Marvel’s Unexpected Delay of Iron Man’s MCU Successor Feels Much Stranger

**Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for What If…? Season 3**

As the MCU navigates through a tumultuous phase in late 2024, the ongoing delays surrounding Ironheart have added a layer of unexpected complexity. Initially introduced in 2022’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Riri Williams, portrayed by Dominique Thorne, is a brilliant young engineer who develops a suit of armor reminiscent of Iron Man. However, the postponement of her standalone series has contributed to peculiar developments within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Ironheart’s Release Schedule: A Twisted Journey

An Original Debut in 2023

Riri Williams in her new costume in Ironheart trailer

Initially, Ironheart was slated for a Fall 2023 release, intended to follow closely on the heels of Wakanda Forever. However, Marvel Studios revised this timeline, shifting the series to a 2024 debut. Ultimately, it was pushed to a June 2025 release window. The reasons behind these multiple delays are varied, with a clear indication of Marvel and Disney’s need to recalibrate their content strategies to emphasize quality over sheer quantity.

Brad Winderbaum, Marvel Studios’ Head of Television, noted that the objective was to invest more time into series development to ensure the final product met high standards. Additionally, the impacts of the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA strikes have also contributed to the postponements.

Riri Williams’ Role in What If…? Season 3

Emergent Hero on a Fractured Planet

In spite of the delays affecting Ironheart, Riri Williams made a significant appearance in the animated series What If…? Season 3. Voiced by Thorne, she took center stage in the episode titled “What If…The Emergence Destroyed The Earth?”, introducing an alternate reality where the world is shattered by the Celestial Tiamut. In this scenario, Riri emerges as one of the few last heroes standing against Mysterio in a desolate landscape. By the season finale, she undergoes a transformation, merging with White Vision to become a formidable half-human, half-synthezoid entity, symbolizing hope for the remnants of humanity.

While What If…? Season 3, episode 5 stands out as one of the more captivating segments of the series, it raises eyebrows to witness such an extraordinarily powerful version of Riri before her own series has even premiered. This suggests that the chronological release planned by Marvel Studios has been disrupted, possibly overshadowing the groundwork laid for the character’s journey in Ironheart.

Strange Twists in the Marvel Universe

Hints of an Original Order in Releases

It’s noteworthy how Riri’s character arc in What If…? suggests a level of power and skill that may outshine what she can accomplish in her native series prior to its release. This shift in narrative focus indicates what might have been within Marvel’s intended continuity. The same disruption occurs in the character exploration of The Hood, portrayed by Anthony Ramos in the forthcoming Ironheart. In an unexpected twist, the character’s original identity, Parker Robbins, is abruptly concluded off-screen, with Xu Xialing—the sister of Shang-Chi—taking over the Hood’s role in the series.

All episodes of What If…? Season 3 are currently available for streaming on Disney+. Ironheart is scheduled to make its debut on June 24, 2025.

Source & Images