With so much content to look forward to right now, it's often easy to forget what shows are coming out and when they will arrive. That's particularly true with the Marvel shows on Disney Plus. When one project is complete, another one pops up. In this case, I’m talking about Marvel Studios’ Ironheart starring Dominique Thorne (Judas and the Black Messiah) as Riri Williams and Anthony Ramos (In The Heights) as The Hood, which will arrive on the streamer next month.
The show has been in development for years, completing production close to three years ago. After a number of ucertain months, Marvel confirmed earlier this year that it would arrive this summer. There hasn’t been a lot of press for the show yet. Thankfully, one of Marvel Studios’ greatest actors has stepped in to help remind people about the upcoming program.
Dominique Thorne reveals she received Robert Downey Jr.'s blessing for 'IRONHEART'.
— MCU Film News (@MCUFilmNews) May 6, 2025
“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.”
(Source: @empiremagazine) pic.twitter.com/mRESao4Gy1
In an new interview with Empire Magazine, Dominique Thorne opens up about the conversation she had with Robert Downey Jr. after Ironheart wrapped up, and it was all positive. She said:
“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."
If anyone can get momentum going for Ironheart, it’s Robert Downey Jr. Not only is he an actor that everyone loves, Tony Stark is part of Riri Williams’ motivation to become a hero. Not just in the comics, but in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as well. However, as we’ll likely see in the show, Riri Williams is her own person with different ways of doing things. And despite using a similar tool as Tony Stark to save the day, she's not Iron Man, and that’s a good thing.
"Robert Downey Jr and I spoke just after we wrapped, and he shared some very lovely words about my journey."Dominique Thorne
It goes without saying that there should definitely be more spotlight on Ironheart. The three-year wait for the series certainly didn't help with that, but there is plenty of potential for it to become one of Marvel's best. Ironheart has a Black hero with a Puerto Rican antagonist. The success of this show could lead to bigger things for characters who look like the hero and the villain in the comic book world, especially in a world in need of more Black, Brown, or Queer representation.
A debate could be made that the press for Thunderbolts* and The Fantastic Four: First Steps could have overshadowed Ironheart’s. Or maybe they're Marvel Studios' focus. They’re both highly anticipated movies that will set the world on fire. However, there’s no excuse for not having heard more about Ironheart, especially after a three-year wait. There isn’t even a good trailer out for it, and we're a little over a month away before it's supposed to debut.
Ironheart will make its way to Disney Plus on Tuesday, June 24. 2025. Here’s hoping the world sees more trailers and press from the show before then. Otherwise, this writer will have more questions about what's going on.
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