Everything we know, every detail and information we got about the upcoming MCU Disney Plus series Ironheart is all here for you. Dominique Thorne portrays the young science and technology genius Riri Williams. She debuted the character in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, which is the last movie of the MCU’s Phase 4. Read on to find out what information we have collected scouring the internet about this Legacy character of Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Everything We Know About Disney Plus’ Ironheart
Comic Book Origin
Ironheart is Riri Williams in the comics as it is in the MCU. However, in the comics, Tony Stark aka Ironman is the one who mentored her after she was able to create her own suit. She appeared on Tony’s radar when she flew out of her college dorm to evade campus security. This is due to the fact that the parts she used to assemble her suit were from stolen and scrap items. All from the robotics laboratory of MIT. The Riri reverse engineered Stark’s Mark-41 design and made it fully functional again with her own twist.
Also in the comics, Riri was still able to fight and assist Tony Stark. However, there came a point that Stark got injured and was in comatose for a while. Riri took on the mantle of Ironman as Ironheart. Throughout her activities as a superhero, an AI of Tony Stark’s image and recorded intelligence assists Riri.
Minor Changes Done To Bring Riri Williams aka Ironheart To The MCU
Image: Marvel Comics Group
Without spoiling Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, we can safely say that instead of Tony Stark, Riri came under the wing of Princess Shuri. Several scenes in various TV spots to advertise the movie suggests a chase, which may be involving the pursuit of Riri after assembling her suit. Presumably, she quits school and goes to Wakanda to develop her suit through Shuri’s guidance. Of course, this would mean that the Wakandan technology and resource are at Riri’s disposal. Thus, in a latter TV spot, a more advanced Ironheart suit emerges ready for battle.
Length, Setting and Timeline of Ironheart Series on Disney Plus
Image: Marvel Studios
The Ironheart series will have 6 episodes in its entire run. From Thorne’s interviews and other site sources there is high possibility that the series will cover Riri’s time in MIT. While this may be featured in Black Panther 2, there is the possibility that these will be in the series in more detail. It will also assume Riri’s life after the events of Black Panther 2. Hence, new characters are in the series.
Furthermore, the long-standing magic vs science trope of the Iron Man narrative in the comics will come into play for the Ironheart series.
Ironheart Series Villain
Image: Marvel Comics Group
During D23, Marvel disclosed that Anthony Ramos will portray the villainous role in the series. Cbr reports that Ramos appeared and talked about his role The Hood. However, comingsoon posted the possibility that Mephisto is in the Ironheart series as well. More importantly, Mephisto is the one who will give The Hood his powers to become the series’ main villain.
Series In Production, Cast, Crew and Release Date on Disney Plus
Image: Marvel Comics Group
In a recent interview of comicbook with Thorne, she discloses that they have already wrapped the shoot last November 2nd. Together with Thorne and Ramos, IMDb lists Lyric Ross, Manny Montana, Alden Ehrenreich, Zoe Terakes, and Harper Anthony for 6 episodes. Sacha Baron Cohen is on the list as Mephisto for Ironheart. However, the character has yet to gain full confirmation from the production itself.
Regarding the presence of Mephisto, Thorne just sidestepped the question with her answer:
The series is on its way… There’s certainly a lot for fans to sink their teeth into. Especially if they’d enjoyed what they got to see of Riri Williams in a whole other world that was not her own. I think, they might be in for a good time stepping into a world that is her own.
Everything We Know About Disney Plus’ Ironheart
Image: Marvel Studios
Meanwhile, Ryan Coogler, the Black Panther writer-director, is among the Ironheart series’ executive producers. With Coogler are Victoria Alonso, Zinzi Coogler, Louis D’Esposito, Chinaka Hodge, Zoie Nagelhout, Sev Ohanian, and Brad Winderbaum. Of course Kevin Feige is one of the executive producers as well.
All 6 episodes have Samantha Bailey and Angela Barnes as directors. Writing credits go to Chinaka Hodge and Eve Ewing from Brian Michael Bendis and Mike Deodato Jr.’s comic book work.
Since the production just finished its filming, we assume that it is deep in its post-production activities. Thus the 2023 target release timeframe will be achieved. Perhaps, it will be streaming by mid to late 2023.
We will definitely be on the look out for more information about the series so stay tuned!
