‘Ironheart’: Every Marvel Easter Egg in the Final Three Episodes

The following post contains SPOILERS for the final three episodes of Ironheart. Beware.

Did Ryan Coogler indeed link the conclusion of Ironheart smoothly with Avengers: Endgame, as he had stated?

In this fresh installment of our Ironheart video analysis, we’re diving deep into hidden Marvel references, Easter eggs, and intricate details you might have overlooked in episodes 4, 5, and 6 of the current Disney+ MCU series. We’ll scrutinize the show’s Star Trek-like allusions, unravel the subplot reminiscent of Iron Man 3, discuss the series’ nods to obscure Marvel Comics storylines, and provide you with a concise summary of Zelma Stanton’s origins. Interestingly, Zelma has ties in the comics with Dr. Strange, and is part of his Strange Academy – a group that had its own comic book and is rumored to be the focus of an upcoming Disney+ series.

In the following video, we’ll discuss whether Obadiah Stane is still living, among other intriguing topics.

If you enjoyed the video about Marvel Easter eggs hidden in the last three episodes of Ironheart, take a look at more videos below. You’ll find one discussing the possible link between Ironheart, Tony Stark, and Doctor Doom, another summarizing all the Easter eggs and Marvel secrets from the first three episodes of Ironheart, and another providing essential information before watching Marvel’s Ironheart. Don’t forget to check out even more videos at ScreenCrush’s YouTube channel by subscribing – you won’t want to miss our future episodes! The full season of Ironheart is now available for streaming on Disney+.

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Every Marvel Cinematic Universe Movie, Ranked From Worst to Best

36. Eternals

In anticipation, I wouldn’t have imagined that a Marvel film, directed by an Academy Award winner and inspired by some of Jack Kirby’s groundbreaking comics, would become the studio’s least vital release. Regrettably, Eternals, despite being mostly true to Kirby’s fundamental ideas, never quite coalesced. It undergoes a few minor but significant alterations that are quite disappointing – for instance, transforming the antagonistic Deviants into faceless creatures with no clear objectives or motivations. The ensemble boasts commendable supporting acts from Kumail Nanjiani and Brian Tyree Henry, yet the principal characters – Gemma Chan as Sersi and Richard Madden as Ikaris – grapple to convey their supposedly passionate relationship (a romance spanning 6,000 years; they seem like they’re on their inaugural date, and it’s going terribly). The narrative occasionally delves into intriguing themes concerning the links between superheroes, mythology, and faith, only to repeatedly abandon them for a string of routine fight sequences against uninspiring adversaries. It’s challenging to conceive of a more mundane film about immortal extraterrestrial machines attempting to avert universal destruction than this one.

35. The Incredible Hulk

The production of this Marvel film feels so disorganized, unrefined, and unattractive, as if they were completely taken aback when Iron Man turned out to be a hit and hastily put this together. Casting Tim Roth as the world’s premier soldier is an atrocious decision that rivals Loki’s worst crimes; he transforms into a massive, bony, repulsive creature. (For more information, check out this link.)

This version retains the original’s tone and meaning while using more natural and easy-to-read language.

34. Thor: The Dark World

In almost having Patty Jenkins’ Thor, we ended up with a film that was quite dreary, focusing on a tedious pursuit of a mystical object. This movie features one of the most uninteresting villains in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, if there’s any silver lining, it could be that this less-than-stellar film didn’t flop as badly as it might have, which may have encouraged Marvel to take a more daring approach with Thor: Ragnarok. (Read more here.)

33. The Marvels

The Marvel film in question isn’t the poorest in terms of quality – it surpasses three others on this list, after all. However, it’s arguably the most disorganized and intense due to its complex plotlines. Three captivating Marvel characters, played by Brie Larson (Captain Marvel), Iman Vellani (Ms. Marvel), and Teyonah Parris (Monica Rambeau), are thrown into a mission to prevent a Kree warlord from causing havoc for unclear reasons. Despite the actors delivering impressive performances, the narrative is chaotic and filled with peculiar decisions that lack coherence.

32. Captain America: Brave New World

In another interpretation, one might say: “The correct character, the wrong plotline. This sentiment seems fitting for several underwhelming Marvel movies (including ‘The Marvels’), but it’s particularly applicable to ‘Captain America: Brave New World.’ Despite giving Anthony Mackie’s captivating Sam Wilson his own movie, it unfortunately pairs him with a dull antagonist and a narrative filled with unnecessary references to ‘The Incredible Hulk.’ (Yes, we were all on the edge of our seats wondering about Betty Ross’ fate, weren’t we?)

31. Doctor Strange

In essence, while the imaginative imagery is commendable, “Doctor Strange” struggles to shake off the sensation that it’s merely an upgraded version of “Iron Man,” with a dash of magic. However, the smart conclusion featuring Dormammu earns a thumbs-up. Unfortunately, the odd cape worn by Strange doesn’t quite get a thumbs-up (You can read more about it here.)

Or:

Though the fantastical scenes are impressive, “Doctor Strange” has trouble escaping the sense that it’s just an enhanced edition of “Iron Man,” with some magic added. However, the intelligent twist with Dormammu is a positive point. On the downside, Strange’s peculiar cape isn’t well-received (For more details, check out this article.)

30. Iron Man 2

Despite being better than you may recall, it’s clear that there’s still room for improvement. Sam Rockwell’s dance moves can certainly mask some imperfections, but not every flaw is concealed. Trimming about 15 minutes of background setup from this could potentially result in a much more satisfying watch. (Read more .)

29. Ant-Man

Ant-Man is not bad per se, but it feels like a scaled-down version of what an Edgar Wright film could have been. Despite this, Michael Peña’s character Luis stands out as one of the best non-superpowered characters in the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. (For more details, see [here](http://exampleurl).)

[Edited for better readability and clarity.]

28. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

In a battle between Ant-Man and Kang the Conqueror, even Kang himself (played by the intimidating Jonathan Majors) asserts that Scott Lang is out of his depth. This seemingly unfair matchup can be seen as symbolic for the movie itself: The relatable, low-stakes universe of the Ant-Man series with its clever humor and lovable characters struggles to compete with the grand multiversal saga of Marvel Phase 5. As a Marvel blockbuster, it gets the job done. However, as an extension of the Ant-Man storyline, it’s merely average. Unfortunately, if you were looking forward to seeing Michael Peña’s Luis in this installment, you’ll be disappointed because he is not present at all.

27. Ant-Man and the Wasp

The film “Ant-Man and the Wasp” shines brightest when it embraces its simplicity, as Paul Rudd crackles with humor alongside his fellow actors, Michael Peña delivers heartfelt monologues, and a tender family drama unfolds about a fractured family striving to mend itself. (Read more .)

26. Captain Marvel

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Brie Larson’s Carol Danvers could potentially be the most powerful superhero. However, her movie seemed to fall short in delivering a strong emotional punch. Yet, it remained engaging thanks to two standout performances: Ben Mendelsohn as the cunning Skrull Talos, and Samuel L. Jackson, along with his astonishingly effective de-aging special effects, portraying the young Nick Fury. (For more details, check out the link.)

25. Black Widow

2021 marked the long-awaited standalone film for Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow, stepping away from her Avengers role. However, instead of taking center stage, she primarily served as a foil to her sarcastic Russian superhero cohorts, such as David Harbour’s self-centered Red Guardian and Florence Pugh’s captivating Yelena. Consequently, Black Widow didn’t quite deliver the fitting farewell the character deserved. Nevertheless, it remains another well-crafted Marvel blockbuster, boasting spectacular stunt sequences and an intriguing villain in Taskmaster, who has the ability to copy the fighting styles of any adversary he encounters.

24. Thor: Love and Thunder

Watching Taika Waititi’s second Thor film, “Thor: Love and Thunder,” gives off an impression of a magician performing the same trick twice in quick succession. The first time was mind-blowing. The second time, while still impressive, it loses some of its initial surprise factor. Christian Bale delivers a chilling performance as Gorr the God-Butcher, yet his intense and highly emotional villain doesn’t quite harmonize with Chris Hemsworth’s Thor and his constant joking. Essentially, “Thor: Love and Thunder” retains all the elements from Waititi’s “Thor: Ragnarok,” but they don’t blend together as smoothly this time around.

23. Deadpool & Wolverine

As a fan, I must say that the camaraderie between Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman in this movie is simply outstanding. Their cameos are unexpected, even jaw-dropping. However, the story seems to push the limits of how much backstory a film can handle without becoming confusing. (I wonder if one character’s past could be any more tragic than it already is! In this case, at least two!)

If you manage not to think too hard about anything on-screen for even a moment, you might find yourself having an enjoyable time. Jackman and Reynolds certainly deliver the dynamic duo we’ve been waiting for, as Deadpool and Wolverine, reluctantly teaming up to save the Fox X-Men universe. I couldn’t help but wish that the writers (including Reynolds himself) had managed to meet the high expectations they set a bit better.

22. Captain America: The Winter Soldier

A refreshed take on the statement:

“An alternate version of ‘Iron Man 2’: Less enjoyable than you might recall, yet still worth a watch. The promotional campaign emphasized the conspiracy thriller aspect too much, but Anthony Mackie’s Falcon significantly enhances the franchise, and Chris Evans maintains his strong and reliable portrayal of Captain America. However, it remains frustrating that Nick Fury, the world’s most accomplished spy, was oblivious to the fact that everyone in SHIELD except for him and his two friends were completely corrupt. Come on, man, wake up and see the truth!”

(For further reading, check this out: [Link])

21. Avengers: Infinity War

Although this film boasts an impressive scale and a legendary ending, it seems incomplete for some viewers. If you’re seeking non-stop action with a dash of humor, then this movie might meet your expectations. However, if you appreciate the characters, camaraderie, and quieter scenes between battles, you might find this film lacking. (For more insights, check out the full review here.)

20. Iron Man 3

As a fan following the Marvel Cinematic Universe, I found this movie to be quite engaging, but felt slightly let down by the continuity it shared with the broader universe. The plot cleverly constructed a climax where Tony Stark decided to leave his Iron Man lifestyle behind and ride off into the sunset. However, this narrative was somewhat undermined by the subsequent production of several more films featuring Tony Stark. Despite Guy Pearce’s character, Killian, falling short of expectations, I appreciated every moment Robert Downey Jr. interacted with that precocious kid. Overall, it was an enjoyable film experience marred slightly by Marvel Universe’s expansion. (Read more here.)

19. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Immediately noticeable: The final scene, featuring dragons and monsters clashing amidst thick gray fog, is a chaotic CGI disaster. Apart from that, Shang-Chi could be Marvel’s finest action film to date, boasting numerous intense and complex fight sequences. (The bus fight scene in San Francisco is particularly enjoyable.) Simu Liu headlines one of the more profound Marvel ensembles, with Tony Leung and Michelle Yeoh delivering captivating supporting roles, while Ben Kingsley and Awkwafina consistently bring laughter through their scenes. (Kingsley’s portrayal of the former Mandarin Trevor Slattery, who wasn’t a popular Marvel villain initially, has been cleverly transformed into a delightful secondary character.)

18. Thor

An epic adventure unfolding across the vast universe, primarily taking place in … the tiniest town of New Mexico? Despite some flaws, Thor stands out as the first Marvel film where exceptional acting and captivating performances managed to surpass structural and script problems, a trend that would become typical for Marvel productions. (Continue reading here.)

17. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

In the task of directing “Wakanda Forever,” Ryan Coogler encountered an exceptionally tough predicament: Not only was he required to create a sequel that matched the excellence of the original “Black Panther,” he had to accomplish this without Chadwick Boseman, our captivating lead actor who tragically passed away during the summer of 2020, just as filming for this movie commenced. The film excels most when it seamlessly intertwines Coogler and the cast’s emotions over Boseman into the narrative of Wakanda grappling with the loss of its king. Regrettably, the remainder of the film can be a bit chaotic; an amalgamation of intriguing concepts, numerous characters, and an adversary, King Namor, whose motivation is somewhat unclear.

16. Captain America: Civil War

The narrative of the film is questionable and lacks credibility, but it’s all leading up to the spectacular showdown between Tony Stark and Steve Rogers at the airport. To put it simply: WOW, THE AIRPORT SHOWDOWN IS TRULY OUTSTANDING! (Read more here.)

15. Spider-Man: No Way Home

In Jon Watts’ third Spider-Man movie, we find a level of quality comparable to Sam Raimi’s third Spider-Man film. Both share a common theme: they’re jam-packed with numerous villains. On the bright side, this production does an exceptional job of portraying Peter Parker as a character, someone who frequently falls short but never gives up on making things right the next time. Additionally, it introduces the multiverse concept to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in a significant and grand manner, making it a notable landmark in the ongoing storyline.

14. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

After a 15-year absence, director Sam Raimi reentered the Marvel universe with an exhilaratingly chaotic tale centering around a struggle for the survival of the multiverse. Similar to his previous Spider-Man films, Raimi managed to incorporate his unique style and motifs – such as slapstick humor, maniacal zombies, and sudden jumps – into the more conventional Marvel template. (For additional information, please see here.)

13. Thunderbolts (2025)

Many Marvel productions after “Endgame” seem like they’re made from leftovers of various comics, films, and lore, but “Thunderbolts*” stands out as a full-fledged movie with an engaging plot and intriguing characters, especially Florence Pugh as the new Black Widow. She struggles with her life, finding her job meaningless until she’s grouped with other disillusioned mercenaries like Wyatt Russell’s arrogant U.S. Agent and Hannah John-Kamen’s mysterious Ghost. With exciting action sequences and a powerful message about choosing hope over despair and unity over apathy, “Thunderbolts*” is a great demonstration of Marvel Studios’ potential when they’re working at their best.

12. Avengers: Age of Ultron

Here’s my attempt: I find myself puzzled by the intense dislike for this film. While it may not have lived up to the exceptional standards set by the initial Avengers, and the subplot involving Wanda and Quicksilver could use some refinement, the climactic sequence, where the Avengers unite to rescue every single soul in Sokovia, embodies the very essence of Marvel’s brilliance. (For further insights, you might want to read more [here].)

11. Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2

In this rephrased version, the text becomes:

The movie is overly lengthy and features an excessive number (at least four!) of post-credit scenes. However, it’s hard to ignore the audacity of turning Marvel’s lightest franchise into a sequel with a somber ending. This is the only Marvel film that manages to make me shed tears, and it even includes jokes about divine alien phallic symbols. In my opinion, this combination makes for an excellent movie experience. (Read more here.)

This version aims to improve readability while maintaining the original’s intent and tone.

10. Thor: Ragnarok

I just really like when Jeff Goldblum plays a space god who DJs his own parties. (Read more here.)

9. Spider-Man: Far From Home

In the sequel to Marvel’s first Spidey movie, starring Tom Holland as the incredible web-slinger, the film “Far From Home” slightly falls short but not by much. It offers a blend of romance, action, humor, and emotion. The famous phrase “with great power comes great responsibility” may not be uttered, but this film delves into that concept just as deeply as any other Spider-Man story. Peter Parker, portrayed by Holland, grapples with his feelings for MJ (played by the witty Zendaya) and his mission from Nick Fury (portrayed by a grumpy Samuel L. Jackson) to thwart a group of elemental villains.

(Note: I’ve tried to maintain the original tone and style while simplifying the sentence structure and making it easier to read.)

8. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

James Gunn skillfully concludes his Guardians trilogy, delivering a movie that strikes the perfect Marvel balance: Thrilling action sequences, quirky sci-fi visuals, and compelling characters whose emotional depth draws us in deeply. (By the end of Vol. 3, Rocket Raccoon transforms from a secondary Marvel character to one of the most intriguing and tragic heroes.) Following a series of average films, Gunn effortlessly makes it seem simple. It’s unfortunate that he is moving on to work with DC instead.

7. Avengers: Endgame

A significant leap forward from “Infinity War” and arguably the second-best Avengers film, boasting grand action sequences, plenty of humor, and potentially more Easter eggs than any movie in the annals of any cinematic universe. (Read more .)

6. Spider-Man: Homecoming

Among the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s films that are hard to resist watching again, this one boasts compelling characters, thrilling Spider-Man scenes, and an unexpected street vendor requesting a flip from Spider-Man, which he performs. Aren’t you hooked? (Continue reading here.)

5. Guardians of the Galaxy

At halfway through the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the initial Guardians movie played a pivotal role in making Marvel seem less stiff and demonstrated that their brand was robust enough to draw audiences to lesser-known properties. Prior to James Gunn’s involvement, the Guardians were hardly noticed; however, he transformed them into an unexpected hit. Without a doubt, Rocket is the superior Guardian – this is undeniably true, so there’s no need for debate on the matter. (For more information, click here.)

4. Captain America: The First Avenger

Despite some inconsistencies in the storyline (the entire war is condensed into a quick montage), Chris Evans’ portrayal of Captain America in this film stands out as one of the most convincing character adaptations within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This movie took a character that was often criticized for being dull or outdated, and transformed him into a vibrant, endearing, multi-dimensional individual embodying classic human values. A must-watch MCU film when you need a boost of inspiration. (Read more here.)

3. Black Panther

In contrast to many Marvel films that strive for deep cosmic links, “Black Panther” demonstrates the benefits of a more insular approach. Towards the end of the film, Black Panther decides to share Wakanda with the world (and allows its characters to appear in other movies), which is intended to be a joyful conclusion. However, if this decision means that future installments will become less focused and packed with numerous guest appearances, it might not be so cheerful after all. (Source: [The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/feb/14/black-panther-review-marvels-masterpiece-is-not-just-a-superhero-movie))

2. The Avengers

Despite the events in “Infinity War”, the original “Avengers” film remains an astonishing feat. Each character is expertly balanced, the dialogue is concise, and the climactic Battle of New York is undeniably one of the greatest action sequences of this century. (Read more here.)

1. Iron Man

The original film remains unsurpassed to this day. Reflecting on it now, we can appreciate that its lack of commitment to a broader universe contributed to its excellence. Scenes featuring Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark testing his armor and subsequently flying for the first time convey the excitement of superpowers more effectively than any other film in history, be it from Marvel Studios or another studio. (Additional insights can be found here.)

2025-07-02 16:28