Ironheartput a twist on an earlyMCUstoryline, but the aftermath could be just as devastating. Iron Man serves as an inspiration to Riri Williams in a lot of ways. The two characters have some interesting parallels in their stories, withseason 1 ofIronheartfeaturing a plotline that Tony Stark had experienced before.
Although thetwo genius inventorscome from different backgrounds, both Tony and Riri used their talent in their own ways. Theyboth experience a traumatic event that motivates them to program an artificial intelligenceso that they can protect their loved ones. However, both AI systems take a drastic turn when they become something they’re not supposed to be.
Ultron’s Story Saw The AI Accidentally Become A Villain
The Mind Stone Corrupted Ultron
The titular villain of 2015’sAvengers: Age of Ultron, Ultron was a product of Tony and Bruce Banner’s project to protect Earth. They may have built the robot with good intentions, but once the Mind Stone got involved,the experiment got out of their control. The Avengers initially struggled to put a stop to Ultron, proving his independent development.
Tony and Bruce’s peacekeeping AI was built with the intention of being protection, but it accidentally became something different. Once the Mind Stone corrupted Ultron’s programming, it was too powerful to take control of. The film was a prime MCU example of the dangers of creating AI, no matter how much of a genius the creator is.
Riri Unintentionally Manifests Natalie
While an independent robot doesn’t become the main villain ofIronheart,Riri’s eventual AI creationbecomes a huge plot point.She accidentally manifests her best friend Natalie into the AIshe is building into her suit. Although she knows that the best move would be to shut it down, Riri can’t bring herself to do so in her grief.
The deaths of her stepfather and Natalie shape Riri’sIronheartjourney, as their absence is the main reason why she’s so adamant about building a suit. Similar to how Tony wanted to protect the world, both creators watched their AI morph into something different than intended. Of course, Riri’s AI fortunately didn’t become an evil robot, but it is setting her up for a situation equally as sinister.
Ironheart’s AI Story Looks Like It Still Creates A Major Threat For The MCU
Riri’s AI Caused Her To Make A Deal With Mephisto
Although Riri is able to create a strong new version of her suit laced with magic, it results in the AI Natalie disappearing. She was already grieving before, and the Natalie AI helped ease her pain. Losing her best friend again after she experienced what it’d be like to have her back did not sit well with Riri.
After successfully stopping the Hood,Riri has a conversation with Mephisto, who can sense her lingering grief. This results inRiri making a deal with the literal devilagainst her better judgment. It brings Natalie back permanently, but now Riri has bigger issues to deal with as Mephisto’s dark magic is already beginning to take over her body.
Ironheartbrought a twist to Ultron’s mistaken AI storyline by having the eventual creation be cherished and wanted. However, the last episode proves that the consequences are just as dire. Even though Riri’s mistaken AI isn’t around anymore, it has created a major threat to the MCU that now extends beyondIronheart.
