Ironhearthas been in a strange limbo for years now, but I can finally understand why Marvel waited to release any footage despite its completed production. The character of Riri Williams made herMCUdebut in 2022’sBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever. Many viewers anticipated being able to follow up with Riri through her soloIronheartseries, but it was radio silence from Marvel for quite some time. Even after the show’s filming had wrapped, there was still no teaser or trailer footage, let alone any updates.
As someone who quite enjoyed Riri’s involvement inWakanda Forever, I was eager to see wherethe Ironheart characterwas going to go. However,it was hard to maintain interest in her story nearly two years after her last appearancewith little to no updates about her MCU future. I can imagine that for the more casual fan, they’ve potentially forgotten about Ironheart entirely at this point. Now that we have finally gotten a bit of footage fromIronheartthough, I feel confident that the wait was well worth it.
How MCU’s Ironheart Is Different From Marvel Comics' Version
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever introduced Riri Williams AKA Ironheart to the MCU, but how does she differ from her comic book counterpart?
Ironheart’s First Footage Just Released - 2 Years After Filming Wrapped
In avideo that Marvel Entertainment releasedin honor of Marvel’s 85th anniversary, footage from upcoming projects was shown as a preview of the MCU’s imminent future. The footage included films and shows that we haven’t gotten any teasers for yet, such asThunderbolts*,Daredevil: Born Again, and, of course,Ironheart.Whereas the first two projects were still in production as recently as this year,Ironheartwrapped filming all the way back in November 2022. It’s shocking that the first bit ofIronheartfootage we’re getting is all the way in 2024, but it’s better late than never.
Throughout 2023 and 2024,the status ofIronheartwas up in the air because of major delays in Hollywood and the MCU. The SAG-AFTRA and Writers Guild of America strikes likely contributed a bit to the slow production, but some theorized that there was an issue with the edit or even possible reshoots. Without any word from Marvel explaining the delays, other than a general statement about releasing fewer projects every year, those were the only options fans could presume. Now there’s finally concrete footage ofIronheartout there. Even though it’s only a brief shot of Riri flying in her Ironheart suit, we can finally see where the extra production time has gone.
The VFX In The First Ironheart Footage Looks Great
Ironheart’s visual effects look great so far, specifically her armor. The footage from Marvel’s anniversary video shows Riri flying by some cars in her Ironheart armor, andthe improvements from her design inBlack Panther: Wakanda Foreverare clear. Even though the Ironheart suit looked good inWakanda Forever, Riri’s new suit already looks so much more polished from just a brief clip alone. Marvel likely waited so long to drop anyIronheartfootage to ensure that the VFX looked good, and that is an explanation that I’m willing to accept.
10 Worst CGI Effects In Modern Superhero Movies Ranked
CGI has evolved tremendously over time, but there are still a number of recent effects in superhero movies that have aren’t up to par.
Considering how CGI and VFX have been called out as one of the MCU’s weak areas in recent years,it’s comforting to know that the studio is willing to take time on a project if it means achieving the best quality. The wait for the show has been unexpectedly long, but well-polished visuals will soften the blow of the wait. I would much rather wait a little longer for a project likeIronheartto be dropped if it means that the MCU is giving us their best work.
