Marvel’s Cinematic Universe (MCU) has been in a bit of a tailspin since Avengers: Endgame—the emotional send-off to some of its most beloved characters. Fans have since been left to navigate a mixed bag of projects, some exciting, some underwhelming. The newest entry, Ironheart, which debuted on Disney+ earlier this week, does little to clear up the confusion, leaving many fans disappointed despite some promising elements.
A series that struggles to find its footing
While Ironheart certainly doesn’t fall into the “hot mess” category of other recent Marvel projects like Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness or Miss Marvel, it still feels far removed from the innovative reinvigoration seen in shows like WandaVision or Thunderbolts. Produced by Ryan Coogler, best known for the powerhouse success of Black Panther, this series is set in the same universe, diving deep into the fictional world of Wakanda and its characters, particularly a new generation of superheroes.
At the heart of Ironheart is Riri Williams, a brilliant MIT student who, inspired by the late Tony Stark, secretly builds her own Iron Man-inspired suit. While her character has potential, the series struggles to develop her in a way that connects with the audience. Riri’s evolution from tech prodigy to superhero feels rushed, and rather than exploring her genius, we’re bogged down by endless dialogue that lacks depth and doesn’t do justice to her character’s potential.
The dialogue drags, while the action falls short
One of the biggest issues with Ironheart is the pacing, especially in its dialogue-heavy scenes. Riri’s interactions with Natalie—an AI with the appearance of her late friend—feel drawn-out and tiresome. While their relationship could be central to the emotional arc of the series, instead it’s reduced to repetitive and uninspired conversations about familiar superhero tropes like good versus evil. We end up wading through these dialogues, waiting for the next action-packed moment, only to find that those moments are few and far between.
This is especially disappointing for a superhero series that’s supposed to be thrilling and dynamic. Instead, we’re left with long stretches of nothing happening. And when the action does appear, featuring Riri in her new, high-tech armor, it’s undeniably impressive. The special effects are solid and visually exciting, but there simply aren’t enough of these scenes to keep the momentum going.
A villain that falls flat
Then, there’s the issue of the antagonist. Ironheart introduces a mysterious figure who gives a magical cloak to one of the main characters, The Hood. Played by Sacha Baron Cohen, this villain is meant to bring an eerie, supernatural element to the show, but it all falls short. His portrayal feels like a knockoff of classic, diabolical characters we’ve seen before, and the reveal that he is, quite literally, “Mephisto” (the devil) lands with a thud. For a show that could have pushed boundaries with new threats and ideas, it instead relies on tired tropes that fail to pack a punch.
Missed potential
Ironheart does have its moments of brilliance, particularly in the high-tech suit sequences. The futuristic armor and its capabilities are exciting, and when the show leans into its action, it’s entertaining. But these moments are all too rare. The series feels like it’s trying to force a balance between heartfelt drama and explosive action, but it doesn’t quite hit the mark on either front.
At its core, Ironheart had the potential to be a fresh take on the superhero genre, especially with a young, vibrant lead like Riri Williams. However, it gets bogged down by a reliance on familiar tropes, a lack of strong character development, and not enough action to keep the pace lively. Fans hoping for a new chapter in the MCU might leave feeling underwhelmed. In an era where superhero fatigue is setting in, Marvel needs to do more than just offer flashy effects—it needs to capture the imagination of its audience with compelling stories and memorable characters. Unfortunately, Ironheart misses that opportunity.
