Ironheart struggles to find its place in the Marvel universe

In the United States on June 24, 2025, the new Marvel series Ironheart premiered on Disney+, featuring a total of six episodes. This series, centered around Riri Williams, a young genius inventor, follows her journey as she builds her own battle armor similar to Tony Stark's Iron Man. Riri first appeared in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, where she created a device for detecting Vibranium, leading to her introduction to the Wakandan heroes. The show has been noted for its unusual release strategy, with three episodes made available initially and the remaining three scheduled for a simultaneous drop a week later. It has been speculated that the release faced challenges, including limited promotion and low anticipation, echoing the experiences of previous Marvel shows with lackluster marketing. Despite the precarious promotion of the series, Ironheart seeks to continue the legacy of Marvel’s diverse storytelling, showcasing Riri's insight into technology. Producer Ryan Coogler, who has previously gained acclaim for his work on Black Panther, believes the character resonates with a modern audience who relate to her struggles as a Gen Z superhero attempting to navigate a complicated world. Although the initial reception has been lukewarm, with some critics questioning the depth and engagement of the storyline, the performances, particularly that of Dominique Thorne, have received praise. It serves as a critical point for Marvel as it works to establish new heroes while transitioning from its well-established characters.