Riri Williams Gets Robert Downey Jr.’s Thumbs Up for Ironheart

LOS ANGELES, CA – Dominique Thorne is stepping into the role of Riri Williams, also known as Ironheart, in the upcoming Disney+ series. The show premieres on June 24, 2025, and it follows Riri as she creates her own armored suit after being introduced in 2022’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

In this new series, Riri Williams returns to her hometown of Chicago, where technology meets magic. As a young genius inventor, Riri is determined to make her mark on the world. However, her path becomes complicated when she encounters Parker Robbins, aka “The Hood,” played by Anthony Ramos.

Thorne recently shared her excitement and relief at receiving praise from Robert Downey Jr., the original Iron Man. She stated, “Robert Downey Jr. and I spoke just after we wrapped, and he shared some very lovely words about my journey. 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.”

Thorne described Riri’s character as significantly different from Tony Stark. “She’s dumpster-diving, whereas Tony Stark [was] this bajillionaire,” she said. Despite coming from a humble background, Thorne emphasized Riri’s resourcefulness, demonstrating that “what she’s able to accomplish is remarkable.”

The series will introduce a unique conflict between the characters, focusing on the clash between technology and magic. Anthony Ramos mentioned that his character, The Hood, has a complex background that ties into Chicago’s history, as he is a street-level criminal who gains mystical powers.

As fans look forward to the premiere, they are also curious about the rumored participation of Sacha Baron Cohen as “Mystery Man,” possibly hinting at the character Mephisto. With the Marvel Cinematic Universe evolving, it’s clear that Riri Williams is poised to play a crucial role in the upcoming phases.

With Robert Downey Jr. returning to the MCU in the roles of Doctor Doom, audiences are eager to see how Thorne will carry forward the legacy of armored heroes. Ironheart looks set to bring a fresh perspective to the franchise, making it an exciting addition to the Marvel lineup.