Ironheart Star Dominique Thorne Addresses Riri Williams' Moral Ambiguity Compared With Other Marvel Heroes

Riri Williams actor Dominique Thorne explains what makes her MCU character such a unique superhero in Ironheart. Thorne’s Riri Williams made a name for herself independently before she was recruited by the Wakandan throne to aid in Wakanda’s short-lived war against Talokan. Despite her Black Panther: Wakanda Forever adventure, Riri Williams continued to create her own Ironheart suits, which put her at odds with some questionable characters.

In an interview with Collider, Dominique Thorne addresses Riri Williams’ moral complexity. Thorne highlights Riri’s refusal to accept the role of superhero, which makes her stand apart from most Marvel heroes. That said, Riri is still inherently courageous and noble, which pulls her into the superhero scene. While she doesn’t seek out battles, Ironheart finds herself in the position to do the best she can in every situation. Read Dominique Thorne’s full comments below:

“That’s something that makes me really excited about the show and about the future that we have with it, especially considering where we left off. From Wakanda Forever, we saw that Riri was not necessarily eager to assume any sort of superhero responsibility, but she also recognizes the importance of folks in that position, and specifically with the improvements and advancements that she’s been able to see and realize within the tech space.

So, she’s, at every major turning point, really making those choices and trying to do the best that she can to balance the truth of who she is with what she knows she could be, and that’s why I think this is a good story.”

Riri Williams Can’t Escape Her Superhero Journey

Dominique Thorne’s Riri Williams doesn’t chase recognition and doesn’t actively try to uphold Tony Stark’s Iron Man legacy. If anything, Riri actively resists the expectations placed on her. Although Riri makes questionable decisions and aligns herself with morally gray figures like Parker Robbins a.k.a. the Hood, she can’t help but do her best to course-correct, despite the sacrifices she has to make.

The MCU’s Newest Hero Is Still Iron Man’s Successor (In One Dark Way)

While Marvel has made it clear that Riri Williams’ Ironheart has more of a unique story in the MCU, she’s still Iron Man’s successor in one key way.

Despite her efforts to stay out of the superhero spotlight, Riri Williams can’t escape her call to heroism. Riri’s decision to give up NATALIE and sever ties with the Hood marks a pivotal turning point in her hero journey, as she chooses the harder path for the greater good. Following Riri Williams’ strange encounter with Mephisto, Ironheart will continue to face difficult decisions that will test her strength of character.

Ironheart Still Has A Long Road Ahead Of Her

Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne) turning her back on her armor in Ironheart Season 1

Image via Disney+

Riri Williams’ first solo story in Ironheart is only the beginning of her MCU journey, and future appearances will likely see her embracing the full scope of what it means to be a hero on her own terms. Ironheart needs to evolve into a full-fledged hero like Iron Man, but Riri will certainly become a very different character. As she matures, Ironheart may no longer reject the superhero mantle, but redefine it to suit her own values.

Ironheart’s Post-Credits Scene Sets Up 3 MCU Projects (But Will They Happen?)

Three MCU projects have been teased by the post-credit scene for Ironheart, but questions remain over whether these stories will see the light of day.

Whether she joins a team like the Champions or finds a home in a place like Strange Academy, Riri Williams is destined to grow through collaboration. A team setting would help her sharpen her sense of responsibility and teach her that heroism is about shared purpose with the right allies. Eventually, Ironheart must step fully out of other characters’ shadow and become a unique MCU hero.

Source: Collider