On Tuesday, Robert Downey Jr. supported Ironheart star Dominique Thorne as she prepared for the premiere of her new series, marking a pivotal moment in the Marvel universe. The heartfelt exchange took place over FaceTime, with Downey Jr.—famed for his portrayal of Iron Man—passing words of encouragement to Thorne, who now carries the iron legacy forward. This gesture highlighted how Robert Downey Jr. supports Ironheart premiere, demonstrating the strong camaraderie within the superhero community.
Warm Exchange Between Iron Heroes
Early in the day, Downey Jr. connected with Thorne through a video call that was later shared on Instagram, beginning with a cheerful greeting. The actor prompted Thorne to guess why he was calling, to which she responded, acknowledging the significance of his late father‘s birthday. Downey Jr. replied,
“My dad’s birthday, thanks for your consideration,”
—Robert Downey Jr., Actor
He gently teased that the real occasion was not only his father‘s birthday but also the highly anticipated Ironheart premiere, adding,
“Also — God, you’ve been doing too much press — Ironheart premieres today!”
—Robert Downey Jr., Actor
Thorne expressed her excitement, and Downey Jr. continued,
“It’s all been leading to this. Isn’t that exciting?”
—Robert Downey Jr., Actor
Recognizing a Major Marvel Milestone
Downey Jr. highlighted how Ironheart’s release comes 17 years after the launch of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He expressed admiration and fondness for Thorne, saying,
“17 years from the birth of the MCU to the premiere of Ironheart,”
—Robert Downey Jr., Actor
“And we’re in this love together. So psyched. I’ve grown so fond of you, it’s bananas.”
—Robert Downey Jr., Actor
Thorne thanked him again during the lively and supportive exchange, while Downey Jr. promised to watch the series alongside fans around the globe.
“I’ll be watching it with the world and we’ll keep each other posted,”
—Robert Downey Jr., Actor
Thorne responded enthusiastically as they concluded their uplifting conversation.
“Oh my God, okay, yes we will,”
—Dominique Thorne, Actor
Passing the Mantle: Iron Man to Ironheart
Although Dominique Thorne and Robert Downey Jr. have not shared scenes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, she has now taken on the role left by Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark, following the character’s death in Avengers: Endgame. Thorne reprises her portrayal of Riri Williams, also known as Ironheart, on Disney+. The new series follows her character’s return to Chicago, where she becomes entwined with a criminal group led by Parker Robbins, known as the Hood, played by Anthony Ramos. In a future Marvel installment, Downey Jr. is set to come back as a different character—Doctor Doom—for Avengers: Doomsday.
Downey Jr.’s Public Display of Support
Downey Jr. extended his support further with a surprise video message during a live interview featuring Thorne and Ramos on Good Morning America, introduced by Robin Roberts:
“Do you mind if we interrupt the interview for just a moment, because I think we have a very special message. I think you’re going to recognize who this is,”
—Robin Roberts, Broadcaster
Downey Jr. addressed Thorne in his message,
“Ms. Thorne, I couldn’t be happier than to be seeing you bring Riri Williams to life,”
—Robert Downey Jr., Actor
The actor also teased Ramos’s role as the villain, referencing both the Hood and the prospect of a new Doom in the Marvel universe:
“But the Hood has me nervous. Is the hood green? Please tell me Mr. Ramos is not replacing me as Doctor Doom via Parker Robbins. Is there something they’re not telling me?”
—Robert Downey Jr., Actor
Downey Jr. concluded with a heartfelt sentiment,
“Long story short, Iron Man loves Ironheart.”
—Robert Downey Jr., Actor
Back in the studio, Thorne displayed the same hand symbol and expressed her gratitude for Downey Jr.’s longstanding support.
What Awaits Marvel Fans with Ironheart
Dominique Thorne stars in Ironheart, which launches with its first three episodes on Disney+, followed by three more episodes releasing on July 1. The new series continues to expand Marvel’s universe into Riri Williams’s world and her struggles in Chicago. Fans can expect to see fresh characters, including Anthony Ramos’s Parker Robbins, intertwining with established Marvel lore from earlier films such as Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. With Robert Downey Jr.’s enthusiastic encouragement and the spotlight on new talent, Ironheart signals a promising new era for both its cast and Marvel’s devoted audience.
