‘Ironheart’ Has a Huge Connection to Doctor Doom

In the Marvel Comic universe, I’ve found it fascinating that Ironheart is nurtured in her heroic journey not by Tony Stark himself, but by an artificial intelligence version of him, resurrected post his so-called ‘death’. Now, in the Ironheart TV series, they’ve swapped out this Stark AI with one modeled after Riri Williams’ deceased best friend, Natalie.

The series has frequently referenced Tony Stark in its first three installments, leading us to speculate a significant revelation is imminent. We also believe there’s an opportunity to introduce his AI character and pave the way for Robert Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Doctor Doom in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. For further insights into this, as well as how Avengers: Endgame laid the groundwork for Tony Stark’s AI, check out our latest video on Ironheart below.

If you enjoyed the video exploring the possible link among Ironheart, Tony Stark, and Doctor Doom, don’t forget to explore more videos beneath it. You’ll find one summarizing all the Easter eggs and Marvel secrets found in the initial three episodes of Ironheart, another providing essential details before the premiere of Marvel’s Ironheart, and a third delving into Ultron’s vision, where he foretold Tony Stark transforming into Doctor Doom. And if you’re still hungry for more, there’s plenty more videos waiting for you at ScreenCrush’s YouTube channel. Make sure to subscribe so you won’t miss our upcoming episodes. Now, the first three episodes of Ironheart are available on Disney+ and streaming!

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Every Marvel Cinematic Universe Movie, Ranked From Worst to Best

36. Eternals

Prior to its release, I wouldn’t have anticipated that a Marvel film, directed by an Academy Award winner and inspired by some of Jack Kirby’s most daring comics, would result in one of the company’s least significant releases. Regrettably, Eternals failed to coalesce effectively. It maintains a largely accurate representation of Kirby’s fundamental ideas with a few minor but bothersome alterations, such as transforming the malevolent Deviants into faceless monsters lacking purpose or motivation. The ensemble cast boasts impressive supporting roles from Kumail Nanjiani and Brian Tyree Henry, yet the main characters—Gemma Chan as Sersi and Richard Madden as Ikaris—struggle to convincingly portray their purported passionate relationship (a romance spanning 6,000 years, they appear as though on their first date, with the evening going disastrously). The script occasionally delves into intriguing themes about the bonds between superheroes, mythology, and religion, only to consistently forsake them in favor of routine combat sequences featuring uninspired adversaries. It’s challenging to conceive a more tedious film about immortal alien robots striving to avert total annihilation than this one.

35. The Incredible Hulk

In a rather disorganized, hasty manner, it seems Marvel was taken aback when Iron Man turned out to be a blockbuster hit and hastily produced this film. The choice of Tim Roth to portray the world’s ultimate soldier is a casting decision as unfortunate as Loki committing a heinous crime; transforming into a large, bony beast resembling a pile of waste is hardly fitting for such a character. (Continue reading here.)

Marvel seemed to have been caught off guard when Iron Man became a hit and quickly made this movie. The decision to cast Tim Roth as the world’s ultimate soldier was as regrettable as Loki committing a serious crime; it doesn’t make sense for him to transform into a big, bony monster. (Continue reading here.)

34. Thor: The Dark World

Instead of nearly having Patty Jenkins’ version of Thor, what we ended up with was a dull pursuit of a mystical artifact, one of the least engaging villains in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, if there’s a silver lining, it could be that without this film performing so poorly, Marvel might not have been as open to making such radical changes as they did with Thor: Ragnarok. (Continue reading .)

33. The Marvels

This Marvel film isn’t the poorest in quality – it surpasses three others on this list, after all – yet it seems to be the most disorganized and intense. The trio of captivating Marvel characters (Captain Marvel played by Brie Larson, Ms. Marvel portrayed by Iman Vellani, and Monica Rambeau embodied by Teyonah Parris) are thrown into a situation where they must team up to prevent a Kree warlord from causing havoc for unclear reasons. Despite the actors’ stellar performances, the plot – albeit brief – is chaotic and filled with peculiar decisions that make little sense.

32. Captain America: Brave New World

Incorrect setting, incorrect narrative. This phrase could apply to several recent Marvel movies (like The Marvels) but it fits perfectly with Captain America: Brave New World, a film that finally offers Anthony Mackie’s charming character Sam Wilson his own storyline, yet disappointingly pairs him with a dull villain and a plot riddled with unnecessary references to The Incredible Hulk (and yes, we were all curious about Betty Ross’ fate, but the story didn’t seem to care much).

31. Doctor Strange

Imaginative scenes make “Doctor Strange” watchable, but it still feels like an updated version of “Iron Man with Magic”. The finale with Dormammu was clever, but the character’s flamboyant cape left much to be desired. (For further reading, see here.)

30. Iron Man 2

Despite being better than you may recall, it’s still not exceptional. Sam Rockwell’s dancing skills can mask many flaws, but not all of them. Trimming 15 minutes of prelude from Avengers could potentially make it quite impressive. (Read more here.)

29. Ant-Man

From a cinephile’s perspective, Ant-Man isn’t bad per se, but it feels like a shrunken replica of the grand Edgar Wright movie we were promised. However, Michael Peña’s character Luis outshines most non-superpowered characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. (Read more here.)

28. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

In the epic showdown between Ant-Man and Kang the Conqueror, even the formidable Kang (portrayed by Jonathan Majors) acknowledges that Scott Lang is biting off more than he can chew. This contrast between the smaller, humorous, and character-driven universe of the Ant-Man films and the grand, multiversal drama of Marvel Phase 5 serves as a metaphor for the movie itself. As a standalone Marvel cinema experience, it’s satisfactory. However, as an extension of the Ant-Man series, it falls short of expectations. Unfortunately, if you were hoping to see Michael Peña’s beloved character Luis in this installment, you’ll be disappointed, as he doesn’t make an appearance here at all.

27. Ant-Man and the Wasp

The movie “Ant-Man and the Wasp” shines brightest when it embraces its compactness, featuring Paul Rudd’s witty banter with fellow actors, Michael Peña’s lengthy speeches, and a heartwarming, intimate story about a fractured family striving to mend itself. (You can read more here.)

26. Captain Marvel

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Brie Larson’s character Carol Danvers could potentially be the most powerful hero. However, her movie didn’t quite deliver the emotional impact it could have. Despite this, it remains engaging thanks to two standout performances: Ben Mendelsohn as the cunning Skrull Talos, and Samuel L. Jackson, along with his impressive de-aging visual effects, portraying a younger Nick Fury. (For more details, check out the link here.)

25. Black Widow

2021 marked Scarlett Johansson’s long-awaited standalone film departure from the Avengers, but instead of leading her own story, she predominantly served as a straight character to the humorous Russian superhero crew in “Black Widow”. This included David Harbour as the narcissistic Red Guardian and Florence Pugh’s captivating Yelena. Although it didn’t fully deliver the fitting farewell Black Widow deserved, it remains another strong Marvel production, featuring remarkable action sequences and an intriguing villain in Taskmaster, who has the ability to replicate combat skills from any adversary encountered.

24. Thor: Love and Thunder

Viewing Taika Waititi’s second Thor film, “Thor: Love and Thunder,” is somewhat akin to witnessing a magician performing the same trick twice in succession. The initial performance was astonishing. The subsequent one remains impressive, yet it lacks the element of surprise. Christian Bale effectively portrays Gorr the God-Butcher, but his intense and highly emotional villain doesn’t quite harmonize with Chris Hemsworth’s Thor and his continuous humor. Essentially, “Thor: Love and Thunder” shares many aspects with Waititi’s “Thor: Ragnarok,” but they don’t blend together as effortlessly this time around.

23. Deadpool & Wolverine

In this movie, the camaraderie between Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman is everything you’d expect, with unexpected appearances that leave you startled. The plot, though packed with an excessive amount of background details, remains confusing. It seems like each character has more than enough tragic pasts (at least two in this film!). If you can ignore the action on screen for a moment, you’ll have a fairly enjoyable experience. Jackman and Reynolds embody their Deadpool and Wolverine characters perfectly, even if they’re reluctantly teaming up to save the Fox X-Men universe. You might find yourself wishing the writers, including Reynolds himself, had provided a slightly more coherent storyline.

22. Captain America: The Winter Soldier

An alternate take on “Iron Man 2”: Less impressive than you might recall, yet still satisfying. The promotional hype focused too much on the conspiracy thriller aspect, but Anthony Mackie’s Falcon was a fantastic new character for the series, and Chris Evans once again delivered as the reliable Captain America. However, it’s hard to swallow that Nick Fury, the world’s most accomplished spy, didn’t suspect that nearly everyone in SHIELD was corrupt except for him and his two companions. Come on, Nick! Wake up and see the truth! (For more details, check out the full review here.)

21. Avengers: Infinity War

While this film certainly delivers in terms of grandeur and its finale is unforgettable, there’s a sense that something essential is lacking. If you’re primarily seeking high-octane action with a sprinkle of wit, then it meets your expectations. However, if you appreciate the characters, their interactions, and the tranquil scenes amidst the battles, this movie might not resonate as deeply with you. (For further insights, read more [here](your link here)).

20. Iron Man 3

A film that was quite enjoyable, yet somewhat diminished by the influence of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The narrative culminates in Tony Stark deciding to retire as Iron Man and departing into the sunset. However, he went on to star in five more films following this. While Guy Pearce’s character, Killian, falls short, Robert Downey Jr.’s exasperated conversations with a bright child are top-notch. (Continue reading here.)

19. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Initially, let me clarify: The climactic scene featuring dragons and monsters amidst a dense fog of CGI is rather messy. However, prior to this point, Shang-Chi could potentially be Marvel’s finest action movie. It offers numerous intense and intricate fight scenes, including the bus fight which is incredibly enjoyable. Simu Liu delivers a strong performance as the lead character, with Tony Leung and Michelle Yeoh adding depth to the Marvel cast through their rich supporting roles. Ben Kingsley and Awkwafina bring humor into the mix, with Kingsley’s portrayal of Trevor Slattery (formerly Mandarin), who was not initially popular among Marvel villains, but has now been transformed into a delightful supporting character.

18. Thor

In a surprising twist, this grand, universe-traversing tale is primarily set in the tiniest town of New Mexico. While the film “Thor” has its flaws, it stands out as the initial Marvel movie where exceptional acting and captivating performances managed to surmount structural and script issues – a trend that later became characteristic of Marvel productions. (Continue reading here.)

17. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Ryan Coogler encountered a tremendously tough task with “Wakanda Forever”: Apart from creating a sequel that matched the success of the initial “Black Panther”, he had to accomplish this without Chadwick Boseman, our charismatic lead actor who tragically passed away during the summer of 2020, at the onset of filming. What Coogler and the cast managed to produce works exceptionally well by integrating their grief over Boseman into the narrative of Wakanda grappling with the loss of its monarch. The remainder of the movie, however, can be a bit disorganized; it’s filled with intriguing concepts, numerous characters, and an adversary, King Namor, whose motives are somewhat unclear.

16. Captain America: Civil War

The story lacks credibility, even for a moment’s consideration, and the entire film is constructed to culminate in the epic showdown between Tony Stark and Steve Rogers at the airport. However, let me emphasize: Oh my goodness, the battle at the airport is incredibly thrilling! (Read more here.)

15. Spider-Man: No Way Home

In Jon Watts’ third Spider-Man movie, we find similarities with Sam Raimi’s third installment. Both films are packed with numerous villains. However, on a positive note, this film effectively portrays Peter Parker as a character who despite frequent failures, never gives up on striving to do things right next time. Furthermore, it significantly introduces the concept of the multiverse into Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films, making a significant mark in the series’ overall storyline.

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14. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

15 years later, director Sam Raimi stepped back into the Marvel universe to deliver a thrilling, off-the-wall tale about a struggle for the survival of the multiverse. Similar to his previous Spider-Man films, Raimi injected his unique style and flair – humor with a quirky twist, chaotic zombies, and sudden jumps – into the conventional Marvel storyline. (Read more .)

13. Thunderbolts (2025)

In a refreshing departure from Marvel’s post-“Endgame” content that seems like a patchwork of leftovers from various comics and media, “Thunderbolts*” stands out as a cohesive and captivating story. Florence Pugh, portraying the new Black Widow, delivers an engaging performance, embodying a character who, much like many viewers, finds her life monotonous and her job unsatisfying. However, when she’s teamed up with a group of fellow disenchanted mercenaries, including Wyatt Russell as the arrogant U.S. Agent and Hannah John-Kamen as the mystical Ghost, she discovers her true purpose. With engaging action sequences and a powerful message about overcoming despair and fostering camaraderie, “Thunderbolts*” serves as a timely reminder of Marvel Studios’ potential when they are functioning at their best.

12. Avengers: Age of Ultron

Despite some criticisms that it’s not as good as the initial Avengers film and the complications with Wanda and Pietro’s storyline, I can’t help but appreciate the climactic scene where the Avengers join forces to rescue everyone in Sokovia. It truly embodies the essence of Marvel at its finest. (You can read more about it [here](insert link here).)

11. Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2

In a nutshell, the sequel of Marvel’s light-hearted franchise has an impressive audacity, wrapping up with a major downer instead of the usual upbeat ending we’re used to. What makes it stand out is that it manages to be both moving and funny – even poking fun at alien deity phallic symbols. This unique blend of emotions and humor earns my high praise. (For further discussion, check this link.)

10. Thor: Ragnarok

I just really like when Jeff Goldblum plays a space god who DJs his own parties. (Read more here.)

9. Spider-Man: Far From Home

In the second Spidey movie from Marvel, starring Tom Holland as the extraordinary Spider-Man, the film slightly falls short of its predecessor yet offers an engaging blend of romance, action, humor, and emotion. The famous quote “With great power comes great responsibility” is not explicitly uttered; however, the film Spider-Man: Far From Home delves deeply into this concept as much as any Spiderman movie has, with Peter Parker (played by Holland) grappling between his feelings for MJ, portrayed by a witty Zendaya, and his duties from Nick Fury to combat a group of elemental threats.

8. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

In a skillful manner, James Gunn delivers an impressive conclusion to his Guardians trilogy. This movie offers the perfect blend of Marvel elements: Thrilling action sequences, quirky sci-fi visuals, and character developments that deeply engage us, making us genuinely care for these characters. By the end of Volume 3, Rocket Raccoon transforms from a minor Marvel character to one of the most complex and tragic heroes within the company. Following a series of average films, Gunn effortlessly demonstrates his prowess. It’s unfortunate that he’s moving on to work with DC now.

7. Avengers: Endgame

Significantly surpassing “Infinity War” and considered one of the top two “Avengers” films, it’s packed with massive action sequences, plenty of humor, and an impressive number of Easter eggs that might outnumber any movie in any cinematic universe. (Continue reading .)

6. Spider-Man: Homecoming

Among the most enjoyable Marvel Cinematic Universe films, this one boasts captivating characters, thrilling web-slinging sequences, and an unexpected street vendor requesting Spider-Man to perform a flip (which he does). Aren’t you hooked? (Continue reading here.)

5. Guardians of the Galaxy

Midway through the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the initial Guardians film played a pivotal role in showing that Marvel’s unique brand could captivate audiences, even for lesser-known properties. Before James Gunn transformed them, the Guardians were practically an afterthought; however, they became an unexpected blockbuster hit. It is universally acknowledged and beyond debate that Rocket is the best among the Guardians – this statement stands without question or argument. (For more details, read [here].)

4. Captain America: The First Avenger

Despite some issues with plot structure, as the entire war is condensed into a montage, Chris Evans’ portrayal of Captain America stands out as one of the most convincing character adaptations within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This film breathed life into a hero who was often criticized for being dull or outdated, transforming him into a dynamic, endearing, and complex figure embodying timeless human values. A must-watch when seeking inspiration. (Additional insights can be found here.)

3. Black Panther

Compared to many Marvel films that strive for intricate links with the cosmos, Black Panther demonstrates the merit of a more isolated strategy. The conclusion of the movie, where Black Panther decides to reveal Wakanda to the world (and its characters to future appearances), is intended as a joyful resolution. However, if this decision leads to a sequel that becomes more scattered and relies on numerous guest appearances, it may not be so delightful after all. [Read more here.]

2. The Avengers

After the events of “Infinity War,” the original “Avengers” movie remains an extraordinary feat that feels almost unbelievable. Each character is skillfully balanced, the dialogue is concise, and the climactic Battle of New York is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable action sequences of this century. (Read more here.)

1. Iron Man

To this day, no other film has surpassed its greatness. Looking back, being free from the constraints of a larger universe allowed it to excel as a movie. The scenes featuring Robert Downey Jr.’s character, Tony Stark, testing his armor and subsequently flying for the first time, convey the excitement of superpowers more effectively than any film ever made by Marvel or anyone else in history. [Source: Read more here.]

2025-06-27 21:58