Robert Downey Jr. welcomes Ironheart stars on live TV by delivering a deeply emotional message to the upcoming show‘s leading actors, Dominique Thorne and Anthony Ramos, during a special segment on Good Morning America. The longtime Marvel icon reached out to express support just as the Ironheart series, featuring fresh faces in the evolving Marvel Cinematic Universe, prepares for its highly anticipated release.
Downey Jr.’s Surprise Greeting Uplifts Ironheart Cast
On Tuesday, viewers of Good Morning America witnessed a memorable moment as Robin Roberts interrupted the interview with Dominique Thorne and Anthony Ramos, hinting that a legendary Marvel figure had a surprise in store. The show transitioned to a recorded message from the Oscar-winning Iron Man actor, who is set to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday. Downey Jr. directly addressed Thorne, expressing his delight at seeing her bring Riri Williams to life and teasing Anthony Ramos about his mysterious character, The Hood, set to debut in the Black Panther spinoff.
Robin Roberts introduced the message, stating,
“Do you mind if we interrupt the interview for just a moment, because I think we have a very special message. I think you’re going to recognize who this is,”
—Robin Roberts, GMA Host.
During the video, Downey Jr. said,
“Ms. Thorne, I couldn’t be happier than to be seeing you bring Riri Williams to life,”
and continued to provide comic relief by questioning Ramos’s role,
“But, the Hood has me nervous. Is the hood green? Please tell me Mr. Ramos is not replacing me as Dr. Doom via Parker Robbins. Is there something they’re not telling me?”
—Robert Downey Jr.
Downey Jr. concluded with an affectionate note, capturing the spirit of camaraderie within the Marvel family,
“Long story short, Iron Man loves Ironheart.”
—Robert Downey Jr.
Cast Reflects on Community and Marvel Legacy
Immediately following Downey Jr.’s message, Dominique Thorne responded live in the studio, forming a heart symbol with her hands and saying in return that Ironheart loves Iron Man as well. Thorne expressed her gratitude for the encouragement, highlighting that Downey Jr. has offered steadfast support throughout the development and filming of Ironheart, the new Marvel series produced by Ryan Coogler. The story follows Riri Williams, first introduced in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever as a skilled young inventor, as she returns home to Chicago and embarks on her journey to MIT. Along the way, Williams encounters The Hood—played by Ramos—and takes steps to forge her identity as the next armored superhero.
Dominique Thorne reflected on her deep-rooted connection to Marvel, sharing,
“It’s really been amazing because I come from a family that loves the MCU. My baby brother was born just a few months before Iron Man came out, it’s been a family affair ever since then,”
—Dominique Thorne. She added further context about her personal journey, saying,
“We have pictures of my baby brother being Iron Man and me being Iron Girl for Halloween, like, this goes so deep. So, shortly after we finished filming in Chicago is when I got the first phone call from [Downey Jr.]. He’s been so sweet, through and through. So, the support, it means so much. It really does.”
—Dominique Thorne.
Introducing New Faces: Shea Couleé Joins the MCU
Amid buzz about the Ironheart series, Entertainment Weekly recently released a first-look image featuring RuPaul’s Drag Race superstar Shea Couleé, who makes her Marvel Cinematic Universe debut as Slug. This enigmatic character‘s background, including a possible secret identity, is poised to add complexity and intrigue to the upcoming show.
Shea Couleé described their mysterious new character:
“From my understanding, this version of Slug they’re presenting is someone who’s being referred to as a code name. I don’t want to give too much of their backstory away. They need an alternative code name to go by because there could or could not be some people looking for them,”
—Shea Couleé, Actor.
Flashbacks in the series are set to reveal the character’s experience as a drag queen, bringing unique representation and depth to the Marvel landscape as Jalen Marlowe’s vision for the story unfolds.
The Growing Impact of Ironheart Ahead of Premiere
Anticipation for Ironheart continues to build, especially after Robert Downey Jr. welcomes Ironheart stars on live TV with his signature warmth and humor. The participation of talents like Dominique Thorne, Anthony Ramos, and Shea Couleé signals Marvel’s continuing evolution, introducing new heroes and stories while honoring its rich history. The Ironheart series, launching on June 24 on Disney+, promises to bridge generations of Marvel fans, inspired by heartfelt support from cast members old and new.
