In the Heights star Anthony Ramos has officially joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Ramos is set to star in Marvel Studios' Ironheart series for Disney Plus.
Ramos originally gained attention with his breakout role in the Broadway cast of the classic play, Hamilton. Since then, fans have spotted him in various projects outside the beloved In the Heights, such as Netflix's She's Gotta Have It and A Star is Born. Now, Ramos is jumping from one franchise to the other, having just wrapped filming Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. Although he may have been able to dip his toes into the intense action scenes and stunts with that project, his introduction into Marvel Studios' MCU will be something to watch out for.
Deadline was first to report that Ramos has been cast in Marvel Studios' Ironheart, which will be streaming on Disney Plus as part of Phase 4. Ironheart was announced back in December 2020 by Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige. Chinaka Hodge will be serving as head writer for the upcoming series. Although Ramos' spot on the show has been confirmed, his key role within the series remains a mystery. However, the main character has been cast and revealed. Ironheart stars Dominique Thorne as the lead, playing the comic fan-favorite Riri Williams. The character of Williams was first created in the original comics by writer Brain Michael Bendis and artist Mike Deodato.
Williams didn't make her on-screen debut until 2016's Invincible Iron ManNo. 7. In the comics, Williams is described as quite literally a genius - a 15-year-old MIT student who gets noticed by Tony Stark due to building her own impressive version of the Iron Man suit while living in her dorm room. Throughout the comics, Tony Stark sees her as a partner in crime, even letting her sub in for him at some points, which showcases tremendous trust. Ironheart will ring true to Williams' higher intelligence, while still exploring more of her teenagehood.
The Ironheart series’ narrative seems to be leaning towards making her a highschooler as opposed to an incredibly young MIT student. Given that Tony Stark has now since passed, it will be fascinating to see exactly where Ironheart takes the series and how Williams' character will be affected without that mentor-type figure available anymore.
The whole idea of having Williams' character be spotted and found by Tony Stark is actually quite a more boring, savior complex narrative anyway. With Williams' power and supreme fan base, it will be exciting to see her finally get the spotlight she deserves.
Marvel Studios' Ironheart will be released exclusively on Disney Plus.
Source: Deadline
