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Robert Downey Jr. recently wished luck to Dominique Thorne in a heartwarming and motivational message as she prepares to star in Marvel's new series Ironheart. Downey Jr., who is famous for playing Tony Stark/Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), employed a combination of seriousness and humor quite befitting Tony Stark's character to express his support.
The message was broadcast on Good Morning America during an interview segment where Thorne joined co-star Anthony Ramos to discuss the show. On the pre-recorded video, Downey Jr. congratulated Thorne on playing Riri Williams and was excited about her representation. He concluded the message in a fun sign-off, making a heart using both his hands and stating,
"Iron Man loves Ironheart."
Thorne replied with an equal gesture and said,
"Ironheart loves Iron Man, too."
The exchange drew the attention of fans since it seemed like a symbolic passing of the torch between the two generations of Marvel superheroes. As Ironheart prepares to debut on Disney+ and conclude Phase 5 for the MCU, this on-camera message gave this part of the greater Marvel narrative a personal feel.
A heart-to-heart moment on live TV
Robert Downey Jr.'s video was screened on Good Morning America, in which Dominique Thorne and Anthony Ramos were hosting for Ironheart. Downey Jr. complimented Thorne's work and shared that he was glad to see her play the character of Riri Williams.
Addressing her directly, he stated,
"Ms. Thorne, I couldn't be happier than to be seeing you bring Riri Williams to life."
He also referenced Ramos with some playful remarks regarding his personality, Parker Robbins (otherwise referred to as The Hood), inquiring on a joking note if Robbins was assuming the role of Doctor Doom.
Thorne was visibly emotional and replied on air with her own heartfelt gesture. She later described the moment as significant and stated it left a lasting impact on her.
Not the first time Downey Jr. extended his hand
This is a public moment coming on the heels of a private text Downey Jr. had already sent to Thorne after Ironheart finished filming. In interviews, Thorne explained that he had reached out to inform her that he was thrilled about the show and rooting for her. He gave her a "two thumbs up," in her words, which reassured her.
Thorne explained that his lines provided her with the assurance and relief of taking on a job associated with a fan favorite character. She further added that Tony Stark and Riri Williams are quite distinct. Stark was a billionaire with worldwide influence, yet Riri is a teenage inventor from a normal suburban area, but she still does great things through her intellect and abilities.
Where Ironheart sits within the MCU
Thorne initially made her debut as Riri Williams in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, where her character created technology that was instrumental in the happenings of the movie. In the new Ironheart series, she returns to Chicago and is facing a new adversary—Parker Robbins/The Hood, played by Anthony Ramos.
Ironheart will premiere its first three episodes on Disney+ on June 24, 2025. It will be the last release in Marvel's Phase 5. Phase 6 will kick off in July with Fantastic Four.
Cast for the series also includes Lyric Ross, Regan Aliyah, Alden Ehrenreich, and Sacha Baron Cohen (who plays a character whose character has not yet been announced). Jim Rash again plays the MIT dean, connecting the series back to previous MCU occurrences with Tony Stark and Riri Williams.
What Downey Jr.'s message means for Thorne—and fans
Downey Jr.’s support has made a difference, both for Thorne and for how fans see Ironheart. Thorne has spoken openly about how much it meant to hear from him, especially since she’s stepping into a space long shaped by Iron Man. She has also encouraged fans to get behind the show, joking that if Downey Jr. gave it a thumbs up,
“that should be enough reason to hop on the bandwagon.”
His message was a whispered seal of approval, a means of indicating that the baton is being passed with authority. Although Iron Man's own story concluded in Avengers: Endgame, his impact persists—now through Riri Williams.
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