Ironheart, the MCU’s new TV show, has just been released on Disney+. As far asMCU TV showsgo, things have been different lately. The likes ofAgatha All AlongandDaredevil: Born Againimplemented longer, nine-episode series after an overhaul of Marvel Studios' entire TV format saw the franchise lean more into traditional TV tropes. As such,Ironheart’s MCU storyis placed in an intriguing position as one of the last remnants of Marvel Television’s old format.
Ironheart’s cast of charactersis led by Riri Williams, coming off of her appearance in 2022’sBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever. With theMCU’s upcoming moviesleading into the big event stories ofAvengers: DoomsdayandAvengers: Secret Wars,Ironheartwill be a suitably smaller-scale story due to its exploration of a new hero’s origins in the franchise. After a long wait sinceBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever,Ironheartis finally here, having been released on Disney+ for all to witness.
Marvel Has Just Released Ironheart
The New Show Is Here
Three years after her MCU debut inBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever, Riri Williams has touched down in the MCU.Ironheart’s first three episodes have been released on Disney+, showcasing the first half of the titular hero’s origin storyalmost three years after it wrapped filming in November 2022. Concerning the remainder of the show, Marvel Studios has opted for a new kind of release schedule.
Episode 3 - “We in Danger, Girl”
Episode 5 - “Karma’s a Glitch”
Episode 6 - “The Past Is the Past”
July 23, 2025
The final three episodes ofIronheartwill be released a week after the premiere batch.On Tuesday, July 1, episodes 4, 5, and 6 of the show will be released on Disney+at the same time. This is different from Marvel’s usual weekly release format, meaning all episodes ofIronheartcan be watched in only two weeks.
What You Need To Know Before Watching Ironheart
Riri WIlliams' MCU Journey Has Already Begun
In terms of what is needed beforeIronheartbegins,Black Panther: Wakanda Forevercovers most aspects. Riri Williams first got involved in the wider world of the MCU by building a vibranium detector. This detector was used by the CIA to find vibranium beneath the ocean, angering the underwater nation of Talokan. Talokan’s leader, Namor, offered Wakanda an ultimatum: hand over Riri or face destruction. Wakanda, not wishing to bow to Talokan or any other nation, resisted, with Riri aiding them in her Mark 2 Ironheart suit.
After Talokan and Wakanda negotiated a truce, Riri returned to MIT, having to leave her suit behind. Beyond this story, it is worth mentioning Iron Man’s MCU legacy, which will tie intoIronheart. Iron Man’s MCU feats speak for themselves, with the in-universe people of the franchise struggling to get over his death. A hero has yet to fill the void left by Iron Man, which Riri Williams is set to attempt. Given their connection in the comics,Ironheartwill undoubtedly focus on Iron Man’s legacy as part of Riri’s story.
How Ironheart Fits Into The MCU
The Story Finds Its Own Section Of The Franchise
Ironheartfits into the MCU by being placed shortly afterBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever. The show explores Riri’s exploits now that she does not have the backing of Wakanda, exploring how she turns from a genius college student to the titular superhero. Set in Chicago, Riri’s hometown,Ironheartexplores a unique story for the MCU by telling a tale of magic vs. technology, withIronheart’s villain known as The Hoodrepresenting the former and Riri representing the latter.
This story and timeline allowIronheartto stand on its own. Outside of references to Tony Stark’s legacy, little else from the wider MCU is expected to tie into the show. This means thatIronheartwill tell a new, unique story that fully introduces Riri Williams as Iron Man’s MCU replacement, all while undoubtedly setting up future appearances for its new cast of characters.
