Dominique Thorne, set to shine as Riri Williams, aka Ironheart, in the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe Disney+ series, got a major morale boost from none other than Robert Downey Jr. himself. In an interview with Empire magazine, published May 6, 2025, Thorne revealed that Downey, the original Iron Man, reached out to her after she wrapped filming on Ironheart, which premieres June 24, 2025. His encouraging words and literal “two thumbs up” have Thorne feeling confident as she steps into the MCU spotlight as its newest armored genius. This sweet moment between the two “iron” heroes has fans buzzing for what’s shaping up to be an exciting series.
Downey’s Words of Wisdom
Thorne shared that her chat with Downey came right after completing Ironheart, the six-episode series that follows her debut as Riri Williams in 2022’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. In the Empire interview, she said, “Robert Downey Jr. and I spoke just after we wrapped, and he shared some very lovely words about my journey. He told me how excited he was and that he’s rooting for it, too. I literally got two thumbs up. It’s really reassuring to know you’re not embarrassing Iron Man.” This wasn’t their first connection—Thorne previously mentioned that Downey FaceTimed her during Wakanda Forever’s shoot, arranged through a mutual castmate who’d worked with him.
In that earlier call, Downey stressed that Riri Williams “is and should always be her own person,” urging Thorne to make the character distinct from Tony Stark’s legacy. He echoed this after Ironheart wrapped, offering support that Thorne says she holds “near and dear.” She noted that Downey encouraged her to stay “authentic” to Riri’s unique identity and tackle the MCU’s pressures with confidence. His words, coming right after the intense Ironheart shoot, felt like a “whirlwind” validation, making her feel she’s on the right track.
Why This Connection Matters
Downey’s gesture carries weight for Thorne and Ironheart. As Tony Stark, Downey defined the MCU, starring in a trilogy, four Avengers films, and more, with his Endgame sacrifice becoming a franchise cornerstone. Riri Williams, a teenage prodigy who builds her own Iron Man-style suit, is often seen as his spiritual successor, though their only MCU link is their MIT connection. Thorne’s role comes with the challenge of following Downey’s iconic performance, and his approval helps cement her place in the franchise. Knowing she’s “not embarrassing Iron Man,” as she told Empire, is a huge relief.
The timing adds intrigue. Downey’s returning to the MCU as Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars, with filming underway. While a Tony Stark cameo in Ironheart seems unlikely, the multiverse opens doors for a future Iron Man-Ironheart meetup, and Thorne’s rumored role in Doomsday’s massive cast keeps the speculation alive. For now, Downey’s encouragement is a powerful nod to Ironheart’s place in Marvel’s Phase Five finale.
What’s Ironheart Bringing?
Ironheart continues Riri’s story after Wakanda Forever, where she built a vibranium detector that sparked chaos and rocked two armored suits. The series, created by Chinaka Hodge, follows Riri’s return to Chicago, where her tech-driven heroics collide with magic, personified by Parker Robbins, aka The Hood (Anthony Ramos), a gangster-turned-activist with a mystical cloak. The cast includes Alden Ehrenreich, Lyric Ross, Jim Rash (reprising his Civil War MIT dean), and Sacha Baron Cohen in a mystery role. Thorne told Empire that Riri’s ingenuity—crafting suits while “dumpster-diving” compared to Tony’s billionaire resources—makes her stand out, highlighting her “remarkable” grit.
Delayed from its planned 2023 debut due to production shifts, Ironheart has faced some fan skepticism about new MCU heroes post-Endgame. But Thorne’s confident, heartfelt performance in Wakanda Forever won over audiences, and Downey’s backing could sway any doubters. New suit images and growing buzz suggest the series is ready to shine.
A Broader MCU Mentorship
Downey’s support for Thorne reflects his role as an MCU mentor, having guided stars like Tom Holland’s Spider-Man. He’s emphasized that Riri should stand apart from Stark, a sentiment Thorne’s embraced to keep her character authentic. Thorne also received advice from Brie Larson (Captain Marvel), who shared tips on navigating the MCU as a female lead, showing how veterans are uplifting newcomers. For Thorne, Downey’s words were a personal milestone, giving her a sense of “I’m doing okay” after Ironheart’s demanding shoot.
Why I’m Hyped
As a fan who’s been with the MCU since Iron Man’s game-changing debut, this Downey-Thorne moment hits hard. Riri’s scrappy energy in Wakanda Forever was electric, and Thorne’s passion makes her a perfect Ironheart. Downey’s “two thumbs up” feels like a baton pass, even as Riri forges her own path. I’m excited to see how Ironheart mixes tech and magic, with Ramos’ The Hood as a wildcard villain. Knowing Downey’s rooting for Thorne makes this series feel special—I’m ready for Riri to fly.
When to Catch It
Ironheart premieres June 24, 2025, on Disney+, with six episodes wrapping Marvel’s Phase Five. Rewatch Black Panther: Wakanda Forever on Disney+ to get ready, and check Empire’s latest issue for a new Riri image. A trailer’s likely coming soon as the debut approaches. Are you pumped for Riri’s solo adventure, or moved by Downey’s support? I’m all in for Thorne’s Ironheart—let me know your thoughts!
Source: Empire