Movies

RDJ Celebrates 17 Years of MCU with Special Call to Marvel’s Next Star

BBG News

To mark the 17-year milestone of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and its recent new release, original star Robert Downey Jr. held a special conversation with Marvel Studios’ emerging leading actor. Even after more than a decade as Tony Stark, Downey shows no signs of stopping with Marvel Studios; he’s now set to play Doctor Doom. Ever keen on fostering the next generation, he’s taking a brief pause to generate excitement for what’s coming up in the MCU.

Actor Robert Downey Jr., who played Iron Man, recently shared a video chat between himself and Dominique Thorne, the star of Ironheart, in honor of the release of Thorne’s individual Ironheart series. Despite his busy schedule working on Avengers: Doomsday as Doctor Doom, RDJ has been dedicated to publicizing Marvel Cinematic Universe’s final Phase 5 project. As Ironheart gears up for its premiere, the show that paved the way is continuing to commemorate new releases with fans and cast members alike.

On Instagram accounts run by Downey and Marvel Studios, a video call between Downey and Thorne was shared. During this chat, Thorne brought up the birthday of Downey’s late father, before steering the conversation towards the imminent debut of “Ironheart” on Disney+, which was about to be officially announced just hours later.

Downey: “Good morning. Guess why I’m calling? It’s June 24th, which is…”

Thorne: “It’s dad’s birthday. Happy birthday, yeah.”

As a movie enthusiast, I’d like to express my gratitude for taking my father’s birthday into account. And speaking of big events, it seems the media has been rather busy with you lately. Today marks the premiere of ‘Ironheart’, and doesn’t it feel like all the pieces have fallen into place? Quite an exhilarating moment, isn’t it?

Thorne: “Oh, my God. Thank you, thank you for the call.”

Afterward, he took a broader perspective regarding the MCU’s evolution, acknowledging that it has been an incredible 17-year journey since its inception. He also expressed his affection for Thorne, sharing smiles with her throughout their conversation. As he concluded, he heartily congratulated the actress portraying Ironheart on her achievement and declared his intent to watch her show along with the rest of the world.

17 years since the start of the MCU to the release of ‘Ironheart,’ and here we are, sharing this journey. So excited! Over time, I’ve grown quite attached to you, it’s hard to express. Congratulations! I’ll be watching it alongside the rest of the world, and we’ll keep each other updated on our thoughts.

Thorne: “Oh my god, ok, yes, we will.”

Downey: “‘Ironheart,’ let’s go!”

Downey and Thorne’s full video can be seen here:

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Robert Downey Jr.’s character, Tony Stark, isn’t set to appear in “Ironheart”, but his impact on Riri Williams’ work is undeniable. This influence was first established in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”.

Over the years leading up to the show’s premiere, I’ve found myself inexplicably connected with the other characters, and I’ve openly expressed my backing for the show’s talented cast on various occasions.

Ahead of Dominique Thorne, the character Ironheart will spotlight Riri Williams’ individual journey as a superhero after making her Marvel Cinematic Universe entrance in Black Panther 2.

Alongside Anthony Ramos and Alden Ehrenreich, produced by Ryan Coogler, Riri will pursue further studies at MIT before eventually returning to her Chicago roots to advance her technology even more. The premiere of Ironheart, consisting of its first three episodes, is set to be streamed on Disney+ starting Tuesday, June 24.

Will Ironheart Be the Next Hit on Disney+ for the MCU?

It’s clear that Dominique Thorne aims for Ironheart to establish its own identity separate from Iron Man, but the endorsement from Downey Jr., who is still a significant figure in the MCU following his upcoming return in the next Avengers film, can undoubtedly boost her solo series as it prepares for launch. It’s noteworthy that Downey publicly supports Thorne and her fellow actors, which is far from insignificant.

Moving forward, although Thorne is hinting at a possible encounter with Downey’s Doom in “Doomsday,” the primary emphasis lies on her complete return to the MCU in “Ironheart.” Here, she will delve into her own narrative while also growing her Iron Man-like technology and navigating her personal life alongside family and friends. This series promises to introduce another thrilling young superhero into the MCU, as the focus shifts towards the new generation of heroes taking center stage.

In a new twist, the character of Ironheart will afford Riri Williams opportunities that Tony Stark never explored, since she’ll engage foes armed with magic instead of high-tech devices or extraterrestrial weaponry. The series will also introduce legacy characters, one of whom is connected to Iron Man’s adversary, Obadiah Stane. However, Riri’s path in the Marvel Cinematic Universe won’t be easy, as she’ll face numerous challenges along the way.

Given the varied responses Ironheart has received from critics prior to its release, there’s certainly a big audience eager to judge its place within Marvel Cinematic Universe lore.

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2025-06-24 21:04

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