Dominique Thorne returns as Riri Williams in Ironheart.
Ryan Coogler is experiencing significant success with his latest film, Sinners, which is making waves at the box office. Adding to his achievements, he is set to helm the Marvel limited series Ironheart, with a new trailer recently released ahead of its premiere in June. This upcoming six-episode series features Dominique Thorne in the role of Riri Williams, also known as Ironheart, a teenage tech prodigy and protégé of Tony Stark from the comic world. Ironheart represents the final installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Phase Five.
(Warning: Some spoilers for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever ahead.)
Initially announced in December 2020, Ironheart was originally set for a 2023 launch. However, Marvel reassessed its long-term strategy and decided to reduce its content output amid concerns about potential market saturation, leading to the series being pushed back. During the 2024 D23 convention, the show was described as “a crime show with an Iron Man twist at its center,” based on newly unveiled footage.
Riri Williams first appeared in the 2022 film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, where she clashed with Namor and his blue-skinned superhumans after inventing a vibranium detector while studying at MIT. Throughout the film, Riri developed a connection with Shuri, sharing their passion for science, and constructed a powered exoskeleton similar to Iron Man’s. This exoskeleton aided Shuri, the new Black Panther, and the people of Wakanda in their confrontation with Namor’s forces. Ultimately, when peace was restored, Riri left her suit with the Wakandans and returned to MIT.
Ironheart continues Riri’s story following the events of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The official synopsis states: “Set after the events of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Ironheart pits technology against magic as Riri—eager to leave her mark on the world—returns to her hometown of Chicago. Her innovative approach to building iron suits is brilliant, but in her pursuit of greatness, she becomes entangled with the enigmatic and charismatic Parker Robbins, also known as ‘The Hood’ (played by Anthony Ramos).”
Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne) immersed in scientific research.
Riri tests a glove for her exoskeleton suit.
Ironheart takes to the sky.
Engaging poster art for Ironheart.
The supporting cast features Lyric Ross as Riri’s best friend, Natalie Washington; Alden Ehrenreich as Joe McGillicuddy; Manny Montana as Cousin John; Matthew Elam as Xavier Washington; Anji White as Riri’s mother, Ronnie; and Shea Couleé as Slug. Jim Rash returns in his role as MIT’s dean, originally seen in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War, while Sacha Baron Cohen will appear in a currently undisclosed capacity.
The trailer begins with Riri entering an abandoned pizza restaurant, where she finds herself trapped in an elevator filled with poisonous gas. The situation is revealed to be a test—or “interview”—set up by The Hood, who informs her that unless she breaks into a device at the bottom of the elevator for a gas mask, she will suffocate. Riri, however, devises her own clever escape plan rather than playing by his rules.
The Hood, impressed by her ingenuity, recruits Riri for a dubious venture. Frustrated with the lack of recognition for her talents and eager to create something “iconic,” Riri accepts the challenge, despite Natalie warning her about the potential dangers associated with The Hood and his intentions. The Hood makes a rather ominous statement, claiming that “anyone who has ever accomplished anything iconic in life has had to do some questionable things to get it done,” leaving viewers to wonder how far Riri will go to fulfill her aspirations.
The first three episodes of Ironheart are scheduled to debut on Disney+ on June 24, 2025. A behind-the-scenes featurette is available for viewing. The show’s success may lead to a second season depending on the popularity of the initial six episodes.
Ryan Coogler and the filmmakers of Ironheart provide a behind-the-scenes look at the new series.
