Dominique Thorne, recognized for her portrayal of Riri Williams, highlighted the Robert Downey Jr. endorsement of Ironheart character while discussing the upcoming Ironheart series, set to debut this month on Disney+. Thorne spoke about carrying forward Tony Stark’s legacy and encouraged Marvel fans to join in as her character returns to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Riri Williams Steps Into the Spotlight Post Tony Stark
Dominique Thorne made her first Marvel appearance as Riri Williams in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” (2022). In the film, Riri emerged as a promising addition to the MCU, filling a gap left after Tony Stark’s sacrifice in “Avengers: Endgame” (2019). Both Tony Stark and Riri Williams are portrayed as tech geniuses, using their expertise and advanced robotics to support heroes battling evil forces. This connection has sparked ongoing interest in how her character evolves following Stark’s departure.
Anticipated Return With New Series and Possible Avengers Cameos
The introduction of Ironheart was met with enthusiasm, but Thorne’s return as Riri Williams has been delayed until now. With the launch of the Ironheart series around the corner, Thorne will once again bring the character to life as its lead. In an interview with The Direct, she was asked about potential appearances in future Avengers films like “Doomsday” or “Secret Wars.” Thorne responded with a playful hint:
Oh, you know, what can I say? The odds might be in our favor. Who knows? We’ll see. We’ll see.
—Dominique Thorne, Actress
Robert Downey Jr.’s Support for Ironheart
Addressing fans who may be hesitant to embrace Ironheart, Thorne revealed that Robert Downey Jr., known for playing Tony Stark, has given his endorsement. She urged the Marvel community to support her character, noting that RDJ himself is on board:
I would say get on the bandwagon. It’s here. We’re here… I mean, Tony’s on the bandwagon, so you know, what’s the problem? RDJ is here. It’s nice here. It’s cute here. It’s comfy here. It smells good here.
—Dominique Thorne, Actress
What to Expect From the New Ironheart Series
Thorne expressed excitement about the unique challenges and surprises awaiting audiences in the Ironheart show. She discussed the blending of technology and magic as unexplored areas for her character:
She described the upcoming series as venturing into new territory for tech-savvy heroes within the Marvel universe, where technological innovation might cross paths or even clash with mystical forces. Thorne emphasized the energy and stakes involved, highlighting the appeal for fans wanting to see fresh storytelling within the MCU. She remarked:
It’s fun, it’s exciting, it’s dangerous, it’s risky. It’s all the things that you might expect. So, yeah, just another reason to lean in and see where this takes us in the broader context of the MCU.
—Dominique Thorne, Actress
Ironheart’s Premiere and Future in the Marvel Universe
The Ironheart series is set to premiere with three episodes on Disney+ starting June 24, 2025. Fans can expect additional episodes rolling out weekly, further expanding Riri Williams’ journey and her role in shaping the MCU’s direction. With acknowledgment from both Dominique Thorne and Robert Downey Jr., the character’s future within Marvel appears promising, inviting longtime supporters and new viewers to join in as her story unfolds.
