The MCU's Newest Hero Is Still Iron Man's Successor (In One Dark Way)

Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Ironheart episodes 1-3

While the MCU’s Ironheart may have a journey that’s more unique, she’s still Iron Man’s successor in one key way. Starring Dominque Thorne, the new Ironheart series continues Riri Williams’ story in the aftermath of her MCU debut in 2022’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Having her own set of armor inspired by Tony Stark’s, it’s been revealed that she and the Armored Avenger do have some key similarities.

In the first three episodes of Ironheart, Riri needs cash for her damaged armor following her explusion from MIT. Now, Riri has found herself way in over her head with a crew of thieves led by Parker Robbins aka Hood (Anthony Ramos). To that end, it’s interesting to look at the intersections in Ironheart and Iron Man’s respective stories, even if they are more distinct in the MCU.

MCU Ironheart Is Less Connected To Iron Man

Her Story Is More Her Own

Image via Disney+

Compared to the original comics, Riri Williams’ story is certainly more unique with less direct connections to Iron Man. On the page, Tony Stark took notice of Riri’s skills and powers as an engineer. He even sent Riri an Iron Man AI based on his own brain waves to assist and help guide her in her emerging superhero career as Ironheart.

Two Original Avengers Get Name-Dropped And All 36 Ironheart Marvel Easter Eggs In Ironheart Episodes 1-3

The first three episodes of Marvel Studios’ Ironheart have released, featuring a wide collection of Easter eggs, references, and ties to the wider MCU

While Riri was a recipient of Tony Stark’s MIT grant, the two of them never met before Iron Man sacrificed himself in Avengers: Endgame. Conversely, the MCU’s Riri is just starting out after inadvertently causing a war between Wakanda and Talokan. She’s not yet interested in becoming a hero, and is more focused on building her own armor to seemingly only be recognized for doing something big and iconic.

They Both Have Panic Attacks

However, the first three episodes of Ironheart have confirmed a key similarity between Ironheart and Iron Man. In Iron Man 3, Tony was shown suffering from some pretty intense panic attacks in the wake of the Battle of New York. Feeling helpless in the face of such major dangers, Tony Stark was determined to build as many Iron Man armors as possible, a desperate coping mechanism to protect himself and those he cared about.

Similarly, Riri has been shown struggling with panic attacks as well, stemming from her past trauma over the loss of her stepfather and best friend. Determined to do everything herself and reluctant to accept help from others, it’s pretty easy to see that she and Tony Stark are very much like, at least where their struggles and flaws are considered. As such, it’s going to be very interesting to see how Riri grapples with her panic attacks going forward.

Ironheart Is Also Just As Ambitious and Prideful

Will She Receive A Similar Arc?

Dominique Thorne's Riri Williams dons her new suit of armor in Ironheart

Riri Williams looks to be just as ambitious and prideful as Tony Stark was (at least at the beginning of his own MCU journey). She’s been having a pretty hard time admitting that she’s struggling and/or needs help. With that in mind, I think it’s going to be very exciting to see Riri potentially grow in the episodes to come and as her MCU story continues, where she hopefully starts relying more on those who care about her.

That kind of growth would certainly be a good precursor to Riri Williams potentially joining any hero teams down the line like the Young Avengers/Champions. Riri’s story may lack some of the direct ties to Tony Stark that it does in the comics. However, it’s been pretty cool to see the shared DNA of Riri’s current arc with Tony Stark’s in the MCU all the same.

Ironheart episodes 1-3 are now streaming on Disney+.