Marvel’s Ironheart Is Suiting Up on Disney+

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Indeed, “The Bear” returns this week, but in addition, Marvel has prepared a Chicago-based series for your viewing pleasure. After an almost three-year delay, Disney+ will finally unveil “Ironheart,” offering us a three-episode debut. This Ryan Coogler–produced show features Dominique Thorne as Riri Williams, a character who was initially introduced onscreen as the MIT genius turned Talokan hostage in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” Now, she’s returning to her South Side roots, joining a cast that includes Anthony Ramos, Shea Couleé, and others. The six-episode tale revolves around Riri Williams, but we’re yet to fully understand its connection to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Remind me, who is Riri Williams?

This individual is recognized for being a tech prodigy who gained admission into MIT at the age of 15. In the fictional world of Wakanda Forever, she developed a functional vibranium detector, which unintentionally came close to triggering a global conflict. Known as Riri or Ironheart when donning her armor, this character made her comic-book debut in 2016. In the comics, she constructed her own Iron Man armor and was subsequently instructed by an AI version of Tony Stark. Chicago writer and scholar Eve L. Ewing, who brought the character to prominence through her 2018 “Ironheart” comics, served as a consulting producer on the “Ironheart” series. However, it’s important to note that the screen adaptation may differ significantly from the comic books due to the involvement of the Hood.

And who is the Hood?

He’s a Marvel villain with a hint of mystery and charisma, going by the name Parker Robbins. In the comic books, he was a notorious, superpowered criminal figure in New York City. However, his Ironheart counterpart is causing trouble in Chicago, and yes, he gains his powers from an authentic hood containing magical properties.

What did we learn from the trailer(s)?

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=WpW36ldAqnM&pp=ygURaXJvbmhlYXJ0IHRyYWlsZXI%3D

The Character known as ‘The Hood’ is keen on collaborating with Riri. He’s eager to create something remarkable and seemingly has the financial resources required for her grand endeavors. It’s clear that her talents could be attractive, even to a criminal. An unexpected job interview takes place when he confines Riri in an elevator filled with harmful gas and a locked gas mask, but she manages to escape. The question remains: Is she prepared to sacrifice her moral principles or engage in dubious activities to achieve her aspirations? Despite some dissatisfaction from those close to her, it seems that Riri is willing to form an alliance with ‘The Hood’.

Apart from what’s been revealed through an official summary, it’s clear that Ironheart “sets technology against magic.” In the trailers, Riri is depicted as attempting to combine these two elements, as hinted by the red magical aura visible alongside her suit.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=r6j-wSIqJJ0&pp=ygURaXJvbmhlYXJ0IHRyYWlsZXI%3D

Who is in the cast?

In this production, Thorne takes on the character of Riri once more, while Ramos steps into the role of the Hood. Lyric Ross plays Riri’s closest friend named Natalie, Alden Ehrenreich portrays one of Riri’s tech-savvy friends, and Couleé is a former drag performer and hacker who assists the Hood in stealing from wealthy residents of Chicago. The main cast also includes Manny Montana, Shakira Barrera, Zoe Terakes, and Sonia Dennis.

What does Iron Man think about all this?

Although certain dedicated Iron Man enthusiasts have expressed displeasure about the introduction of another Iron character in the MCU, Robert Downey Jr., in a recent interview on Good Morning America, has unequivocally shown his enthusiasm. “Ms. Thorne, I couldn’t be more thrilled to see you breathe life into Riri Williams,” he said. To further emphasize his sentiment, he declared, “In essence, Iron Man adores Ironheart.” During the interview, Downey also expressed his encouragement towards Thorne’s performance. According to Thorne in an Empire interview, Downey expressed his excitement and support, even giving her a pair of thumbs up. “It’s reassuring to know I’m not letting down Iron Man,” Thorne reminisced.

How does Ironheart fit into the MCU?

In the upcoming months, I’ll be part of the exciting conclusion of Phase Five within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a journey that commences with “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” in 2023. Following this, Phase Six kicks off with “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” in July. Post the events of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” you’ll find me in “Ironheart.” As we prepare for its release, executive producer Coogler has hinted that it will delve into themes similar to those found in “Avengers: Doomsday.”

At a recent Los Angeles premiere of the show, Coogler shared with Deadline how timely the show’s release is. He stated, “It’s fascinating to be releasing [Ironheart] now, at a time when AI and technological ethics are on everyone’s mind, as the Marvel Cinematic Universe prepares for its next phase.” Coogler further added, “We didn’t know it would be Doctor Doom and the Avengers when we first started, but he’s a character known for fusing technology with magic, so it’s an intriguing glimpse of what lies ahead in what might just be the largest Marvel film ever produced.

What do I need to watch before Ironheart?

As per the show’s creator and chief writer, Chinaka Hodge, the goal was to ensure that the series felt authentic and relatable for both Marvel enthusiasts and newcomers. Hodge explained to GamesRadar+ that she wanted the show to be accessible, allowing even those unfamiliar with previous Marvel phases or just starting out to easily follow along. The experience should be similar to flipping through a comic book in a store. However, having seen Riri in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and being familiar with Doctor Strange’s magic would enhance the viewing experience. On Disney+, eight titles are suggested as prerequisites for Ironheart: Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Iron Man 3, Doctor Strange, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Black Panther, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and What If…?

When does Ironheart come out?

Disney Plus is dividing the release of this show into two parts. The initial set of three episodes titled “Take Me Home”, “Will the Real Natalie Please Stand Up?”, and “We in Danger, Girl” will become available on June 24 at 9 p.m. Eastern Time. A week later, on July 1, the remaining episodes – “Bad Magic”, “Karma’s a Glitch”, and “The Past Is the Past” – will be added to the platform. This concludes Phase Five of the series just before Phase Six begins with The Fantastic Four on July 25.

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2025-06-25 01:54