 Season 1 stars Dominique Thorne, Anthony Ramos, Lyric Ross, Alden Ehrenreich & Manny Montana in a battle of tech versus magic.){kind=link}
Created by Chinaka Hodge
Ironheart premiered on June 24, 2025.
Distributed by Disney+.
Series Review
Ironheart delivers a fresh, street-level twist on the MCU, anchored by Dominique Thorne’s magnetic turn as Riri Williams.
Set against Chicago’s vibrant South Side, the series balances heartfelt AI friendship through Lyric Ross’s Natalie/N.A.T.A.L.I.E. with high-voltage tech-versus-magic showdowns.
While the mystical Hood and corporate heir Zeke Stane introduce intriguing stakes, their arcs occasionally feel rushed and some heist-plot threads are left underexplored.
Pacing stumbles in the middle episodes, yet the show’s slick visuals and standout performances, especially Eric André’s inventive energy as Rampage, keep you engaged through all six chapters.
In just over four hours, Ironheart explores themes of grief, responsibility, and community, offering more emotional depth than many of its predecessors.
Despite its narrative wobbles, this Marvel newcomer earns its place as a compelling character study and technological spectacle.
Ratings:
• Rotten Tomatoes: 86 %
• IMDb: 3.5/10
Ironheart Actors
Dominique Thorne as Riri Williams / Ironheart
DOB: November 5, 1997
Bio: A Cornell University graduate in Human Development, Dominique Thorne began her film career with standout performances in If Beale Street Could Talk (2018) and Judas and the Black Messiah (2021).
She brings both intellect and empathy to her role in the MCU, first appearing in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever before headlining Ironheart.
Off-screen, she teaches coding to underrepresented youth and advocates for AI ethics, reflecting her deep interest in STEM alongside acting.
Role: A prodigious inventor who reverse-engineers Stark technology into her own Ironheart armor, navigating personal loss and the responsibility of a new kind of hero.
Episodes: S1 E1–6
What to Expect: A compelling coming-of-age arc—watch her transform from brilliant student to battle-hardened protector.
Favorite Things: Lab experiments, hosting friends for home-cooked meals, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu training.
Notable Works: If Beale Street Could Talk, Judas and the Black Messiah, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Anthony Ramos as Parker Robbins / The Hood
DOB: November 1, 1991
Bio: A Brooklyn-raised, Bronx-born performer, Anthony Ramos shot to fame originating dual roles in the Broadway phenomenon Hamilton and later starred in In the Heights and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.
Ramos is a founding member of a youth arts nonprofit, supporting underserved creatives through mentorship and education.
Blending his background in street art and musical theater, Ramos approaches Parker Robbins not only as a villain, but as a symbol of urban rebellion fused with arcane power.
Role: Charismatic gang leader wielding a magical hood and boots, his code of honor and hidden vulnerabilities force Riri to confront power beyond mere technology.
Episodes: S1 E1–6
What to Expect: A layered antagonist whose charm and menace make every encounter crackle with tension.
Favorite Things: Sketching murals, freestyle rap sessions, and curating tattoo-flash art.
Notable Works: In the Heights, Transformers: Hamilton, A Star Is Born.
Lyric Ross as Natalie Washington / N.A.T.A.L.I.E.
DOB: September 30, 2003
Bio: Best known for her Emmy-winning performance in This Is Us, Lyric Ross began her artistic journey at age five with piano and theater training.
Off-screen, she’s a mentor to young actors and a producer of socially conscious short films, blending her artistic talent with a strong moral compass.
Her commitment to emotional authenticity shines through in every performance.
Role: Riri’s best friend turned AI companion, Natalie’s empathy and moral clarity challenge the boundaries between human and machine.
Episodes: S1 E1–6
What to Expect: Moments of genuine warmth and thought-provoking ethical dilemmas as an AI learns to care.
Favorite Things: Piano improvisation, indie-film festivals, and weekend hackathons.
Notable Works: This Is Us, Wendell & Wild, Canal Street.
Alden Ehrenreich as Ezekiel “Zeke” Stane
DOB: November 22, 1989
Bio: A graduate of UCLA’s theater program, Alden Ehrenreich gained global recognition as a young Han Solo in Solo: A Star Wars Story.
Known for balancing big-budget blockbusters with indie ambition, he later dove into experimental filmmaking, co-authoring graphic novels about rogue tech and weaponized innovation.
A trained parkour enthusiast, he brings grounded agility to his physical roles.
Role: Heir to Stane Industries, Zeke’s corporate-grade weapons put him in direct conflict—and uneasy alliance—with Riri’s DIY armor.
Episodes: S1 E1–6
What to Expect: Sharp intellectual duels and moral ambiguity as two inventors test each other’s limits.
Favorite Things: 16 mm film experiments, desert road trips, and vintage guitar collecting.
Notable Works: Solo: A Star Wars Story, Rules Don’t Apply.
Manny Montana as Cousin John
DOB: September 26, 1983
Bio: A Long Beach native, Manny Montana rose to prominence through roles in Graceland and Good Girls, where his blend of charm and grit earned him critical notice.
Off-screen, he co-founded a mentorship initiative for at-risk youth, working with underserved communities to provide guidance through sports and the arts.
His commitment to empowerment deeply informs his portrayal of Cousin John.
Role: Cousin John serves as Riri’s streetwise protector, offering a grounded moral compass amid the chaos of tech and power.
Episodes: S1 E1–6
What to Expect: Heartfelt family scenes and tough-love pep talks that remind Ironheart why she fights.
Favorite Things: Pickup basketball, neighborhood cookouts, and classic soul vinyl.
Notable Works: Graceland, Good Girls.
Matthew Elam as Xavier Washington
DOB: June 12, 2009
Bio: A rising talent and real-life robotics whiz, Matthew Elam has competed in national youth robotics championships and hosts a popular online series where he builds and tests DIY drones.
His infectious enthusiasm for science and coding has made him a role model for young STEM learners, and Ironheart marks his official acting debut.
Role: Riri’s kid brother and the emotional core of her mission, his faith in her drives her greatest sacrifices.
Episodes: S1 E1–6
What to Expect: Adorable tech demos, sibling banter, and reminders of what truly matters.
Favorite Things: Drone races, coding marathons, and comic-book collecting.
Notable Works: Ironheart (debut).
Anji White as Ronnie Williams
DOB: March 3, 1980
Bio: A veteran of regional theater, Anji White built her career on powerhouse stage performances before making her TV debut in Ironheart.
A graduate of a classical acting conservatory, she also holds a yoga certification and leads wellness workshops for single parents, drawing on her own life experiences to uplift others.
Role: Riri’s mother, her grounded wisdom and fierce support give Ironheart the emotional ballast she needs.
Episodes: S1 E1–6
What to Expect: Quietly powerful family moments and the unspoken pride of a mother watching her child become a hero.
Favorite Things: Sunrise yoga, community potlucks, and knitting helmet liners.
Notable Works: Ironheart (debut).
Zoe Terakes as Jeri Blood
DOB: October 19, 1995
Bio: An award-winning Australian actor from Sydney, Zoe Terakes built their reputation on powerful stage performances and standout roles in Wentworth, Fires, and Talk to Me.
They’ve worked extensively in Melbourne’s independent arts scene and are known for supporting emerging artists through grassroots collaborations and creative mentorship.
Role: Community organizer whose grassroots network helps Riri navigate the city’s hidden struggles.
Episodes: S1 E1–6
What to Expect: Rallying speeches, covert missions, and a fierce commitment to justice.
Favorite Things: Spoken-word poetry, mural painting, and zine exchanges.
Notable Works: Fires, Talk to Me.
Shakira Barrera as Roz Blood
DOB: January 19, 1992
Bio: A former kickboxing champion and Nicaraguan-American actress, Shakira Barrera is known for combining physical power with emotional nuance on screen.
Off-camera, she’s a self-defense coach for survivors and outspoken advocate for Latina representation in action roles.
Role: Jeri’s sister and muscle of the Blood family, she fights alongside Ironheart in every alleyway showdown.
Episodes: S1 E1–6
What to Expect: High-impact action, razor-sharp banter, and unwavering loyalty.
Favorite Things: Kickboxing drills, retro wrestling nights, and thrift-store vinyl hunts.
Notable Works: GLOW.
Sonia Denis as Clown
DOB: July 7, 1986
Bio: A rising talent in motion-capture performance and physical comedy, Sonia Denis has roots in experimental theater and silent performance.
Touring internationally with a wordless ensemble troupe, she developed a knack for blending whimsy and menace in non-verbal storytelling.
Though Ironheart marks her television debut, Denis brings decades of theatrical precision to every movement.
Role: A mysterious, voiceless trickster known only as Clown, she drifts in and out of scenes with maddening unpredictability.
Episodes: S1 E1–6
What to Expect: Whimsical stunts, silent-film-style antics, and moral ambiguity.
Favorite Things: Street busking, balloon-sculpture art, and silent-film revivals.
Notable Works: Ironheart (debut).
Shea Couleé as Slug
DOB: August 8, 1989
Bio: A celebrated fashion designer, performer, and creative producer, Shea Couleé gained recognition for their bold style and storytelling across television and live performance.
They also produce a web series focused on tech culture and digital identity, bridging creativity and innovation.
Ironheart marks a striking move into scripted superhero storytelling, where Couleé brings sharp intellect and striking screen presence to the MCU.
Role: Slug is a master hacker and digital strategist whose rapid-fire code saves Ironheart from sabotage.
Episodes: S1 E1–6
What to Expect: Cutting quips, digital heist montages, and powerhouse style.
Favorite Things: Couture cosplay, livestreamed coding challenges, and rare makeup collecting.
Notable Works: RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Eric André as Stuart Clarke / Rampage
DOB: April 4, 1983
Bio: Known for his boundary-pushing humor in The Eric Andre Show and offbeat roles in Bad Trip and indie projects, Eric André surprises in Ironheart with a more physical, action-anchored performance.
He trained in parkour and gymnastics to handle Rampage’s chaotic stunts himself, fusing comedy with combat.
Role: A quirky inventor and Riri’s unpredictable field partner, Rampage’s brute-force tech and erratic energy bring a volatile edge to her precision.
Episodes: S1 E1–6
What to Expect: Explosive action, offbeat humor, and true-friend camaraderie.
Favorite Things: Midnight improv jams, Afro-beat drumming, and rooftop parkour.
Notable Works: The Eric Andre Show, Bad Trip, Power.
More Actors
• Cree Summer as Madeline Stanton
• Jim Rash as Professor Wilkes (MIT Dean)
Supporting & Guest Cast
• Regan Aliyah as Zelma Stanton
• Harper Anthony as Landon
• Tanya Christiansen as Shannon/Heather
• Paul Calderon as Artworks CEO
• Rashida “Sheedz” Olayiwola (undisclosed role)
• Zhaleh as Sheila Zarate
• Jaren Merrell (Shea Couleé) appears as Slug
• Alyse Elna Lewis as Young Riri & Kent Churchill as Young Natalie
FAQ – Ironheart
Do I need to watch Black Panther: Wakanda Forever before Ironheart?
Not necessarily.
While Wakanda Forever introduces Riri and provides emotional backstory, Ironheart stands on its own.
Creators confirm it’s accessible to new viewers, even as it builds on her previous journey.
How does Ironheart connect to Black Panther: Wakanda Forever?
The series picks up roughly six months after Riri’s appearance in Wakanda Forever.
She returns home to Chicago, coping with loss and building her first suit amid the fallout from Wakanda’s conflict.
What’s the deal with Zeke Stane?
Early episodes reveal that “Joe McGillicuddy” is actually Ezekiel “Zeke” Stane, son of Obadiah Stane (a famous Iron Man villain). This twist folds deep Iron Man lore into Riri’s world and creates fascinating ideological tension. EW
How many episodes are there and when were they released?
Ironheart is a six-episode miniseries. Episodes 1–3 premiered on June 24, 2025, and Episodes 4–6 followed on July 1, 2025.
Is Ironheart connected to Iron Man?
Yes, but not by blood.
Riri Williams is not Tony Stark’s daughter.
In both comics and the MCU, she’s a brilliant MIT student who reverse-engineers Stark’s armor to create her own, eventually earning the name Ironheart.
Conclusion
In the end, Ironheart stands out as a bold experiment within the MCU, one that fuses intimate character drama with high-stakes tech battles on Chicago’s South Side.
Dominique Thorne’s nuanced performance and the heartfelt bond between Riri and Natalie elevate the series beyond its pacing hiccups, while striking visuals and inventive action sequences showcase Marvel at its most grounded and creative.
Though some plot threads could use more room to breathe, Ironheart succeeds as a character-driven adventure that asks what it truly means to be a hero in our modern world.
If you’re craving fresh perspectives and emotional depth alongside your superhero spectacle, this six-episode journey is well worth the watch.