The long-delayed latest instalment in the Marvel
Cinematic Universe is set to release on Disney+ in just a few days,
so let’s have a quick look at some of the most pertinent MCU movies and
shows to watch before the Ironheart series hits our screens.
The first and most obvious movie is the very first entry in the
Marvel Cinematic Universe, the first Iron Man movie from 2008.
Not only does Ironheart not exist without this foundational and genre-defining
classic, neither does the Marvel Cinematic Universe itself! Of course, it is worth mentioning the prevailing
rumours that a member of the Ironheart series’ cast may just be related
to a certain villain featured in Iron Man, one who liked to shout about
boxes of scraps…
While some may argue the importance of re-watching the
entirety of the MCU’s Iron Man appearances, I really don’t think that
will prove necessary. With that said, the do have to mention that actor Jim
Rash will return as the Dean of the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology aka MIT, following his brief appearance in Captain
America: Civil War. Not super important, but worth a mention regardless.
Consider it optional at best. Moving on!
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever from 2022 marks
Dominique Thorne’s debut as Riri Williams, a gifted young woman
at MIT who’s one-of-a-kind Vibranium Detector was co-opted by the
Central Intelligence Agency without her knowledge. It’s use led to Riri
being drawn into a brewing war between 3 separate nations, the United States,
Wakanda and the people of the underwater Kingdom of Talokan. Not
only does this movie introduce Riri, but also two suits of Ironheart
armor, the first of her own making akin to Tony Stark’s original tin can
and the second made by Princess Shuri marking a far more advanced
design. Sadly, Riri was not allowed to keep the latter and the former
was destroyed.
Bonus: What If…? Season 3 features appearances from
both Riri Williams and a version of Ironheart series antagonist The
Hood, with episode 5 What If... The Emergence Destroyed the Earth?
and episode 6 What If... 1872? Again, these are not essential
viewing but might be a fun sample before the first Ironheart episodes
drop.
Honestly, I think that’s all anyone will really need before
they jump into the series in a few days’ time.
Until I manage to make my own suit of power armour, I remain
frogoat