut in The Avengers

Joss Whedon considered including Ezekiel Stane in The Avengers. Whedon felt Loki might not be sufficient as the sole antagonist and considered adding Ezekiel Stane to amplify the threat level. Whedon even considered swapping Wasp for Black Widow in case Scarlett Johansson was unavailable.

According to Whedon, the draft featuring Ezekiel Stane was deemed too "huge" and ultimately didn't align with the movie's direction. Marvel Studios CEO Kevin Feige reportedly dismissed the idea, with Louis D'Esposito, Marvel Studios co-president, affirming that The Avengers was progressing well without Ezekiel's inclusion.

The specific details of Ezekiel's potential plans in The Avengers remain unknown. It's speculated that he would have sought revenge for his father's demise. Zak Penn, The Avengers writer, also contemplated incorporating Red Skull as a secondary villain. Sony even considered adding The Amazing Spider-Man's Oscorp Tower to the MCU's New York, hinting at Andrew Garfield's Spider-Man existing within the MCU.

Ultimately, the decision not to pursue these ideas proved beneficial for The Avengers' narrative coherence.

Why Ironheart Suits Ezekiel Stane Better

Ezekiel Stane's introduction enhances Riri Williams' story. While Ezekiel Stane could have posed a significant threat in The Avengers, his inclusion might have detracted from the primary narrative. Loki effectively conveyed the danger to Earth's Mightiest Heroes without needing assistance from an Earth-based villain. His connection to Riri Williams makes Ezekiel Stane a potential candidate for the Young Avengers' ally or primary antagonist.

Alden Ehrenreich's Ezekiel Stane complements Ironheart's theme of new beginnings, with both characters striving to transcend their traumatic pasts by leveraging their technological acumen. Ezekiel and Riri carry the legacies of Obadiah Stane and Tony Stark, respectively. Their ties to the MCU's first hero and villain enhance Phase 5's narrative depth.

Ezekiel Stane: Riri Williams' Connection to Tony Stark

In the source material, Riri Williams gains a Tony Stark AI who guides her. Since Robert Downey Jr. retired his Iron Man role, Riri is unlikely to encounter any version of Tony Stark. The Ironheart series focuses on Riri Williams' NATALIE AI instead.

The MCU can bring Riri closer to Tony Stark by intersecting her path with characters associated with Iron Man. Besides Ezekiel Stane, characters like Maya Hansen, Justin Hammer, Pepper Potts, Happy Hogan, and Rhodey Rhodes could appear. Villains like Crimson Dynamo, Blizzard, and Spymaster could also battle Riri to honor Iron Man's legacy.

Ezekiel Stane's introduction in Ironheart serves a purpose, giving Riri a direct connection to the legacy of Iron Man and his adversaries. His presence allows the show to explore themes of legacy, redemption, and the complicated relationship between heroes and villains.

The story of Ezekiel Stane and his connection to both Iron Man and Ironheart is a compelling addition to the MCU, offering new avenues for exploration and character development. It’s a testament to the intricate storytelling that keeps fans engaged and invested in the ever-expanding universe.