Marvel’s Ironheart just wrapped up Phase Five of the MCU on Disney+! The six-episode series, which dropped on June 25, 2025, stars Dominique Thorne back as Riri Williams – you might remember her from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
What’s the Story?
After her studies in Wakanda, Riri heads to MIT on a fellowship that’s kinda like Tony Stark’s old deal. But things go sideways, and she gets kicked out for using school resources the wrong way. She’s back in Chicago with her Ironheart suit, still dealing with the loss of her stepfather and her friend Natalie.
To make her suit’s AI better, she scans her own brain. Surprise! This brings back a holographic version of Natalie inside the armor. Then, Riri teams up with Parker “The Hood” Robbins (played by Anthony Ramos), who’s got this magical cloak and a thing for heists. Things get pretty wild from there.
Who’s Who?
- Dominique Thorne really carries the show as Riri, showing us her genius and her struggles with right and wrong.
- Lyric Ross is great as the AI version of Natalie, adding a lot of heart to Riri’s tech journey.
- Anthony Ramos is charismatic as The Hood, but some critics felt his villain role could have been more impactful.
What’s the Vibe?
Ironheart is cinematic and moves fast, with a focus on visuals that seem aimed at a younger crowd. It’s big on themes like loyalty, identity, and making tough choices, but doesn’t get too heavy with romance or bad language. People seem to like the special effects and the energy of the story, but some think the moral messages get a bit repetitive. Some reviewers also pointed out that the pacing can be uneven, and that the show spends a little too much time setting up future MCU stuff.
When Can I Watch It?
The first three episodes came out on June 24, 2025. Episodes 4-6 are dropping on July 1, 2025, so you can watch the whole thing soon.
Why Does It Matter to the MCU?
This series wraps up some loose ends from Wakanda Forever. Plus, it throws tech and magic into the mix, which could be a hint at what’s coming next in the MCU.
What Are People Saying?
Reviews are a mixed bag. Some people are calling Ironheart a fun, standalone story with a great lead. Others weren’t so sure, criticizing the show for being inconsistent and a little cheesy. One review described it as “visually slick but emotionally flat,” but suggested that if you’re already an MCU fan, you might still enjoy it.
Final Thoughts
Ironheart is a visually exciting mix of tech-powered action and a bit of mystery, with strong performances from Thorne and Ross. But, some storytelling issues and maybe a few too many moral lessons might leave some viewers wanting a bit more. As the MCU moves into Phase Six, Ironheart is an interesting, though not perfect, addition to the lineup.
