Curious about all the Marvel Easter eggs and hidden references in Ironheart‘s first three episodes? As Riri Williams returns to the spotlight post-Wakanda Forever, the Disney+ series is packed with nods to the MCU’s past, comic book lore, and even a few pop culture parallels that hint at what’s ahead for the young inventor.
Here’s a breakdown of every major Easter egg and Marvel connection in Ironheart Episodes 1 through 3.
List of all major easter eggs and Marvel references in Ironheart Episodes 1-3
Obadiah Stane’s Ashes and Iron Monger Callback
Riri discovers Obadiah Stane’s ashes in Ezekiel’s home. Stane was Iron Man’s first villain in the 2008 film. Ezekiel refers to him as an “Iron Monger,” the first time the MCU uses this comic book title for Obadiah.
Stark Fellowship and Arc Reactor Discussion
Riri says she lost her Stark Fellowship grant, first introduced in Captain America: Civil War. She explains her Ironheart suit doesn’t use an arc reactor like Stark’s but instead runs on solar and wind energy.
Return of Professor Wilkes
Jim Rash returns as MIT’s Professor Wilkes. He first appeared in Civil War, trying to get Stark funding for his self-heating hot dog idea.
Griot AI and the NATALIE Program
Riri builds her own AI based on Griot, Shuri’s AI from Wakanda Forever. Her version, NATALIE, stands for Neuro Autonomous Technical Assistant and Laboratory Intelligence Entity, keeping with Marvel’s acronym tradition.
Name-Drops: Pym, Stark, and Thor
Riri opens Episode 1 by saying she wants to be “bigger than Pym and Stark.” Natalie jokes she wants a night with “Thor and his hammer,” similar to the humor in Spider-Man: Homecoming.
Madripoor and Slug
Slug says he’s one of “Madripoor’s Most Wanted.” Madripoor, a criminal haven, was first shown in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and is run by the Power Broker.
Ezekiel Stane Reveal
“Joe” is revealed as Ezekiel Stane, son of Obadiah. Unlike his comic version, this Ezekiel avoids becoming a supervillain but still keeps advanced tech in his bunker.
MCU Threats: Aliens, Androids, Wizards
Riri echoes Sam Wilson’s line from The Falcon and the Winter Soldier by listing “aliens, androids, and wizards” as major threats in their world.
Friendly Neighborhood Nod and Spiderbot
The crew’s van reads “Friendly Neighborhood Service,” referencing Spider-Man. Riri’s lab desk includes a spiderbot model from Disneyland’s Web Slingers ride.
Riri Pulls Off a Batman Begins
In Episode 3, Natalie rescues Riri but leaves John behind to die of suffocation. The decision mirrors Batman’s choice to let Ra’s al Ghul perish in Batman Begins.
