Marvel’s latest Disney+ series, Ironheart, premiered on June 24, 2025, with high hopes of introducing Riri Williams, the young genius inventor poised to carry the torch of Tony Stark’s legacy. However, the series has landed with a thud, drawing some of the lowest ratings in MCU history and sparking heated discussions across social media. With a Rotten Tomatoes audience score plummeting to 55% and an IMDb rating of just 3.7/10, Ironheart has become a lightning rod for criticism, raising questions about Marvel’s direction under Kevin Feige’s leadership. As the MCU gears up for the highly anticipated The Fantastic Four: First Steps, set to release on July 25, 2025, could Ironheart’s failure cast a shadow over Marvel’s next big gamble?
Ironheart follows Riri Williams, played by Dominique Thorne, a brilliant MIT student who builds a suit of armor inspired by Iron Man. Introduced in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Riri’s story promised a fresh blend of technology and street-level grit, infused with magical elements through the villainous Parker Robbins, aka The Hood. Yet, despite a talented cast including Anthony Ramos and Alden Ehrenreich, the series has struggled to connect with audiences. Critics have praised Thorne’s charisma and the show’s Chicago setting, but many point to a shallow plot, rushed pacing, and an unconvincing character arc for Riri as fatal flaws. The series’ six-episode format feels stretched, with some arguing it would have worked better as a concise two-hour film.
Social media has been less kind. Fans on platforms like YouTube have called Ironheart “forgettable” and criticized its lack of a compelling hero’s journey. The show’s trailers have been heavily downvoted, with one official clip garnering 49,000 dislikes against 34,000 likes. More alarmingly, Ironheart failed to crack Luminate’s top 10 streaming charts for its debut week, a first for an MCU series. This absence is particularly stark when compared to lower-budget shows like Mobland, which outperformed it with 260.8 million viewing minutes. For a franchise that once dominated pop culture, this is a sobering reality check.
The backlash isn’t just about storytelling. Ironheart has faced accusations of review bombing, with low audience scores appearing on Rotten Tomatoes hours before its premiere. Some outlets suggest this stems from targeted hostility toward the series’ diverse cast and female lead, pointing to similar patterns with projects like Ms. Marvel and The Acolyte. However, dismissing all criticism as prejudice overlooks genuine fan frustration. Many feel Marvel’s relentless output of Disney+ series has diluted the brand’s quality, a sentiment echoed by the underwhelming performance of recent films like Thunderbolts and Captain America: Brave New World. The MCU’s once-unassailable formula—high stakes, charismatic heroes, and tight narratives—seems to be faltering.
What does this mean for The Fantastic Four: First Steps? Marvel’s upcoming blockbuster carries immense pressure as the kickoff to Phase Six. With a star-studded cast and the promise of reintroducing Marvel’s First Family, expectations are sky-high. Yet, Ironheart’s lackluster reception could dampen enthusiasm. Fans already skeptical of Marvel’s recent track record may approach The Fantastic Four with caution, especially after reports of lukewarm test screening reactions. The minimal marketing for Ironheart, overshadowed by the hype for The Fantastic Four, suggests Marvel may lack confidence in its smaller projects, potentially signaling deeper issues in their strategy.
Despite the gloom, there’s a glimmer of hope. Some fans have rallied behind Ironheart, praising its vibrant visuals and unique tech-versus-magic premise. The series’ connection to Tony Stark’s legacy, including Riri’s AI companion N.A.T.A.L.I.E., resonates with those craving a return to the MCU’s roots. If Marvel can learn from Ironheart’s missteps—tightening narratives, fleshing out character arcs, and balancing spectacle with substance—The Fantastic Four could still soar. The question is whether audiences will give Marvel the benefit of the doubt after a string of disappointments.
As the MCU navigates this turbulent chapter, Ironheart’s stumble serves as a warning. Kevin Feige, once hailed as a cinematic visionary, faces growing scrutiny. Can Marvel recapture its magic, or will The Fantastic Four: First Steps become another casualty of a franchise stretched too thin? Only time will tell, but for now, the spotlight is on Marvel to prove it can still deliver the iconic stories fans crave.
