Summary:
- Ironheart episode 3 ends with the death of The Hood’s cousin John during a greenhouse lockdown.
- Riri escapes in her Ironheart suit, leaving John behind, leading to his death.
- Joe McGillicuddy is revealed to be Ezekiel Stane, son of Iron Man’s Obadiah Stane.
The third episode of Marvel’s Ironheart, released on June 24, 2025, delivers an intense turning point. Set in the aftermath of a heist gone wrong, the episode explores betrayal, loss, and the moral complexity of Riri Williams’ journey. As questions mount over John’s death and Joe’s true identity, the stakes in Ironheart rise significantly.
Did Riri Williams Kill The Hood’s Cousin in Ironheart Episode 3?
In Ironheart episode 3, titled We in Danger, Girl, Riri Williams becomes entangled in a high-stakes heist with The Hood (Parker Robbins) and his cousin, John. During the mission at Heirlum, Riri secretly attempts to steal a piece of Parker’s mystical hood to study its origins. To do so, she borrows biomesh tech from Joe McGillicuddy to conceal her laser. When the laser activates the facility’s security system, all greenhouses shut down and flood with carbon dioxide.
Amid the chaos, Riri and John confront each other in one of the greenhouses. John accuses Riri of betrayal, and a physical fight ensues. As they begin to suffocate, Riri’s AI, N.A.T.A.L.I.E., activates her suit remotely. Riri dons the Ironheart suit and escapes the greenhouse, leaving John behind. John dies from asphyxiation, and Riri is left grappling with the consequences.
Following John’s death, The Hood is seen in mourning. Parker, already dealing with transformations due to his mystical hood, remembers John’s warnings to back out of the heist. The guilt intensifies when Parker is forced by his mysterious superior to witness John’s final moments.
As the sequence ends, Parker sees a shadow of Riri in her Ironheart suit, confirming her involvement in John’s death. This moment cements a rift between Parker and Riri, likely setting up future conflict in upcoming episodes.
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What Happens to Riri After the Heist?
After the heist, Riri returns to her home in Chicago, visibly shaken. N.A.T.A.L.I.E. informs her that the biomesh she borrowed from Joe was left behind at the scene. Riri panics, realizing her actions not only resulted in John’s death but also endangered Joe by exposing him to potential legal consequences.
Riri becomes emotionally overwhelmed. She reflects on her choices, the betrayal of Parker’s trust, and her role in John’s death. This marks a pivotal moment for Riri, as she questions her decisions and the risks involved in her pursuit of justice.
Joe McGillicuddy is introduced as a timid tech hoarder who supplies Riri with parts to upgrade her suit. As Riri grows closer to him, she discovers a bag labeled with the name ‘Obadiah S.’—a nod to Obadiah Stane, the antagonist in Iron Man (2008).
Joe reveals he is actually Ezekiel Stane, Obadiah’s son. Unlike his father, Ezekiel aims to use technology for good. This reveal ties Ironheart directly to the legacy of Iron Man and adds complexity to Joe’s character. However, his help in the heist, especially providing the biomesh tech, places him at risk when Riri leaves the item behind.
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How Does Ezekiel Stane Fit Into Riri’s Story?
Ezekiel’s identity adds a layer of legacy conflict to Riri’s narrative. While Riri is inspired by Tony Stark, Ezekiel is trying to escape his father’s villainous past. Their connection builds on shared trauma and aspirations to rewrite their stories through technology.
With the biomesh now traceable and Joe’s identity potentially compromised, Ezekiel’s future in the series is uncertain, and his alliance with Riri could be tested in the episodes ahead.
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Where to Watch Marvel’s Ironheart
Ironheart premiered its first three episodes on Disney+ on June 24, 2025. The series consists of six episodes in total, with new episodes releasing weekly.
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