The eagerly anticipated character Riri Williams, portrayed by the talented Dominique Thorne, made a significant impression during her debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the 2022 film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Fans were initially thrilled at the prospect of seeing her again in 2023 with her own six-episode series on Disney+, titled Ironheart. However, as 2023 came to a close, and with 2024 also passing without any signs of Ironheart, anticipation grew. Now, it’s confirmed that viewers can finally tune in to watch this exciting series premiere on June 24. Additionally, Empire has released a fresh image from the show, available at the end of this article, and Thorne shared that she had a heartfelt conversation with Robert Downey Jr. about their ‘iron’ heroes, with Downey expressing his support for her character in Ironheart.
In the series Ironheart, Dominique Thorne takes on the role of Riri Williams, described as “a brilliant inventor who constructs the most sophisticated suit of armor since Iron Man.” This exciting new character is set to shake up the superhero landscape, and the cast is filled with notable actors including Manny Montana, Shakira Barrera, Alden Ehrenreich, Regan Aliyah, Shea Couleé, Zoe Terakes, Lyric Ross, Matthew Elam, Anji White, Jim Rash, Harper Anthony, Sonia Denis, Rashida “Sheedz” Olayiwola, Paul Calderón, and Cree Summer, with Anthony Ramos portraying Parker Robbins, also known as The Hood. There’s even buzz about Sacha Baron Cohen potentially taking on the role of Mephisto, adding to the intrigue surrounding the series.
At the helm of this innovative series, head writer Chinaka Hodge brings her experience from projects like Snowpiercer and The Midnight Club. The direction for the episodes is managed by Sam Bailey and Angela Barnes, ensuring a dynamic visual storytelling experience. Notably, Ryan Coogler, the creative mind behind the acclaimed Black Panther films, serves as an executive producer, promising a high-quality production that aligns with the Marvel legacy.
The prolonged wait for Ironheart can be attributed to Marvel’s strategic shift in project release schedules. Brad Winderbaum, Marvel Studios’ Head of Streaming, Television, and Animation, explained to Agents of Fandom, “Frankly, in all honesty, there was a mandate to kind of create as much as we could for Disney+ as quickly as we could. And then, there was a shift, and all of a sudden, we have to start spreading our release dates out. So, that really accounts for a lot of the delays.” This indicates a conscious effort to enhance the quality and impact of each project rather than overwhelming audiences with rapid releases.
In an interview with Empire, Thorne shared, “Robert Downey Jr. and I spoke just after we wrapped, and he shared some very lovely words about my journey. He told me how excited he was and that he’s rooting for it, too. I literally got two thumbs up. It’s really reassuring to know you’re not embarrassing Iron Man.” She elaborated on the contrast between Riri and Tony Stark, stating that while Riri is “dumpster-diving, whereas Tony Stark is this bajillionaire… what she’s able to accomplish is remarkable.” This statement highlights Riri’s resourcefulness and ingenuity, setting her apart as a relatable and inspiring hero in her own right.
Are you excited about the upcoming Ironheart series on Disney+? Make sure to check out the new image included in this article, then share your thoughts and anticipation by leaving a comment below!
