Ironheart/Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne) in Marvel Television's IRONHEART, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel. © 2025 MARVEL. All Rights Reserved.
LOS ANGELES – In an alarming development, Marvel’s Ironheart was targeted by review-bombing on Rotten Tomatoes just hours before its debut on Disney+.
Immediate Impact
The series, which follows the story of Riri Williams, a young Black female inventor, faced a barrage of negative reviews before audiences had the chance to view it. This mirrors the backlash seen with other diverse-led shows like The Acolyte last year.
Key Details Emerge
Ironheart, a follow-up to the blockbuster Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, was hit with a 32% Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes even before its episodes were available to stream. This prompted the site to take action, removing the score and barring reviews until the series was officially released.
Rotten Tomatoes reset Ironheart’s score to prevent preemptive reviews, resulting in a healthier 70% Popcornmeter rating post-launch.
Industry Response
The review-bombing incident has reignited discussions about the need for better regulation on platforms like IMDb, where Ironheart also faces potential manipulation. Industry insiders argue for stricter controls to ensure fair representation of audience sentiment.
By the Numbers
- Initial Rotten Tomatoes Score: 32%
- Post-Launch Score: 70% on the Popcornmeter
What Comes Next
Marvel Studios hopes to see a positive turnaround with upcoming releases like Wonder Man, aiming to end the year on a high note for Disney+. The attention on Ironheart’s reception underscores the ongoing challenges faced by diverse-led productions in the entertainment industry.
Background Context
Ironheart is set after the events of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, featuring Dominique Thorne as Riri Williams. The series pits technology against magic, with Riri returning to her hometown of Chicago and encountering the enigmatic Parker Robbins, also known as “The Hood,” played by Anthony Ramos.
Expert Analysis
In a review, industry analysts noted, “Ironheart soars when Dominique Thorne, Anthony Ramos, Alden Ehrenreich, and Lyric Ross are on screen, but a by-the-numbers story means the series falls short of reaching the same heights as Iron Man.”
Regional Implications
The series, directed by Sam Bailey and Angela Barnes, with Chinaka Hodge as head writer, also stars Lyric Ross, Alden Ehrenreich, Regan Aliyah, Manny Montana, Matthew Elam, and Anji White. It highlights the vibrant cultural and technological landscape of Chicago, offering a unique backdrop for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Timeline of Events
- Pre-Release: Ironheart receives a 32% Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes.
- Immediate Action: Rotten Tomatoes removes scores, preventing early reviews.
- Post-Release: The series achieves a 70% Popcornmeter rating.
The ongoing scrutiny of Ironheart’s reception highlights the challenges and opportunities for future Marvel projects on Disney+. As the streaming wars continue, the industry watches closely to see how these narratives evolve and resonate with global audiences.
