The Marvel Cinematic Universe has introduced many new heroes who have quickly become fan favorites. One such character is Riri Williams, played by Dominique Thorne, who made her debut in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’. As the young genius behind the vibranium-detecting machine that propels the film’s conflict, Riri proves herself to be a highly intellectual character.
However, there’s a lingering regret among fans: the fact that Riri Williams never got the chance to meet Tony Stark. The potential dynamic between these two characters could have been one of the most exciting relationships in the MCU. Sadly, Tony Stark’s death in ‘Avengers: Endgame’ closed the door on that possibility.
Tony Stark Mentored Riri Williams In The Comics
Though Riri and Tony never crossed paths in the MCU, their comic book history tells a different story. In the comics, Riri is a prodigy attending MIT who constructs her own Iron Man-style armor from an outdated Model 41 Iron Man suit. She uses parts scavenged from around the campus which is very similar to how Tony built his own suit.
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Her early adventures catch the attention of Tony Stark, who personally visits her and encourages her aspirations to become a hero. Riri’s story takes a dramatic turn during the Civil War II arc, where she fights alongside Tony against Captain Marvel. After Tony falls into a coma following his battle with Carol Danvers, Riri is left to carry on his legacy.
However, rather than stepping into his shoes alone, she is guided by an advanced AI version of Tony Stark. The AI Tony mentors her as she refines her skills and builds a new, improved suit. Under his guidance, she adopts the mantle of Ironheart and emerges as a powerful hero in her own right. This comic storyline cements Riri as a worthy successor to Iron Man. It’s this dynamic that the MCU, unfortunately, never had the chance to explore.
Why Riri And Tony Would Have Been Perfect Together
While ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ does a fantastic job of integrating Riri Williams into the MCU, her absence from Tony Stark’s orbit feels like a missed opportunity. The film does a great job of establishing Riri as an independent, brilliant young inventor. However, the potential interactions between her and Tony would have been even better.
The MCU has previously explored mentor-student relationships with Tony Stark, most notably through his connection with Peter Parker. However, while Peter is undeniably smart, he isn’t on the same level as Tony when it comes to building high-tech suits and weapons. Riri, on the other hand, builds an entire Iron Man-like suit on her own while still in college.
This was something even Tony himself would have found impressive. Their potential conversations could have been legendary. Tony would have undoubtedly been both proud and slightly threatened by Riri’s genius. Whereas, Riri could have benefited from Tony’s experience and wisdom. Moreover, Tony and Riri share a commonality in their paths to heroism. Both inadvertently create technology that falls into the wrong hands.
Is It Possible For A.I. Tony Stark To Appear In The MCU?
Although Tony Stark is dead in the MCU, there remains a slim possibility that he could return in some form. Fans have been speculating that RDJ’s Doctor Doom will be a Tony Stark variant to explain their similar appearance. In the comics, Riri Williams receives guidance from an AI version of Tony after his coma. This helps her in designing a new, more advanced Ironheart suit.
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While this storyline seems far-fetched it’s still possible. After the Avengers defeat Doom Stark could return in some capacity. If Marvel were to bring back Tony in this form, it could offer a fresh, innovative way to reconnect Riri with the legacy of Iron Man. Moreover, while Riri Williams never had the chance to meet Tony Stark in the MCU, his influence is undoubtedly present in her journey.
However, even if we don’t get to see them together anytime soon, there are a lot of things to look forward to with the MCU. With the recently confirmed casting of ‘Doomsday‘ RDJ may be the film’s main antagonist. So, even if we don’t get to see Tony Stark in action we will definitely see Robert Downey Jr. return, hopefully in all his glory.
