Ironheart Series Sets Riri Williams’ Future in Stone, Says Ryan Coogler at Disney+ Premiere

Executive producer Ryan Coogler reveals how Riri’s journey from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever evolved into Ironheart, Marvel’s tech-meets-magic Disney+ series debuting with a three-episode launch.

Los Angeles, June 24 – Ironheart executive producer Ryan Coogler wasn’t initially planning a spinoff for Dominique Thorne’s Riri Williams, the young tech genius introduced in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. But once Marvel Studios approached him during the film’s development, the character’s place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) was sealed. Now, as Ironheart premieres on Disney+ with a three-episode debut, Coogler reflects on the unexpected yet thrilling journey of bringing Riri centerstage.

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Speaking on the red carpet at the Ironheart premiere at El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles, Coogler explained how Riri’s character originally emerged as a foil to Letitia Wright’s Shuri, offering the princess a chance to step into a mentor role.

“I like to take things one step at a time,” Coogler told Deadline. “It wasn’t until we were down the road on the movie that Brad Winderbaum and Zoie Nagelhout approached me about a show.”

Though the team had to balance Riri’s character development with the broader narrative of Wakanda Forever, Coogler said the transition was organic and rewarding. “It was obviously complicated, wanting to make sure we were leaving enough room while establishing who Riri was, but it’s been so exciting,” he said.

Ironheart introduces fans to a new MCU dynamic: technology meeting spectral magic, embodied in the villainous Hood (Anthony Ramos)—a low-level criminal who finds a cloak imbued with mystical powers. The character’s magical roots are inspired by the same arcane forces seen in the Doctor Strange franchise.

Coogler drew attention to how timely the show’s themes are. “It’s so crazy to be putting this movie out now, at the time where AI and technological ethics are on everyone’s minds,” he remarked. “We didn’t know it was going to be Dr. Doom and the Avengers when we started, but The Hood represents the fusion of technology and magic, a perfect setup for what’s coming—probably Marvel’s biggest movie yet.”

Meanwhile, Dominique Thorne, who plays Riri Williams, teased how her character’s STEM-heavy world clashes—and blends—with mysticism. “We definitely see her family, especially her mother, trying to welcome her into it in a spiritual way,” Thorne shared. “At first, she wants nothing to do with it. But what unfolds is both hilarious and deeply tempting as she starts to understand the magic side of the world.”

Coogler also confirmed he’s actively working on the script for Black Panther 3, but kept further details under wraps.

With Ironheart dropping its first three episodes on Disney+ tomorrow, Marvel fans will finally get to see Riri Williams chart her own heroic path—one where science, heart, and sorcery collide.