by Tim Gordon
Ironheart brings the Marvel Cinematic Universe to Disney+ in a way that pays homage to the legacy of Tony Stark’s Iron Man while carving a path for Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne) to create her own superhero identity. Created by Chinaka Hodge, this series is set after the events of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022) and centers on MIT student Riri Williams as she returns home to Chicago, where her discovery of technology that could potentially rival magic sends her on a journey filled with peril, self-discovery, and emotional complexity.
Riri’s journey begins with a major setback, expulsion from school, and a return to her roots in Chicago. Here, the show digs deep into her losses, the tragic death of her father and best friend Natalie, and how their memory drives her forward. Her journey resonates with themes of grief, resilience, and the pursuit of innovation, which makes her a grounded and compelling character. The shadows of her past are never far from her, and they fuel her motivation for building her tech empire from the ground up.
As a series, Ironheart brings back elements from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, especially the references to Tony Stark, who looms large over Riri’s journey. However, Riri is clear about one thing: “I’m not a billionaire,” signaling that she is her hero, despite the comparisons. Much like Tony in the original Iron Man, Riri uses her intellect and available resources to build her suit, but there’s a twist: she stumbles upon something greater than she anticipated. This revelation not only sets her on a collision course with various powerful figures but also introduces an intriguing dynamic of technology versus magic.
The series really excels in the dynamic between Riri and her crew of unlikely allies, led by the charismatic and mysterious figure, The Hood. While the criminal underworld she becomes part of initially excites her, she soon realizes that there’s much more at play. The relationships within this crew provide both dramatic and emotional weight, with the lingering memory of her father and best friend adding to her character’s vulnerability and depth.
However, Ironheart isn’t without its struggles. The MCU’s ever-expanding universe is thrilling, but it can also be overwhelming at times. With so many crossovers and lingering references to events in other films, there’s a lot left unsaid. This is a challenge for viewers unfamiliar with every element of the MCU’s sprawling lore, but for fans who are invested in the larger franchise, it’s just another puzzle piece to fit into the grander narrative.
Despite these occasional frustrations, Ironheart is an engaging journey of a young woman finding her place in a larger-than-life universe. It builds on the foundation laid in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and paves the way for more stories of tech, magic, and identity in the MCU. Thorne’s performance as Riri Williams is magnetic, and her evolution from a brilliant MIT student to a hero with heart and smarts is one that MCU fans won’t want to miss.
Ironheart brings a fresh perspective to the MCU, blending elements of sci-fi and the supernatural while staying rooted in the emotional realities of its lead character. It’s a mix of high stakes, deep personal loss, and the quest for meaning in a complex, interconnected world. It’s another strong entry for the Marvel universe that shows a new hero rising from the shadows of loss and legacy.
Streaming now on Disney+
Grade: B-