Dominique Thorne stands and stares at something. — Credit: Marvel Studios

Robert Downey Jr. Gave Ironheart’s Dominique Thorne a Seal of Approval

May 6, 2025

Stepping into the Marvel Cinematic Universe can be daunting, especially when the character you’re set to portray garners comparisons to Iron Man. Thankfully for Dominique Thorne, who portrays Riri Williams/Ironheart, she received an important seal of approval from Tony Stark himself, Robert Downey Jr.

What did Robert Downey Jr. say to Ironheart’s Dominique Thorne?

Riri is a brilliant MIT student with an affinity for technology who builds her own Iron Man-inspired suit. Because of the characters’ similarities, Williams and Stark are spiritually linked in the MCU.

In an interview with Empire, Thorne revealed an “exciting” conversation with Downey, where the Oscar winner shared some words of encouragement.

“Robert Downey Jr. and I spoke just after we wrapped, and he shared some very lovely words about my journey,” Thorne said. “He told me how excited he was and that he’s rooting for it, too. I literally got two thumbs up. It’s really reassuring to know you’re not embarrassing Iron Man.”

While she might wear an armor suit, the Chicago-raised Riri comes from a different background than the billionaire philanthropist.

“She’s dumpster-diving, whereas Tony Stark [was] this bajillionaire,” Thorne explained. “What she’s able to accomplish is remarkable.”

Thorne made her MCU debut in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever as Riri joined Shuri and the Wakandans in the fight against Namor.

Thorne will reprise her MCU role for the Disney+ series Ironheart, which sees Riri returning to Chicago after the events of Wakanda Forever. “Her unique take on building iron suits is brilliant,” the official synopsis reads, “but in pursuit of her ambitions, she finds herself wrapped up with the mysterious yet charming Parker Robbins, aka ‘The Hood.'”