When Dominique Thorne first appeared as Riri Williams in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, audiences quickly realized that this was no ordinary supporting character. With razor-sharp intellect, an emotional core, and the makings of a future Avenger, Riri brought something refreshingly grounded to the MCU’s sprawling universe: relatability wrapped in iron. Now, two years later, her story takes center stage in Ironheart, the long-awaited Disney+ series that introduces Riri’s personal world — a world of genius, grief, and growing up.
For Thorne, 27, the debut of Ironheart is a cathartic moment. “It’s a bit of a relief,” she tells USA TODAY after the series premiered its first three episodes, with the remaining three slated for release on July 1. That relief is understandable: the show has been in development for five years, slowed down by the pandemic and further delayed by the 2023 Hollywood strikes. But in that waiting, there was growth — not just for the character of Riri, but for Thorne herself.
While many actors would grow frustrated with such a prolonged development process, Thorne found a silver lining. The time between her Marvel debut and the full realization of her character’s journey gave her space to prepare — mentally, physically, and artistically. “It was a great chance to really hit the ground running,” she says, noting that Wakanda Forever offered her an invaluable crash course in the Marvel machine — from high-octane action sequences to the intricacies of visual effects.
The scale of a Marvel production can be overwhelming, especially for an actor stepping into the armor of a legacy. But Wakanda Forever offered a smooth transition. It allowed Thorne to test the waters before diving into the deep end. “That movie was such a fabulous introduction to the scale, to the process, to the visual effects of it all,” she explains.
That hands-on introduction became the blueprint for Ironheart, where Riri’s world expands beyond the borders of Wakanda and into her hometown of Chicago. And while the technical aspects were critical, what really struck Thorne was how deeply personal the journey of Riri Williams would be — not just in terms of superhero duties, but in the internal battles the character faces.
One of the most tangible aspects of Riri’s transformation is her suit — dubbed the “iron glory” by Thorne herself. In Wakanda Forever, the suit weighed a staggering 52 pounds, a challenge both physically and logistically. For Ironheart, Marvel was “a lot kinder” in terms of the costume’s weight and practicality. Thorne estimates she wore a physical version of the suit about half the time on set, with the rest created via digital effects.
Even so, the role remained physically demanding. Thorne trained in stunts for several months leading up to production — an intense regimen that came with its share of aches and surprises. “That might have been the highlight of the process for me,” she says, though she admits, “it wasn’t all fun and games.” The rigors of training even led to a peculiar recurring injury. “I had like a bone in my foot that kept getting jammed, and we would have to shake it back and tape it up,” she recalls with a laugh, revealing just how real the superhero grind can get.
But pain and perseverance are at the heart of Riri’s story — and Thorne’s dedication to the role mirrors that of the character she plays.
When Ironheart begins, Riri is in a moment of quiet crisis. She’s back in Chicago, away from the sprawling geopolitics of Wakanda and Talokan, trying to process the whirlwind events she was just swept into. For a 19-year-old MIT student with world-saving potential and emotional scars still healing, it’s a lot to carry.
“She goes back home to do a bit of reflecting,” Thorne explains. “To consider what it means for her to have contributed to something so insane, and what that says about her potential and her capabilities.” It’s a poignant pause in a world that rarely allows its heroes to rest.
That introspective return isn’t just a break from action — it’s a confrontation with anxiety, guilt, and identity. Riri may have the mind of a genius, but she’s still a teenager figuring out who she is and how to navigate the expectations now placed upon her. Thorne admits that balancing Riri’s superhero prowess with her mental state was one of the most challenging parts of the role. “It’s very difficult to go out and rescue a world when you yourself have your own battles that you haven’t yet fought,” she says.
This emotional complexity sets Ironheart apart from many origin stories in the superhero genre. Riri’s journey is deeply personal. It’s not just about gadgets or villains — it’s about the emotional cost of potential.
Thorne finds deep resonance in Riri’s backstory — particularly the influence of her stepfather, Gary. A mechanic, Gary nurtured Riri’s love for engineering and problem-solving. His untimely death served as the emotional ignition for her journey toward becoming Ironheart. “At the core of everything to me is how she became Ironheart that we have in the comics,” Thorne says. That legacy, born out of love and loss, drives everything Riri does.
It also fuels her desire to make the world better, to fix what’s broken — even if she doesn’t always know how. But this idealism is tested when she meets Parker Robbins, aka The Hood, played by Anthony Ramos. Robbins isn’t just a villain; he’s a mirror. Like Riri, he wants to prove himself to the world. Unlike Riri, his intentions are far murkier.
When Riri meets Parker Robbins, the show shifts from self-reflection to existential conflict. Robbins wears a magical cloak that gives him mystical powers — a contrast to Riri’s technological brilliance. While their powers differ, both characters are wrestling with the same human need: validation.
“They meet at a time when they have a shared interest in proving their worth to the world,” Thorne explains. “But Robbins isn’t as well-intentioned as Riri.”
This makes him the perfect foil. He’s charismatic, intelligent, and dangerous — an enemy who doesn’t just challenge Riri physically, but morally and emotionally as well. “The Hood is absolutely not anything that Riri is expecting,” says Thorne. “And that almost makes it the perfect challenge.”
This duality — a young woman trying to be a force for good and a man who bends morality to his will — creates one of the most compelling dynamics in the series. The tension isn’t just in their battles, but in their conversations, their motivations, and the blurred line between heroism and hubris.
For all the action and effects, Ironheart is ultimately about identity. Riri is learning what it means to be a hero — not in the grand, poster-worthy sense, but in the quiet, painful choices that happen away from the spotlight. She’s navigating grief, expectation, and ambition — all while trying to stay true to the version of herself that Gary believed in.
“When the show starts, Riri has a very clear idea of who she is, how the system works, and how she fits into it,” Thorne says. “And very quickly she realizes, ‘This is not what I was expecting at all.’”
It’s a sentiment that feels deeply universal, especially for young people trying to find their place in a chaotic world. Riri’s story isn’t just for comic fans or MCU diehards — it’s for anyone who has ever questioned their worth, doubted their abilities, or tried to carry more than they could bear.
In many ways, Riri Williams is the kind of hero that today’s world needs. She’s not infallible. She’s not rich. She’s not even sure she wants the spotlight. But she’s smart, brave, and fiercely loyal to her values. And she’s learning — sometimes the hard way — what it means to wear armor both literally and metaphorically.
Dominique Thorne’s performance brings that duality to life with empathy and strength. Her Riri is whip-smart but wounded, brave but unsure. It’s a performance grounded in authenticity, and it makes Ironheart one of the most emotionally resonant entries in the MCU to date.
As the series continues, fans will watch Riri navigate betrayal, breakthroughs, and battles — both internal and external. But for Thorne, the real triumph has already occurred: she’s brought a new kind of superhero to life — one who isn’t just trying to save the world, but understand her place in it.
With Ironheart, Dominique Thorne and Marvel Studios have delivered a story that is equal parts action, heart, and soul. It’s a coming-of-age tale wrapped in arc reactors and adrenaline. But more importantly, it’s a reflection of what it means to carry potential — to wrestle with your own darkness while trying to bring light to others.
In Riri Williams, audiences see a mirror — someone doing their best, fumbling through mistakes, and refusing to give up. And in Dominique Thorne, we see a performer who understands that true power doesn’t lie in super suits, but in vulnerability, honesty, and the courage to tell a story that matters.
The armor may shine, but it’s the girl inside who’s truly unbreakable.
