Warning! This article contains SPOILERS for Ironheart.

In an astonishing twist, Marvel has resurrected the MCU‘s inaugural villain as a mere bag of ashes in Ironheart. Up until now, Ironheart has yet to introduce a definitive antagonist, apart from The Hood, with whom Riri Williams has been collaborating throughout the initial three episodes of the series.

During this time, the legacy of Tony Stark has been referenced numerous times. This is to be expected considering the clear ties to Iron Man, particularly through Riri’s advanced suits of armor and Stark’s prestigious educational background.

While it seems improbable that Tony Stark himself (or even an AI version of him) will show up in Ironheart, characters from Stark’s extensive MCU storyline have already begun to surface. However, what truly stands out is the unexpected return of a legendary villain from the MCU.

Obadiah Stane: The First Official Villain of the MCU in Iron Man

Obadiah Stane Established Iconic MCU Tropes

Obadiah Stane, expertly portrayed by Jeff Bridges, occupies a significant role in the annals of the MCU. Although Tony Stark is celebrated for launching the MCU in a groundbreaking manner with Iron Man, Obadiah Stane/Iron Monger deserves equal recognition as the first villain in the franchise’s history.

In this capacity, Stane pioneered several enduring MCU tropes, particularly those associated with villainy. He was the first character to serve as a dark mirror to the protagonist and the first to perish during his debut in the MCU, cementing the unfortunate pattern where many villains don’t survive their inaugural film.

Stane also represents the initial illustration of how captivating MCU villains can be. While he embodies a more overtly nefarious persona than many subsequent MCU antagonists who adhere to Stan Lee‘s golden rule, his betrayal of Tony Stark was especially jarring. This twist not only shocked audiences but also established a vital connection to the Ten Rings, an organization traditionally linked to Stark in the comic book universe.

Stane’s narrative in Iron Man further contributed to showcasing Tony Stark’s exceptional genius. Despite his vast resources, Stane could not duplicate Stark’s innovative miniaturized arc reactor. Ultimately, the larger reactor from Stark Industries would be the instrument of Stane’s demise—a fate that was conveniently obscured by SHIELD. Now, in a rather unexpected twist, Stane makes a return in an unceremonious manner.

Ironheart Unveils Obadiah Stane’s Return in an Unconventional Manner

Obadiah Stane’s Ashes Are Stored in a Baggie

Ironheart introduces Ezekiel Stane, the son of Obadiah Stane, as a black-market dealer who becomes a resource for Riri. Initially, he adopts the pseudonym Joe McGillicuddy until Riri stumbles upon a grim revelation in Zeke’s kitchen: the ashes of his father, Obadiah.

The revelation is particularly unsettling given Stane’s prominent stature as a villain, as the first-ever antagonist of the MCU is discovered preserved in a baggie within a tin. His first reappearance since Iron Man is marked by the unfortunate incident of his ashes spilling across the floor, only for Zeke to vacuum them up.

It’s safe to say that this is not the type of honor that the MCU‘s first villain deserves. In stark contrast, characters like Red Skull and Loki have gone on to play significant roles in subsequent MCU narratives. Nevertheless, this portrayal arguably serves to paint a more nuanced picture of Zeke Stane’s character.

The Return of Obadiah Stane in Ironheart Aligns with His Son’s Journey

Ezekiel Stane Rejects His Father’s Legacy

The lackluster return of Obadiah feels fitting within the broader context of the story. Ezekiel Stane confides in Riri Williams that he seeks to distance himself as far as possible from his father’s legacy, disclosing that his father devolved into a “supervillain” prior to his untimely end.

While I believe Obadiah Stane warrants a more respectful treatment than what Ironheart has provided, the same cannot be said for Zeke Stane. Storing his father’s ashes in a plastic bag inside a tin symbolizes Zeke’s shame regarding his father’s transformation into a villain.

Then again, I can’t help but ponder whether this also hints at something more sinister. Ezekiel Stane has traditionally been portrayed as a villain in Marvel Comics and a contemporary rival to Tony Stark—a role that he could still assume in Ironheart, with Riri stepping into Tony’s shoes.

If this is the trajectory Ironheart is on, then Zeke’s casual treatment of his father’s legacy could be interpreted as an overarching sign of disrespect. His unscrupulous choices (such as blackmailing Riri) already hint at a potential turn toward villainy, and I truly hope this allows Zeke to appear in forthcoming MCU projects, thereby progressing his father’s complex legacy.

[nospin]Here you can find the original article; the photos and images used in our article also come from this source. We are not their authors; they have been used solely for informational purposes with proper attribution to their original source.[/nospin]

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