Very few properties have made their way into the cultural zeitgeist like the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With more than 30 projects, only a handful have been led by lack actors and actresses.
To date, only two projects, across both film and television, have featured nonwhite non/male actors in lead roles, not including ensemble films: Ms. Marvel and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. That list is now growing with Marvel’s latest endeavor: Ironheart.
Ironheart is spinning off from the Ryan Coogler-directed Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Dominique Thorne, 27, says she’s still keeping a low profile despite becoming the first Black woman to lead a Marvel Cinematic Universe series.
“I’m walking around the way I’ve always been — quiet in the cut, maybe a little cuter now, but very much still in the cut,” Thorne told The Atlanta Voice in a recent interview about her starring role in Disney+’s upcoming “Ironheart” series, which premieres on June 24. .
The Cornell University graduate reprises her role as young genius inventor Riri Williams from “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”. The show positions her character as a “techno mage” who navigates both advanced technology and magical elements.
“To be in this world where tech and magic are in the same conversation is really, really exciting,” Thorne said, noting how the series builds on the magical elements introduced in “Doctor Strange.”
The actress, who previously appeared in “Judas and the Black Messiah,” acknowledged the significance of her groundbreaking role while emphasizing the importance of representation in entertainment.
“I think now that there is a young Black female lead in the MCU, that we should really enjoy that and own that and celebrate that, and just add it to the list of reasons that we have to be so proud of who we are,” she said.
Thorne described the transition from grounded, historical projects to Marvel’s fantastical universe as manageable, though she noted the extensive use of blue screens was “the trippiest part.” She said she worked to maintain the character’s humanity amid the larger-than-life elements.
“I do look for ways to kind of lean into that, like look for spaces and moments where we could bring that groundedness in, so that we do feel connected to her, that the humanity rings true,” she explained.
The actress hopes audiences will embrace the expanding Marvel universe and the diverse characters it now includes.
“The world is growing, the world is changing, and as it changes and as it evolves, there are people equally as brilliant doing incredible, amazing, earth-shattering things,” Thorne said. “It’s not something to be scared of, but it’s something to lean into, because when we lean in, that’s when we actually get to enjoy the ride.”
Riri Williams first debuted in Invincible Iron Man Vol. 2 #7, published in May 2016, created by writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Mike Deodato. She officially suited up as Ironheart in Invincible Iron Man Vol. 3 #1, released in November 2016. Introduced as a 15-year-old genius who builds her own Iron Man–style suit at MIT, Riri quickly became a standout character, earning a dedicated fanbase and eventually leading her own solo comic series.
Addressing her supporters directly, Thorne expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic fan response she witnessed at recent conventions.
“Come to the front. Come to the front. I love you,” she said. “The people who are finally feeling seen and feeling loved and feeling like this is their time. This is their moment to stand in all that they are and get their friends together and be like, ‘Oh my God, it’s us.’ That’s what you deserve.”
