The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is no stranger to bold moves, and the recent debut of Ironheart on Disney+ has sparked intense conversation among fans. Dominique Thorne’s portrayal of Riri Williams, the brilliant young inventor introduced in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, has been a polarizing addition to the MCU. While some praise her fresh take on a tech-savvy hero, others have labeled the series an “embarrassing disaster.” Yet, amid the mixed reviews and online backlash, Thorne is reportedly already planning for a second season, fueled by a surprising and heartfelt endorsement from none other than Robert Downey Jr., the original Iron Man himself. His intriguing comment has fans buzzing about what’s next for Riri Williams and whether Ironheart can redeem itself in the eyes of its critics.

Ironheart follows Riri Williams, a teenage genius from Chicago who builds her own Iron Man-inspired suit, navigating a world of technology, magic, and personal growth. The series, which premiered on June 24, 2025, with its first three episodes, promised a gritty, grounded take on the MCU, set against the vibrant backdrop of Chicago. However, the show’s reception has been far from unanimous. Critics have offered mixed reviews, with some praising Thorne’s performance for its “potent blend of juvenile bullheadedness and aching vulnerability,” while others pointed to “glaring plot holes” and an uneven narrative. The series faced an additional hurdle before its release: a wave of review-bombing on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes, where it scored a mere 32% audience rating, often from users who hadn’t even watched the show. This backlash, frequently targeting projects with diverse leads, has cast a shadow over Ironheart’s debut.

Despite these challenges, Dominique Thorne remains undeterred. In interviews, she’s expressed enthusiasm about continuing Riri’s story, hinting at plans for a second season. “Audiences will help make that decision, of what happens next,” said Chinaka Hodge, the head writer for Ironheart, in a recent Reddit thread. “So, tune in and show Disney and the MCU that we have a strong fan base for Ironheart.” Thorne herself has been vocal about her commitment to the character, emphasizing Riri’s unique journey. “She’s dumpster-diving, whereas Tony Stark was this bajillionaire,” Thorne told Empire magazine. “What she’s able to accomplish is remarkable.” This contrast between Riri’s scrappy ingenuity and Tony Stark’s polished resources is a central theme of the series, and Thorne seems eager to explore it further.

The most surprising boost for Ironheart’s potential second season comes from Robert Downey Jr., whose support has been a beacon of hope for fans and the cast alike. Downey, who defined the MCU with his iconic portrayal of Tony Stark, has been a vocal cheerleader for Thorne. In a heartfelt FaceTime call shared on Instagram on the day of Ironheart’s premiere, he celebrated the show’s launch, saying, “It’s June 24, which is… dad’s birthday. And Ironheart premieres today! It’s all been leading to this.” His playful yet sincere encouragement didn’t stop there. In a longer video conversation released by Marvel, Downey praised Thorne’s performance, calling it “beautiful” and adding, “You’ve really done us proud.” He even drew parallels between Riri and Tony, noting their shared drive to use technology for good despite personal struggles. “They really are twin flames,” Downey remarked, emphasizing the emotional and thematic connection between the two characters.

Downey’s involvement doesn’t end with kind words. Sources suggest he’s taken a personal interest in Ironheart, possibly due to his upcoming return to the MCU as Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday, set for release in 2026. His comment during the FaceTime call, “We’re in this love together,” has sparked speculation about whether he might appear in a future Ironheart season, perhaps as an AI version of Tony Stark, mirroring the comics where Riri interacts with a digital Tony post-Civil War II. Fans on Reddit have been abuzz with theories, with one user writing, “Every bit we see of these two together makes me further want to see Riri interact with Doom or a Tony variant.” While no official confirmation exists, Thorne hinted at the possibility in a Newsweek interview, saying, “The odds might be in our favor. Who knows? We’ll see.”

The road to a second season, however, is not without obstacles. Ironheart’s first season has been criticized for its pacing and narrative choices, with some calling it “a bit of a mess.” The introduction of Mephisto, played by Sacha Baron Cohen, in the finale was a bold move that left fans divided. While some praised the show’s fusion of tech and magic, others felt it strayed too far from the grounded tone of the Iron Man trilogy. The cliffhanger ending, where Riri makes a deal with Mephisto to resurrect her friend Natalie, only to manifest mysterious scars, has left viewers curious but uncertain about the show’s direction. “Ironheart has one of the most explosive and shocking endings in MCU history,” wrote Collider, “but what does it mean for Riri Williams’ future?” The lack of immediate plans for a second season, coupled with Disney’s cautious approach to marketing the first, has fueled fan concern that Riri’s story might be left unresolved.

Social media platforms like X have amplified these worries, with posts reflecting a mix of skepticism and hope. One user noted, “I think Ironheart is my fave Marvel TV show… Hopefully Disney doesn’t listen to the haters this time and keeps it going.” Another post highlighted Downey’s support, countering false claims of criticism by stating, “RDJ has been nothing but wholly supportive of Dominique Thorne.” These sentiments underscore the polarized reception, with some fans rallying behind Thorne’s charismatic performance and others hesitant to embrace a new hero in Tony Stark’s shadow.

Thorne, for her part, has addressed the critics with grace. In an interview with The Direct, she responded to fans hesitant about Riri taking up Iron Man’s mantle, saying, “I would say, get on the bandwagon. It’s here. We’re here. Tony’s on the bandwagon, so what’s the problem? RDJ is here. It’s nice here. It’s cute here. It’s comfy.” Her lighthearted yet firm stance has endeared her to many, and her chemistry with Downey has been a highlight of the promotional campaign. “He’s been incredible to connect with on this ride,” Thorne told The Hollywood Reporter, recalling their discussions about the pressures of carrying the Iron Man legacy.

The potential for Ironheart Season 2 hinges on several factors: audience engagement, Disney’s strategic priorities, and the MCU’s broader narrative arc. With Mephisto’s introduction and unresolved plot threads, there’s ample material for a continuation. Ryan Coogler, an executive producer on the series, hinted at connections to future projects like Black Panther 3, noting, “There are so many surprises in it.” The Chicago setting, which brought a fresh perspective to the MCU, could be further explored, delving deeper into Riri’s roots and her evolving relationship with Parker Robbins, aka The Hood, played by Anthony Ramos.

For fans worried about Ironheart’s future, Downey’s endorsement and Thorne’s determination offer hope. The MCU has a history of course-correcting after rocky starts, as seen with Thor: The Dark World and Iron Man 3, both of which faced criticism but paved the way for stronger sequels. If Ironheart can harness its unique blend of heart, humor, and innovation—qualities that made Iron Man a cultural phenomenon—it may yet win over skeptics. For now, Thorne’s passion and Downey’s support keep the dream of a second season alive, promising a new chapter for Riri Williams that could redefine her place in the MCU.