Riri Williams is finally getting her solo debut inIronheart, but there are a fewMarvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)projects worth revisiting before the show arrives. WhileIronheartwas announced as a project all the way back at the end of 2020, it’s been almost five years since that time before the character arrives in her own Disney+ TV show. Prior to this, Riri Williams has had a grand total of one other MCU appearance, but there are more movies and shows that tie in to her story.
From inspirations that influenced the character, to films that depict similar themes and ideas, Riri Williams may be new to the MCU, but the legacy that paved the way runs deep. Now, withIronheartready to debut the character ahead of the Multiverse Saga’s final few titles,these MCU projects are finally putting the pieces togetherand setting the stage for the arrival of characters likeDoctor Doom, and Riri’s Ironheart could have a bigger roleto play in that than you’d initially expect.
First and foremost, Iron Man is the character that most people are closely associating with Riri Williams. For some, the connection is a great tribute to Tony Stark and his legacy in the MCU, but others feel that the mantle of Iron Man should be passed down elsewhere. But importantly, Riri Williams is not an Iron Man copycat, or heir. Riri was inspired by Tony’s ingenuity and his designs, but Ironheart is her own hero.
And despite the looser connection in the MCU than in the comics, seeing the two origin stories for Tony Stark as he builds his first suit in a cave, and Riri Williams having to be resourceful in designing a new suit after her time in Wakanda, there will be clear connections. It’s worth exploring both stories to see how they overlap, but also to recognize where Riri’s story is different.She isn’t a billionaire, she doesn’t have Tony’s resources, and she is considerably younger at the start of her superhero career.
Iron Man 2explores a different side to Tony’s story, and a connection to his father, but that doesn’t appear to have much to do withIronheart. However,Iron Man 3does show Tony going back to the basics. When Tony confronts the stress and trauma of his heroic acts in New York, he struggles to keep calm and in control. Despite the setbacks, he is able to once again prove how even in the toughest spots, with no suit, his genius comes in handy.
Riri Williams also had a challenging experience when she visited Wakanda.Initially thrilled and excited by the innovation of the Wakandans, she became involved in a fight against the Talokanil’s and more specifically, their mutant leader, Namor. Before this battle, Riri likely had no experience with real life fights on this scale. Now, as a new danger presents itself, she needs to be resourceful, and find a way to push back against the Hood.
5Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Laying the Groundwork for a New Era
As mentioned above,Black Panther: Wakanda Foreveracts as the official debut for Riri Williams in the MCU.The Wakandans see Riri’s exemplary skills in engineering, and when her machine for finding Vibranium is utilized by the US Government, they need her help to avoid conflict. It’s a great introduction to the character, and one that is well-worth revisiting.
On top of that, seeing exactly what happens to the character before she breaks out on her own inIronheartis valuable.She builds her original suit, and a vibranium-enhanced power suit in Wakanda. Despite this, she needs to start from scratch due to the Wakandans confiscating the suit to preserve their vibranium reserves.
WhileDoctor Strangemay appear to be a slightly less clear link in the MCU chain toIronheart, the series is due to have a heavy focus on magic.Riri Williams was able to witness thingsthat appear to be magical in nature inWakanda Forever, but aside from the Talokanil’s living underwater, much of it was able to be explained by advanced technology. However, the world of the MCU is so much more complex and varied than science can explain.
This is an important lesson that Doctor Stephen Strange also learned in his debut adventure in the MCU.After a terrible accident leaves Stephen’s hands permanently disfigured, the world-renowned surgeon is left in a position where he may never be able to work again. However, while searching for a cure, he finds so much more than he could hav bargained for in the form of the mystic arts.
Another series of films that explore the connectin between magic and science isThor.The original Thor movie touches on the idea that magic is science that appears beyond explanation or comprehension, but everything works due to processes, and study, and research, and experimentation. The Asgardians have mastered many forms of science to such an extent that their society is populated by immortal gods, and they are able to travel across the vast regions of the Nine Realms. However,Thor: Ragnarokis a film that does a lot more showing than telling when it comes to this blending of science and magic.
InThor: Ragnarok, Thor travels to the distant planet, Sakaar.There, he encounters various alien species, who all have technology, and ships, and weapons that appear magical. Thor also loses Mjölnir in this film, before discovering how to harness the power of thunder with his own body. The kingdom of Asgard is also shown prominently, with various artifacts and magical technology. All of this appears magical in nature, but according to Thor, it is rooted in their advanced understanding of science.
2WandaVision
Unpacking the Depths of Power and Grief
Next up, a much more primitive and less understood form of magic is present in WandaVision.Just because some magic may be rooted in science, it appears that there are other corners of the MCU where magic remains mystical, and those who wield it do so intuitively. For example, when Wanda Maximoff becomes the Scarlet Witch, and unleashes raw power, she is capable of extraordinary things that struggle to be explained.
The Hood in the comics gets his powers from a magic hood and boots, which is likely going to be carried into theIronheartseries.
Regardless, this example of magic in the MCU is valuable for researching and understandinghow the Hood’s powers may work,and how imbuing certain artifacts and elements with power can change and warp reality. The Hood in the comics gets his powers from a magic hood and boots, which is likely going to be carried into theIronheartseries.
Finally, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness ties it all together with a closer exploration of magic, the multiverse, and artifacts that can alter the fabric of reality. Between the Darkhold and Stephen Strange’s cloak, this film is rich with magic. It also holds a prime position in the Multiverse Saga for the way it introduces the audience to several different realities of varying unusualness.
While multiple realities are not necessarily confirmed forIronheart, there is a strong connection to one alternate dimension; the Dark Dimension. The Dark Dimension, as ruled by Dormammu, shows up at the end of this film when Stephen Strange and Clea jump through a portal in the middle of New York. However,Dormammu is often associated with the Hoodas a source for his powers in the comics. In this way, the two projects may overlap. But even beyond that, understanding how magic and the multiverse play a role ahead ofIronheartcould be essential information.
