After a rocky run of underperforming films and lukewarm series, Marvel Studios is banking on fresh faces and bold new stories to reclaim its cultural dominance. And the one character flying in with serious momentum? Riri Williams as Ironheart.
The limited series, which officially capped off Phase 5 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has emerged as a critical favorite, now with an impressive 82% on Rotten Tomatoes.
That makes it the third highest-rated Marvel project of the entire phase—a much-needed boost for a franchise that’s been faltering with audiences and critics alike.
Let’s be honest. Phase 5 hasn’t exactly set the world on fire. Thunderbolts failed to recoup its budget, despite favorable reviews. Captain America: Brave New World came and went with little fanfare, pulling in middling box office numbers. And Daredevil: Born Again, despite strong early buzz, failed to land with mainstream audiences, barely making a dent in streaming charts. With each misstep, the once-bulletproof Marvel brand started to show cracks. That’s what makes Ironheart such a surprise—and such a potential turning point.
Anchored by a breakout performance from Dominique Thorne as Riri Williams, the show picks up after her debut in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Set in Chicago, the six-episode season finds the MIT prodigy navigating grief, legacy, and a collision course with the dark magic of Parker Robbins, aka The Hood, played by Anthony Ramos.
The finale didn’t just tie up loose ends—it blew the doors off. A Thanos-level threat is revealed in Sacha Baron Cohen’s Mephisto, cloaked in mysticism and devilish charm. Riri defeats The Hood but finds herself entangled in something far darker. A resurrected friend, a Faustian bargain, and a mysterious arm scar suggest Riri’s fight is far from over. And in a clever mid-credits tease, Parker Robbins re-emerges, seeking help from Zelma Stanton, which sets the table for even deeper mystical chaos.
While Marvel has yet to announce a second season, the creative team is already making their wishes known. Series creator Chinaka Hodge has said she hopes for not just a second, but a third and fourth season. Dominique Thorne echoed that sentiment, teasing an emotional arc that could take Riri in surprising directions as she contends with power, responsibility, and the cost of her choices.
Director Ryan Coogler, who helped launch the character, made it clear he’s on board for wherever the story goes next. And while nothing has been made official, the reception to Ironheart—combined with the MCU’s need for a grounded, character-driven win—makes a continuation all but inevitable.
Looking ahead, Ironheart could easily weave into the fabric of the next major Marvel events. With Mephisto now in play, the door is wide open for tie-ins with Doctor Strange, Blade, Avengers: Secret Wars, or even a potential Young Avengers crossover. There’s also speculation that Riri could return in Black Panther 3, depending on Marvel’s long-term strategy for Wakanda.
But the beauty of Ironheart is that it works even without the cameos, crossovers, and multiversal mayhem. It’s grounded in real emotion, timely themes, and a magnetic lead performance. It brings heart and soul back to a franchise that’s been too reliant on spectacle and nostalgia.
In a time when Marvel desperately needs a win, Ironheart doesn’t just offer hope. It offers a path forward.
Maybe—just maybe—with Riri at the center and a renewed focus on character over chaos, superhero stories can find their soul again. Marvel’s future is uncertain. But if Ironheart is any indication, there’s still plenty of fire left in the forge.
And if there is a Season 2 and 3, let’s hope most of the production moves to Chicago, since they highlight the city so much.
ALSO READ:
Where does Ironheart rank in the Marvel TV Universe?
