Ironheart Star Responds to MCU Show Backlash: 'At Least They're Talking About It'

Hamilton star Anthony Ramos has responded to the negative backlash surrounding Marvel's latest Disney+ series Ironheart, which began circulating online even before the show premiered.

A delayed spin-off from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Ironheart centers on Riri Williams, a brilliant young engineer who builds a high-tech, magic-infused Iron Man-style suit. The first three episodes debuted last week, with the final trio set to release tomorrow, July 1.

Despite not having seen the full series, user reviews quickly emerged—many criticizing the show’s focus on a Black female lead. In response, Ramos addressed the premature criticism in an interview with Buzzfeed, drawing parallels to his experience in the 2023 film Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.

"You're gonna have negativity no matter what," Ramos said. "I've been in Transformers, and people are talking s**t. This one, people are talking... Everybody's gonna say whatever they wanna say, but at the end of the day, we know what we made, and we're proud of it."

Ramos emphasized that Ironheart stands apart from other Marvel projects. "We're not necessarily the first to do this, but of all the shows, we're definitely different," he continued. "And when you step out like that, you open yourself up to opinions—good or bad."

He added, "Everybody's entitled to their opinion, and at least they're talking about it. Because if they weren't, then I'd be worried."

Marvel's Ironheart Explained

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Set in Chicago, Ironheart follows Riri Williams as she constructs her advanced armor with the unexpected help of Ramos’ character, a streetwise gang leader known as The Hood. The series blends street-level stakes with supernatural elements, carving a unique niche in the MCU.

The show has already earned support from Marvel icon Robert Downey Jr., who shared a video message expressing his excitement to see Dominique Thorne step into the role. "Long story short, Iron Man loves Ironheart," Downey Jr. said, offering his public endorsement.

While critical reception has been mixed, Marvel continues to tease the introduction of a major comic book villain in the final episodes—urging fans to stay tuned for the conclusion this week.