Ironheart Review: Riri Williams Steps Up, But Is She Really the Next Iron Man?
Marvel’s new series Ironheart has landed on Disney Plus, but if you were hoping for the next Tony Stark, you might want to adjust your expectations. Riri Williams (played by Dominique Thorne) is a genius inventor who first showed up in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and now stars in her own show. But does Ironheart really hit the mark? Let’s break down what you need to know.
- Ironheart tries to tell a fresh origin story for Riri Williams
- Six-episode run mixes tech, trauma, and a touch of magic
- Struggles to balance action, character growth, and MCU connections
- First three episodes already streaming, next three coming July 1
Riri Williams – Not Your Next Tony Stark
In the MCU timeline, Riri Williams builds her own Iron Man-style suit from scavenged parts. It’s a cool idea, but the series itself feels a bit all over the place. The showrunner, Chinaka Hodge, aims high by blending different MCU elements, but with only six episodes, the story sometimes gets lost in the shuffle.
From Wakanda to MIT to Chicago
We first met Riri in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, where her invention to detect vibranium kicks off a big conflict. Now, in Ironheart, she’s back at MIT, hustling to fund her suit by selling inventions to classmates. There’s a fun cameo from Jim Rash (the MIT dean from Captain America: Civil War), but he doesn’t get much to do.
When Riri returns to her hometown Chicago, the story turns more personal. She’s haunted by the loss of her stepdad and best friend Natalie (Lyric Ross), a trauma replayed in flashbacks that give the early episodes a soap opera vibe—think more Arrowverse than classic MCU.
AI Best Friend and Tech Troubles
Riri’s mission to upgrade her suit leads her to scan her own brain, accidentally creating a holographic version of her late friend Natalie. Unlike Tony Stark, who had the Mind Stone, Riri’s AI trick is never really explained—so don’t expect any Black Mirror twists. Instead, it’s a story about friendship and grief, with Natalie’s digital form bringing both laughs and drama.
But here’s the rub: Riri just isn’t as compelling a lead as Tony Stark. She’s ambitious and anxious, but lacks Tony’s charm and heart. The show tries to make her relatable with panic attacks and tough decisions, but Dominique Thorne doesn’t get the same script magic as Robert Downey Jr.
Heists, Hoodlums, and Product Placement
Anthony Ramos shines as Parker Robbins (aka The Hood), a tech thief who wants Riri on his team. There’s a fun heist at a floating greenhouse, mixing stealth and pyrotechnics—one of the show’s highlights. But not every action scene is a win. The biggest fight? It goes down in a White Castle. Instead of using a local Chicago spot like Portillo’s, it feels like straight-up product placement, and the action is underwhelming.
For a taste of the series’ style, check out this clip:
Supporting Cast: Hit or Miss
Riri isn’t exactly friendly, but she always has backup. Alden Ehrenreich plays Joe McGillicuddy, a tech collector who bonds with Riri over Alanis Morissette in a sing-along that feels like a car commercial. Their dynamic is awkward at first, but ends up being one of the show’s best surprises.
Other relationships don’t get much room to breathe. There’s a witch who helps Riri for free (the show dabbles in magic, but doesn’t really explain it), and Riri’s mom is supportive but mostly in the background. The AI Natalie causes drama with her brother Xavier, but even those moments feel rushed. Shows like Ms. Marvel handled family and community bonds better, making the hero’s world feel real. Here, Chicago and Riri’s circle are more like set dressing.
Ironheart: Just MCU Glue?
Like a lot of Marvel series, Ironheart seems more focused on connecting the MCU dots than telling a tight, stand-alone story. The best Disney Plus Marvel shows—WandaVision, Loki—had unique style and vision. Ironheart tries for something new, but tone shifts, underdeveloped characters, and bland fights hold it back.
If you’re curious, the first three episodes are streaming now, with the rest dropping July 1 on Disney Plus. It’s worth checking out if you’re a Marvel completionist, but don’t expect a new Iron Man just yet.
