Tech Meets Magic in Marvel’s Ironheart Official Trailer

Every dream has a cost — but for Riri Williams, how much is she willing to pay? Marvel has released an official trailer for the long-awaited Ironheart TV series, starring Dominique Thorne as Riri Williams. Riri first made her on-screen debut in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022), the sequel to Black Panther (2018). Now, she’s finally set to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in a six-episode series produced by Ryan Coogler.

On June 24, Riri’s solo TV series will premiere. But who exactly is Riri Williams — and who is The Hood? Watch the official Ironheart trailer below then keep reading for background info on these contrasting characters.

Who Is Ironheart, AKA Riri Williams?

“After my internship abroad, I want to build something undeniable, something … iconic.”

Co-created by writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Mike Deodato, Riri Williams debuted in Marvel Comics in 2016. A year later, her heroic persona Ironheart officially arrived, with both first appearances happening in Invincible Iron Man. Bendis also helped create Miles Morales, Jessica Jones, and the New Avengers (though with a different lineup than Thunderbolts*).

Since the beginning, Riri has been linked to Tony Stark. In the comics, she earns a scholarship to MIT at 11 years old and catches Stark’s attention with the super suit she constructs. During the second super hero civil war, Riri fights with Iron Man and decides to uphold his legacy after he falls into a coma. Later, Riri joins the Champions alongside Ms. Marvel, Miles Morales, and Vision’s daughter Viv. At the core of her adventures, Riri often battles her own ambition. This inner struggle will become the focal point of the MCU show as Riri returns from Wakanda to Chicago.

Who Is The Hood in Marvel Comics?

“Riri, I see you — see you’re fed up, waiting to be acknowledged for your greatness.”

Sometimes, all it takes is a little demonic interference to turn a small-time criminal into a full-blown villain. At least, that’s what happened with Parker Robbins, AKA The Hood. Robbins and his brother were petty thieves aiming to hit the big time, but then Robbins came across a red cloak and a pair of boots. After putting them on, he discovered he could fly and turn invisible while holding his breath.

In the Ironheart TV series, The Hood will be played by Anthony Ramos (Transformers: Rise of the Beasts). He appears to be offering Riri a chance at power and impact, something she’s always craved. But, as he puts it, she must be willing to do “questionable things.” How questionable? Well, he is traditionally a magic-wielding villain. And along with the red hood, his signature look includes carrying two guns. So things are looking pretty questionable.

Ironheart vs The Hood

Magic against tech — it’s a battle we’ve seen play out in the MCU before. With Iron Man and Doctor Strange, the two heroes were often at odds. Over time they grew to respect each other but they both came from very different worlds. There are certainly parallels to be made between these two Avengers and now Ironheart and The Hood.

Plus, Doctor Strange’s enemy, Dormammu, claimed responsibility in the comics for Robbins finding the hood. In his greed for power, The Hood has made deals with Dormammu, Loki, and other demonic entities. Recently he even took up the Spirit of Vengeance mantle, in lieu of Ghost Rider. The Hood is known for attempting to gather super-villains into groups and he once had the audacity to go after the formidable Doctor Doom. Having The Hood as an adversary will certainly push Ironheart to her limits.

As a young hero, Riri Williams is still finding her place among the established names in the MCU. We’ve already seen Riri sitting with Cassie Lang and America Chavez in a video ad for the Disney Treasure cruise ship. How do you think she’ll fit in to the MCU and where else might she pop up next?

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