Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, has hired three researchers from OpenAI to bolster his company’s work on artificial intelligence. This strategic move aims to guide Meta Platforms through its current AI challenges. The social-media corporation brought aboard Lucas Beyer, Alexander Kolesnikov, and Xiaohua Zhai, all of whom previously held positions at OpenAI’s branch in Zurich, as per sources privy to this information. These individuals established OpenAI’s location in Zurich towards the end of last year. Prior to their time at OpenAI, they collaborated closely within Google DeepMind, which is the organization’s artificial intelligence division. A representative from OpenAI verified that the three scientists have departed from the organization. Zuckerberg has been on an intense recruiting drive To correct the company’s AI initiatives following the underwhelming reception of its most recent model, he has sometimes proposed giving researchers up to $100 million to become part o...
The Marvel Cinematic Universe typically isn’t known for its strong sense of location, except perhaps as a backdrop created using green screens in cities such as Atlanta or London. ("Daredevil,” set in New York City, is an exception, though it’s more of an anomaly than the rule). What sets “Ironheart” apart—the newest addition to the MCU available on Disney+—is exactly this specific focus on setting which previous entries have lacked. Early episodes of the series effectively capture the essence of Chicago before later installments get weighed down by various genres and magical narratives. In these initial parts, “Ironheart” centers around the predominantly African American South Side of Chicago, following protagonist Riri Williams (played by Dominique Thorne), who comes back home after being dismissed from MIT.
In "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever," Riri made her debut through several brief scenes, serving essentially as a backdoor pilot—introducing potential future storylines within another ongoing narrative. This approach wasn’t ideal for setting up a main character who wouldn’t appear again until roughly two and a half years later. Creator Chinaka Hodge ("Amazing Stories," "Snowpiercer"), takes over a character endowed with Tony Stark’s technological skills—and his powered armor—but lacking both his wealth and resources. To transform Riri from a supportive sidekick into a leading figure—or perhaps even an anti-hero—Hodge emphasizes this contrast sharply. At MIT, Riri faces expulsion after selling class projects to fellow students to finance her own research endeavors, highlighting how different she is from her predecessor Iron Man, who had access to ample funds and networks. This grounded issue feels particularly realistic against the backdrop of alien beings and sorcery present elsewhere in the Marvel Universe, grounding “Ironheart” firmly in relatable personal struggles suited well for television storytelling.
Upon returning to Chicago, Riri finds herself under the attentive gaze of her worried mother, Ronnie (played by Anji White). She then becomes part of a regional robbery gang led by Parker Robbins (portrayed by Anthony Ramos), who focuses their efforts on robbing wealthy individuals from the region. The comparison to Robin Hood isn’t merely suggested; it’s practically required: Parker sports an outdated-looking cloak including a hood which seems capable of altering bullet trajectories through some kind of magic—a power whose dark origins have yet to be revealed. Before delving into these mystic and possibly malevolent roots, however, viewers get acquainted with his team members such as Stuart (the comic actor Eric André), known for technology expertise, and Slug portrayed by Shea Coulée, a participant in “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and originally hailing from Chicagoland.
The inclusion of Coulée pays homage to Riri’s roots, with “Ironheart” capturing outdoor shots in Chicago following main filming sessions in Atlanta. (While Disney was open to shooting elsewhere, they did have their limits regarding financial benefits like tax breaks.) In the scene, we see Riri soaring above the river wearing her suit prior to landing in the street; later, she disguises her damaged invention using a Cubs banner during an underground train ride for maintenance work. Interestingly enough, this show debuts shortly after the newest batch of episodes from “The Bear,” providing another loving yet distinctive portrayal of the same urban landscape.
"Ironheart" gains deeper emotional resonance through Riri’s background story: the death of her stepfather Gary (played by LaRoyce Hawkins) and close friend Natalie (portrayed by Lyric Ross), both victims of a drive-by shooting five years prior to the series' timeline. Although using past traumas as exposition feels overused and nostalgic flashbacks offer minimal insight, Ross delivers a heartfelt and layered portrayal as Natalie—or more precisely, N.A.T.A.L.I.E.—as she appears via holographic AI after being accidentally brought back into existence by Riri.
The ethical implications of using artificial intelligence for grief support represent only one aspect of how "Ironheart" tackles multiple issues that ultimately prove overwhelming. As the series progresses, these various components begin to pile up like an avalanche, potentially overshadowing some of the more compelling aspects of the narrative. Throughout much of the show, "Ironheart" maintains a distinct separation from the broader Marvel Cinematic Universe—except when Alden Ehrenreich makes his appearance as a reserved researcher linked to a minor part of the "Iron Man" saga. Initially focused on developing advanced technology, Riri’s storyline veers off course as supernatural forces such as sorcery and mysticism take center stage. Originally set up to play the role of main adversary, Parker finds himself usurped near the endgame by Sacha Baron Cohen stepping into the fray unexpectedly.
Since "Ironheart" consists of just six episodes, the series struggles to establish a consistent identity before shifting gears again. In the initial segment helmed by director Sam Bailey, it adopts the guise of a heist thriller; however, with underdeveloped targets, these sequences fail to deliver much satisfaction. For instance, an entrepreneurial figure involved in car tunnels resembles Elon Musk briefly but fades away almost instantly. The latter part, overseen by Angela Barnes, becomes more convoluted and serves primarily as groundwork for future installments involving Riri—be it through a potential season two or within different media properties altogether. Despite this, “Ironheart” presents a captivating narrative centered around the constraints faced by geniuses when they aim either to surmount financial obstacles or manipulate natural boundaries such as mortality. Yet concurrently, it attempts to juggle numerous subplots without achieving sufficient depth or emotional resonance in any single storyline.
The initial trio of episodes from "Ironheart" is currently available for viewing on Disney+. The latter portion of the season will debut on July 1st.
More from appstoreofficialid
- 'Ironheart' Trailer: Riri Williams Creates Her Own Iron Man Suit in Disney+ Show Executively Produced by Ryan Coogler
- What's Set to Arrive on Disney+ in June 2025?