She debuted in Marvel Comics in 2016 and made her first MCU appearance in 2022’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Now, Riri Williams returns in Ironheart, her very own show and the final installment of Phase Five of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
After nearly three years since wrapping up production, the show has finally made its way onto our screens. Whether you’re curious about it or have already seen it and want to hear our take, we’re here to answer your burning questions about Marvel Television’s newest series. Here is SEA Wave’s High Five review of Ironheart. Spoilers ahead.
A Clash of Magic and Technology
Ironheart is a limited television series created by Chinaka Hodge and executive produced by Black Panther (2018) and Sinners (2025) director Ryan Coogler. It follows Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne), who returns to Chicago after her time in Wakanda and expulsion from MIT. The six-episode series blends science fiction, magic, and grounded social themes as Riri navigates personal loss, systemic injustice, and supernatural threats.
At its core, Ironheart explores the clash between magic and technology, as Riri’s technological prowess clashes with The Hood’s mystical abilities, pushing her to confront the ethical implications of her inventions and the true cost of power. The death of Riri’s best friend, Natalie (Lyric Ross), also plays a pivotal role in the series, not only shaping her arc but also triggering a moral dilemma when Riri unintentionally brings her back as an artificial intelligence. This draws sharp parallels to the ethical challenges we face today, as AI becomes increasingly embedded in our lives and forces society to reconsider its boundaries.
Aside from mirroring reality, Ironheart is a story that goes beyond the suit. It’s about Riri Williams, a tech genius, a fighter, and a young woman determined to rise above her circumstances. Her journey is one that resonates with anyone striving to turn pain into purpose and innovation into impact.
The Rise of a New Hero
Riri Williams projecting N.A.T.A.L.I.E., an AI program modeled after her late best friend | Still from Marvel Studios
The current saga of the MCU has been introducing new heroes to carry the mantle left behind by the original Avengers. With Tony Stark’s heroic sacrifice in Avengers: Endgame, Iron Man left a void in the MCU that has yet to be filled. So when a new character emerges in an iron suit, many wonder: Is Riri Williams’ Ironheart meant to replace Tony Stark’s Iron Man?
They’re both self-made heroes, driven by loss and purpose, who forged their suits using intellect and hard work. Riri Williams and Tony Stark share many similarities, and symbolically, Ironheart could be seen as Iron Man’s successor in the MCU.
But the show makes it clear, Ironheart isn’t following in anyone’s footsteps. She’s forging her own path and stepping out of Iron Man’s shadow. Riri isn’t here to be a replacement, but a new kind of hero whose story and full potential are just beginning to unfold.
Ironheart’s introduction doesn’t diminish Iron Man’s importance in the MCU. Riri Williams doesn’t tarnish Tony Stark’s legacy; she builds on it. The show does a solid job of distinguishing Ironheart from Iron Man, though it still leaves us wanting more from her character, something we hope future stories in the MCU will explore more deeply.
The Big Bad
Anthony Ramos plays The Hood | Still from Marvel Studios
The show’s main antagonist is Parker Robbins (Anthony Ramos), a.k.a. The Hood. Behind his calm exterior lies a man driven by ruthless ambition, a thirst for power, control, and revenge. Armed with a demon-forged cloak and boots that grant him supernatural abilities, The Hood leads a criminal enterprise that uses magic and violence to get exactly what he wants. When Ironheart inadvertently kills someone close to him, his grief turns to rage as he sets his sights on destroying her. Anthony Ramos delivers a chilling performance, capturing both the menace and vulnerability behind The Hood’s persona.
But The Hood isn’t the only threat Riri faces. As the story expands, it becomes clear that the dangers in her world don’t just come from supernatural figures like The Hood, but from something far more unsettling and real—injustice. Throughout Ironheart, Riri experiences deep pain, trauma, and the loss of people close to her, not because of demons or cloaks, but from acts of senseless violence and systemic injustice that mirror real-world tragedies.
Aside from these grounded threats, other enemies emerge throughout the series. Some characters who start out as Riri’s allies ultimately turn against her, driven by consequences of her choices. In the finale, the true source of The Hood’s power is finally unveiled, leading to an unexpected twist that marks the beginning of something far bigger.
The MCU Connection
Riri Williams’ character poster for “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” | Poster from Marvel Studios
The MCU is an interconnected universe where movies and series are closely tied together. To fully understand a story of a single project, you often need to know what came before it to see the bigger picture. As for Ironheart, the show takes place a couple months after the events of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022). But do you need to watch Wakanda Forever before Ironheart? You could, but it’s not strictly necessary, as the series provides an overview of Riri’s time in Wakanda during its opening.
“Marvel homework” can be exhausting and time-consuming, a common complaint from fans in recent years. In the case of Ironheart, the show does establish connections to previous MCU entries. Since it features elements of magic, there are ties to Doctor Strange (2016); a specific location introduced in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021) is also mentioned; and Riri’s experiences in Wakanda Forever directly influence the early part of the show. Above all, the Iron Man trilogy plays the most significant role in shaping Ironheart‘s story. That said, Ironheart can still be enjoyed on its own. While there are several callbacks and easter eggs linking it to the wider Marvel Cinematic Universe, its story is well-confined within the series.
A Worthwhile Watch
Riri’s magic-infused suit from the “Ironheart” finale | Still from Marvel Studios
Yes, Ironheart is worth watching. The show features strong performances by Dominique Thorne and Anthony Ramos and explores relevant social issues that ground the story and provide compelling narratives. Ironheart also blends mystical and technological elements effectively, which not only makes the MCU feel more cohesive but also delivers an epic final battle between Ironheart and The Hood.
Visually, the series is stunning, with commendable CGI and creative details that make it feel like it was ripped straight from the pages of a comic book. Ironheart also strikes a strong balance between humor, heart, and social commentary, while still delivering action and thrills.
Title cards for each episode of “Ironheart” | Stills from Marvel Studios
However, the show isn’t perfect. The pacing can be uneven, with some slower stretches and a few rushed developments, but the emotional payoff and character moments make it worth sticking with. If you’re expecting another Iron Man or a high-stakes Avengers-level story, this isn’t that. Instead, Ironheart offers something more grounded—a story that reminds us life doesn’t always come with a smooth landing and that true heroism is often forged in the hardest circumstances.
The show’s major cliffhanger may be its biggest weakness, leaving the story feeling incomplete. As a limited series, it leaves several burning questions unanswered. What’s next for Ironheart? Will Riri’s journey continue in a second season or another MCU project? When will we see her again?
They’ve answered our questions, only to raise more. For now, Riri’s fate remains in limbo, but until we get those answers, all episodes of Ironheart are now streaming on Disney+ for you to enjoy.
SEA Wave rates Ironheart 3.5 out of 5 waves.
Let us know what you think of the series and hare your thoughts in the comments section below.