On the day of the premiere of “Ironheart,” Robert Downey Jr. reached out to lead actress Dominique Thorne via FaceTime to show his support amidst a troubling wave of review bombing directed at the series. The show, which debuted on Disney+ on Tuesday night, has garnered mixed reviews from critics and faced an influx of negative audience ratings on Rotten Tomatoes, many from individuals who have not watched the series. This kind of harassment is often seen with projects that feature women, people of color, or LGBTQ characters.
In a heartfelt video shared on Instagram, Downey expressed his admiration for Thorne, saying, “I’ve grown so fond of you, it’s bananas. Congratulations. I’ll be watching it with the world.” The message was especially poignant as it came on what he remarked was the birthday of his late father, Robert Downey Sr. During their conversation, Downey playfully noted Thorne’s extensive press appearances, highlighting their camaraderie and connection, as he prepares to return to the Marvel franchise in upcoming projects.
“Ironheart” signifies Thorne’s second portrayal of Riri Williams, a character who made her debut in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” The superhero has faced significant challenges as she steps into the legacy of Iron Man, often receiving harsh criticism from various factions. As of now, the series holds an audience score of just 32% on Rotten Tomatoes, despite many viewers having yet to see it, raising questions about the motivations behind the negative reviews.
Adding to the show’s struggles, its marketing campaign was notably limited, with the first trailer released a mere month and a half prior to the premiere. This trend of online backlash against “Ironheart” mirrors that faced by previous MCU projects featuring diverse lead characters, emphasizing the ongoing battle for representation in media.
Downey’s show of support for Thorne is a heartening reminder that there are allies within the industry advocating for new talent and diverse stories. As fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) look forward to the evolution of beloved characters and the introduction of new ones like Riri Williams, it’s crucial to foster a culture of respect and appreciation for all storytellers. This moment showcases a warm solidarity among actors and a commitment to celebrating diversity within the MCU.
“Ironheart,” part of an evolving narrative in the comic series where Riri takes on the mantle of Iron Man, represents a new chapter not only for the character but also for her generation, providing hopeful possibilities for the future of superhero storytelling.