Curious about all the Marvel Easter eggs hidden in the new Ironheart trailer, or how the series connects to past MCU events? As Riri Williams returns to Chicago after Wakanda Forever, her journey blends high-tech ambition with dark magic, revealing nods to Tony Stark, Mephisto, and more.
Here’s every key reference and Easter egg we spotted — and what they reveal about Ironheart’s place in the MCU.
List of Marvel Easter eggs and MCU references in Ironheart’s new trailer
The Hood
Parker Robbins, also known as the Hood, appears as a major antagonist. In the comics, he gains supernatural powers after stealing a demon’s cloak and boots. The trailer shows him using the cloak for invisibility and bullet deflection. His connection to demonic magic hints at Mephisto’s involvement, a character previously referenced in WandaVision and Agatha: Darkhold Diaries.
Tony Stark
Riri is seen at MIT, Tony Stark’s alma mater. A building marked with the name “Stark” and labeled “Hangar 17” appears, likely funded by the Stark Foundation. Riri uses brainwave-linked tech similar to what Tony used in Iron Man 3. Her armor rests in a sitting position, mirroring a pose seen in Iron Man 3. Her childhood workshop also features a “Do Not Enter While Soldering” sign, echoing Stark’s DIY roots.
Ezekiel Stane
Alden Ehrenreich plays Joe McGillicuddy, heavily implied to be Zeke Stane, son of Obadiah Stane. He appears in a bunker with missile stockpiles and an arc reactor, linking him to Iron Man’s original villains and tech. Visual cues, such as shady tech and the character’s dialogue, reinforce the connection.
Vibranium detector
Riri’s vibranium detector from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is shown on her laptop, maintaining continuity with her MCU debut and confirming her role as a top young inventor.
MIT callback
Jim Rash returns as the MIT faculty member last seen in Captain America: Civil War. This cameo strengthens links between Ironheart and Stark’s legacy.
Natalie Washington AI
A hologram of Natalie, Riri’s friend from the comics, appears. In the comics, Natalie dies and returns as an AI, similar to Tony’s AI presence in earlier Ironheart stories.
Iron Monger reference
One of Riri’s suits locks into the ground like Obadiah Stane’s Iron Monger suit did in Iron Man, hinting at a thematic and visual connection.
Armor assembly
Riri’s armor pieces fly to her in midair, mirroring Tony Stark’s remote armor deployment from Iron Man 3.
