The highly anticipated Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) series Ironheart has generated a flurry of reactions, ranging from excitement to skepticism. Even before its debut, the show faced Ironheart’s pre-release backlash. Anthony Ramos, known for his roles in Hamilton and Transformers, stars as Parker Robbins/The Hood in the series and recently shared his perspective on the controversy.
A spin-off of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Ironheart follows Riri Williams, a young Black female superhero navigating the challenges of creating a magic-infused suit inspired by Iron Man. Notably, the final three episodes premiered on July 1.
Ramos’ Thoughts on Ironheart’s Pre-Release Backlash
During an interview with Buzzfeed, Ramos openly addressed the criticism, saying:
“You’re gonna have negativity no matter what.”
He candidly acknowledged the trend of online reactions:
“I’ve been in Transformers, and people are talking s**t. This one, people talking… Everybody’s gonna say whatever they wanna say, but at the end of the day we know what we made, and we’re proud of what we made.”
In addition, Ramos also emphasized the unique nature of Ironheart and the challenges it poses to traditional storytelling:
“We’re not necessarily the first to do this, but of all the shows we’re definitely different. I think that when you’re stepping out a little bit like that, you put yourself in a position… for people to say whatever they want.”
Despite the negativity, Ramos found a silver lining:
“I think everybody’s entitled to their opinion and at least they’re talking about it. Because if they ain’t, then I’d be worried.”
Ironheart’s Pre-Release Backlash and the Show’s Unique Storyline
Set in Chicago, Ironheart—a spin-off of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever—follows Riri Williams, a young Black female superhero portrayed by Dominique Thorne. Notably, as a brilliant inventor, Riri designs a magic-infused, Iron Man-style suit of armor, effectively showcasing her intelligence, resilience, and creativity.
Moreover, the series introduces Parker Robbins, played by Anthony Ramos. Specifically, Robbins, known as The Hood, is a gang leader whose actions become deeply intertwined with Riri’s journey. Additionally, his character brings an intriguing blend of mysticism and street-level conflict to the story, further enriching the narrative and adding depth to the overall plot.
With its unique storyline and bold character choices, Ironheart has undoubtedly sparked significant conversations. Furthermore, this pre-release backlash only serves to underscore the high expectations surrounding the series.
Robert Downey Jr. Backs Ironheart
Robert Downey Jr., the original Iron Man in the MCU, publicly supported Dominique Thorne’s portrayal of Riri Williams. In a heartfelt video message, he shared:
“Couldn’t be happier” to see Thorne in the role.
He added:
“Long story short, Iron Man loves Ironheart.”
This endorsement from a beloved MCU icon adds weight to the excitement surrounding the series.
Reception and Finale Tease
Ironheart has received a mixed response, but all episodes are now streaming on Disney Plus. Despite the criticism, the series marks an important step in the MCU’s evolution, showcasing bold storytelling and greater diversity. As Anthony Ramos aptly stated,
“At least they’re talking about it.”
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