We’ve got the first look at Ironheart, which promises an excellent ride for a new MCU heroine!
The MCU has seen a major shakeup in the last few years. Following the disappointments of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and The Marvels, combined with the 2023 Hollywood strikes, the decision was made to hold back on a lot of MCU projects.
That's without mentioning how the legal woes of Jonathan Majors means Marvel has dropped Kang for Doctor Doom for the upcoming Avengers; Doomsday film. That's changed all of their future plans.
While Captain America: Brave New World was seen as a letdown, Thunderbolts has become a success at the box office. Marvel is shifting focus towards their Disney+ shows, including the announcement that Daredevil: Born Again season 2 will feature Krysten Ritter reprising her role of Jessica Jones.
Now, Disney has released the first trailer for Ironheart, which gives us a new armored hero for the MCU!
Meet Ironheart
The show comes from Ryan Coogler, the director of the Black Panther movies, who is enjoying the huge success of the critically acclaimed box office hit, Sinners. Chinaka Hodge writes and produces as well.
The series brings back Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne), who debuted in 2022’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. A brilliant inventor, Riri crafted her own suit of armor to help fight off Namor and was last seen accepting an internship in Wakanda.
The series picks up with Riri moving back to her hometown of Chicago. The trailer’s opening moments have her showing up at a facility, only to be caught in a trap, which is a test of her skills.
This has Riri meeting Parker Robbins (Anthony Ramos), who offers her a job. As comic book fans know, Parker is also the Hood, a notorious crime boss, and the series appears to use his cloak, which gives him invisibility.
The trailer shows more action with Riri putting together a new suit of armor and clashing with Parker while trying to prove herself. We also get glimpses of Alden Ehrenreich in a mysterious role and Lyric Ross as Natalie, Riri’s best friend.
The Chicago setting also promises to be the backdrop of some crazy action, with Riri shown flipping over a truck. The six-episode series seems set to be a new top part of the MCU.
What to expect from Ironheart?
Speaking on a special video feature with Marvel, Coogler praised how Riri is an optimistic character who wants to truly change the world. He also added that it’s important for Riri not just be an “Iron Woman.”
“It was very quickly realized that she was her own character in her own lane. There’s a difference between [Riri] and maybe a Captain America or a Black Panther, where a mantle is being passed. This is a character who was obviously influenced by Tony Stark and inspired by him, but she is also very different and doing her own thing.”
Coogler is known for his in-depth character work and proved his flair with the Black Panther movies. Thus, the show will no doubt mix some social commentary with the superhero action and ensure it’s worth the wait.
As “grounded” as an MCU show can be, Ironheart should take to the skies and the streets equally well this summer.
Ironheart debuts June 24 on Disney+.