Ironheart is the most recent title on the schedule of upcoming Marvel exhibits, and it’ll mark the return of Dominique Thorne within the lead function of Riri Williams. Thorne made a splash because the character by means of her debut in 2022’s Black Panther: Wakanda Ceaselessly. Numerous followers have seemingly embraced Riri, and even longtime Iron Man actor Robert Downey Jr. threw his help behind Thorne’s function. Nonetheless, it appears there are nonetheless some individuals who appear hesitant to get on the Riri “bandwagon,” and Thorne has a message for them.
Quite a lot of comparisons have been made between Riri and Tony Stark, who died on the finish of 2019’s Avengers: Endgame. Not solely are each character geniuses, however they’ve additionally clearly developed superior fits of armor in their very own methods. Stark is among the many hottest characters within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and lots of nonetheless appear hooked up to the late do-gooder. Relating to her personal character, Dominique Thorne merely (and playfully) prompt that followers “get on the bandwagon” alongside Robert Downey Jr.:
I’d say get on the bandwagon. It is right here. We’re right here… I imply, Tony’s on the bandwagon, so , what’s the issue? RDJ is right here. It is good right here. It is cute right here. It is cozy right here. It smells good right here.
Actually, I admire the Judas and the Black Messiah alum’s jovial enchantment to the fandom. I additionally agree with it. Whereas I’d prefer to see extra of Riri within the MCU to get a greater sense of who she is, I loved what I noticed of her in Wakanda Ceaselessly (which is streamable with a Disney+ subscription). That movie establishes her as a likable – and naturally heroic – character who proves she’s succesful in a harmful scenario. All in all, Riri, who initially debuted within the comics in 2016, has numerous potential inside the cinematic universe.
Dominique Thorne’s upcoming present picks up with Riri simply months after the occasion of the Black Panther sequel, at which level she returns dwelling to Chicago and finds herself at a little bit of a crossroads. Her luck appears to alter, nonetheless, after she meets the enigmatic Parker Robbins (The Hood), who presents to assist Williams construct one thing actually “iconic.” The Ironheart trailer teases some massive moments for Riri in addition to some intriguing developments for Parker.
Whereas that is undoubtedly Riri’s collection, I can perceive why it’s laborious not to consider Tony Stark or Robert Downey Jr. The beloved Oscar winner might not be part of the Ironheart forged, however he has apparently been very impactful, from a behind-the-scenes standpoint. Except for reaching out to Dominique Thorne after she landed the function, Downey additionally gave recommendation to Alden Ehrenreich, who performs Joe McGillicuddy on the present. (Enjoyable reality: Ehrenreich, who labored with Downey on Oppenheimer, even launched RDJ and Thorne.)
Tony Stark is missed, however Riri Williams is right here, and she or he’s carving out her personal lane for herself within the MCU. On prime of that, there’s a agency likelihood that the character will return past her present, as Marvel Studios is rumored to be growing a manufacturing centered round its youthful heroes. And, after all, there’s additionally the matter of Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars, which can absolutely assemble a bunch of acquainted faces. So, with all this in thoughts, why not get in on the “cute” and “cozy” Riri bandwagon now?
Ironheart debuts on Disney+ with a three-episode premiere on June 24. When you look forward to it, learn up on different main titles which might be set to hit the 2025 TV schedule.