Latest news with #Ironheart
Gizmodo
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
Kevin Feige Says Mephisto Was Never the Plan for ‘WandaVision'
By the time Mephisto, played by Sacha Baron Cohen, appeared at the end of Ironheart to strike a sinister deal with Riri Williams, it felt almost anticlimactic for Marvel fans. That's because it was long anticipated that the character would appear on WandaVision, or perhaps, when that didn't happen, its witchy spin-off Agatha All Along. There were certainly teases about it, but it wasn't meant to be until Marvel's most recent series—and that's according to Kevin Feige himself. As reported by CBR, the Marvel boss came clean about Mephisto in a recent roundtable interview. 'He was never part of WandaVision … But the enthusiasm with which he was theorized on that certainly was cool, and was fun to watch, and he's another character that, pre-MCU, it would have been, 'How do you (do Mephisto)? He's the devil? How do you do that character?' But he's a formative character! He was a big part of Thanos's storyline in the comics. So again, now that he's here, the potential is—the plan is clear, theoretically, to use more of him.' 'Theoretically,' Feige said, but now that Mephisto is out of the bag, the next place your mind goes is Spider-Man: Brand New Day, given the character's importance in the comic book arc of the same name. Even though the story won't be the same (for one thing, there's not a big-screen Peter and Mary Jane marriage to mess with yet), certainly some inspiration might be taken. What do you think? Were you expecting to see Mephisto much earlier in the MCU? Spider-Man: Brand New Day hits theaters July 31, 2026. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what's next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Why Lyric Ross Cherishes Her AI Natalie in ‘Ironheart'
[This story contains spoilers from the finale.] It's hard to forget Lyric Ross as Deja in This Is Us. At such a young age, she delivered a standout performance. For some actors, that can be a hard act to follow in adulthood. Not for Ross. As the AI version of Riri Williams' best friend Natalie in Marvel Studios' Ironheart series on Disney+, Ross has been one of the show's many unexpected delights. More from The Hollywood Reporter Where and When to Watch 'Thunderbolts*' Online 'Ironheart' Review: Marvel's 'Black Panther' Spinoff Finds Its Voice Between a Clumsy Pilot and a Frustrating Finale Dominique Thorne Shares Robert Downey Jr.'s Reaction to 'Ironheart': "He Immediately Just Got It" Black Panther fans first met Ironheart's Dominique Thorne's Riri in Black Panther 2: Wakanda Forever three years ago, but her character actually first appeared in the comics in 2016 in Invincible Iron Man Vol. 3 #7. After several other comic appearances, she got her own standalone Ironheart comic in 2018. A teenage prodigy from the South Side of Chicago, Riri attends MIT with every intention of following in Tony Stark's or, rather, Iron Man's, footsteps. Lack of finances, however, complicates that goal in the Ironheart series created by playwright and former Snowpiercer staff writer Chinaka Hodge, which released its season finale on Tuesday. Produced by Ryan Coogler, Ironheart showed a fallen hero in Riri. Her attempts to stay at MIT by any means necessary get her expelled, sending her back home to Chicago without any legitimate way to move forward with her own plans. Back home, she got mixed up with a nefarious group of hackers led by Anthony Ramos' character The Hood. But she also has to face the hole left in her heart from losing her stepfather Gary (Chicago PD's LaRoyce Hawkins) and best friend Natalie to violence. In her grief, she produces an AI version of her best friend whose loss is also felt by Xavier (Matthew Elam), Natalie's brother and maybe Riri's potential love interest. Ross spoke with The Hollywood Reporter about what makes her AI Natalie different from the real Natalie, how she and Thorne created their best friend chemistry, why Ironheart has been a great follow-up to This Is Us, filming in her native Chicago, ignoring the backlash and if we will see more of AI Natalie moving forward. *** Who is the real Natalie and who is the AI Natalie? I think the AI Natalie is that light you can't put out even if you try. She is there to stay whether you like it or not. Very determined, little to no fear, which is one of the things I loved about her. You don't see her getting shaken up by anything really. She takes on challenges seamlessly. The real Natalie is a friend, nurturer, supporter. She's everything that she says she is, in all her confidence, and nobody can tell her different. She embraces challenges like AI Natalie, just with that confidence that she can do anything and everything. And she is always there for her friend Riri. So very similar, but, at the same time, they have their different struggles. We haven't really seen much of the real Natalie. It's more so been flashbacks, but we get to come back to her at the end of the show and see she's a little more calm than AI Natalie, who's kind of all over the place and a very big personality, which they both have, but she's just a little bit more that in who she is, and she understands that and everything that comes with it. So, just different little things. She's very smart. The AI Natalie does things that I don't think she's supposed to be able to do. Oh, absolutely. And that is all shout out to Riri because that is her creation. [AI Natalie] couldn't do that alone, and, of course, [Riri] didn't do it on purpose, which shows you where her mind can go, the fact that she created something that she wasn't supposed to create that was bigger than her own vision should say a lot. Talk about how you and Dominique built the chemistry that we see, because it's quite electric. It seems like it was there from the jump. From our first chemistry read and through our rehearsals, it just stayed consistent. Of course, we put our efforts in just being around each other and having conversations and lunches, if we could. We didn't always have that much time to just hang, but we would take some moments to just be in each other's presence and talk things out, laugh and just hash out random things. So, it was pretty easy and relaxing for me. Let's talk about what AI Natalie represents, because at the end of the day, it's still grief because, at the end of the day, she's lost her friend to gun violence. I think one of the beautiful things about their dynamic is that Riri is forced to grieve in a way. She's been running away from all of that for I don't know how long, and rightfully so, nobody wants to relive those things in order to heal. But what Natalie comes with is a lot of accountability, a lot of honesty, vulnerability, and [Riri] learns a lot throughout that, I guess, new relationship and the contrast between the real Natalie and the AI Natalie. It's a lot to learn between the two and how to deal with tragedy like that, especially when it hits so close to home. Natalie's brother Xavier or Xay, as he's affectionately known, has a very different reaction to AI Natalie. I would, too. It makes a lot of sense where AI Natalie is coming from, but she's focusing on the joy and happiness of all these memories that she's getting, not necessarily the bad part of whatever these people that were affected by those events are going through. It seems like she's blinded by all of the positivity coming from those memories, so she doesn't give room to understand the fact that it's not going to be the same with the people who are affected. And that comes with understanding humans and how they work, understanding that she is not human so she's not going to feel the same in any way. Even though she gets a sense of emotions, the human way of things is a lot harder to understand. Tech is easy for her. She's up for this new challenge of understanding what it means to live, what reality is. So, it's a pretty complex situation. Talk a little bit about playing Deja on for so long and then being able to go into a completely different project. How gratifying is that? And what are the things that you learned playing Deja that help with this role? This whole Ironheart Natalie situation was exactly what I was looking for. I wanted something completely different from Deja and from myself. I heard a lot of horror stories about people being on a show for however many years and not doing much outside of that, and they kind of get stuck in that cycle or rhythm that whatever show brings, and I didn't want to be like that. I was trying to find something that would really break me out of that shell. I [thought] a low budget indie film, but Marvel came along and they said they wanted me to be a part of this journey. I was really excited and really scared at the same time. This is unlike anything that I've ever done, but I wanted to check my range as an actor and as a creative to see what I can do, and that's still the journey that I'm on for whatever my next project will be. And how dope was it to be able to do it in a project set in your city? I was super excited. One of the things that I dreamed of when I was little is getting to go to work downtown in the city, just to do something. I didn't care if it was extra work on Chicago Fire. That was Hollywood to me. I loved seeing the skyscrapers while getting to do what I love. So the fact that I was being taken out of my home in L.A. for however many years just to come back to do something on this scale is, I don't know, I can't explain it. It was that personal to me, and to my folks. All my family is from Chicago. It's a really cool situation that I couldn't come up with myself. That was God. Given all the backlash to before people even saw it, how gratifying is it to see the outpouring of love afterwards? Knowing in your heart that you had done something that was spectacular, how special is it to see people feel that and give you that love back? Absolutely. There was a lot of heart behind it. I knew what we put into it was what we were going to get out of it, whether it looked that way or not. I just knew that that was going to happen. And the fact that people were saying all these horrible things about it without it coming out yet, some people were talking about it before the trailers came out, with the obnoxious actions of that, you've got a choice of what you can believe: Believe in what you did or believe in what the people are saying. I appreciate the love that this show has been getting, but even if there wasn't love at the end of the day, we still made something very special. People are entitled to their own opinions, but I've seen everybody's hard work, day in and day out, blood, sweat and tears. There was so much passion from everybody coming into this show and the fact that we could come together and just take in everything that we've made, it all turned out beautifully. We're sad because it looks like Natalie has gone away. Do you envision an world in which we get more Natalie? I hope that we get more Natalie. There's more for me to explore about her. I know for sure that five months or so was not enough. Selfishly, I want Natalie back. But we will see. I haven't heard anything, so y'all just might find out at the same time I do. *** All six episodes of Ironheart are now streaming on Disney+. Best of The Hollywood Reporter 'The Studio': 30 Famous Faces Who Play (a Version of) Themselves in the Hollywood-Based Series 22 of the Most Shocking Character Deaths in Television History A 'Star Wars' Timeline: All the Movies and TV Shows in the Franchise Solve the daily Crossword
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Russell Wilson and Ciara's viral legacy post ignites marvel buzz and signals Giants era
Russell Wilson and Ciara strike a legacy pose in NYC, repping their 3Brand line in style (Image via Getty) Russell Wilson and Ciara just lit up Instagram—and the New York skyline—with a jaw-dropping family photo that's got the internet talking. Standing in front of the Empire State Building, the couple posed with their four kids in coordinated 3Brand tracksuits, each piece stamped with confidence and purpose. But this wasn't just a sweet family snapshot. It was a carefully timed move blending fashion, football, and a bold new chapter in the Big Apple. A caption that sparked a cultural moment Wilson's post came with just four words: 'Building a Legacy @3brand.' Simple, sharp, and layered with meaning. The caption did more than promote the outfit—it told the world the Wilsons are here to build something far beyond the game. It spoke to generational ambition: from raising confident kids to launching a youth-driven brand that's already gaining Marvel-level attention. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ColorsTV (@colorstv) Fans went wild for the look, with one viral comment reading, 'Win ate this whole post.' Clearly, the Wilson kids aren't just tagging along—they're part of the vision. And 3Brand, the brand tied to son Win and Russell's iconic number 3, is quickly turning into a cultural force. From Athleisure to the Avengers: @3Brand lands in Marvel's Ironheart What started as a kids' athleisure line has exploded into a full-blown cultural player. @3Brand gear recently made a surprise cameo in Marvel's Ironheart series, worn by the next-gen heroes of the MCU. That kind of screen time puts @3Brand on the map—and into the wardrobes of a younger, hype-driven audience. With Nike and Kidpik collabs under its belt, the brand is expanding from fashion into media and influence. Its core is still kid-forward and motivational—but now it's carrying cinematic weight. Russell and Ciara aren't just brand ambassadors. They're hands-on creators, and this Marvel moment proves they know how to position their legacy in front of the next generation. NYC Is no longer just a backdrop—It's the Wilsons' new empire Behind the Empire State photo lies an even bigger headline: Russell Wilson is now a New York Giant. In March 2025, he inked a one-year deal worth up to $21 million, officially bringing his talents—and family—to MetLife Stadium. According to Wilson, NYC felt like the right fit, especially with rising star Malik Nabers in the offense and a chance to return to the stadium where he once won a Super Bowl. As he told reporters, 'I came here because of him,' referring to Nabers' electric playmaking. Also read: 'A really sad time': Kirk Cousins' wife Julie breaks down as Falcons bench him in Netflix's Quarterback Now, with Ciara diving deeper into music and skincare in the city, and their kids gaining media spotlight, NYC is more than just a move—it's the Wilsons' empire headquarters. In one photo and one powerful caption, the Wilson family captured their moment—and launched a new chapter. The Giants got their quarterback. Marvel got their merch. And fashion? It just got a legacy brand with real game. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Abbott Elementary' Star William Stanford Davis Wants More Actors to Say ‘No'
When you're just starting out as an actor, wrestling with reservations about taking on a particular role, especially when it could pay a few bills or even your rent, poses a challenge. Then again, actors who go the distance tend to work with intention instead of throwing themselves at anything and everything. In the latest episode of 'What No One Tells You,' William Stanford Davis (aka Mr. Johnson on 'Abbott Elementary') told IndieWire's Future of Filmmaking that while 'people are afraid to say no,' that one word is key to setting yourself apart. More from IndieWire 'Ironheart' Review: Dominique Thorne Soars in Marvel's Solid Wakanda-Inspired Spinoff 'My Mom Jayne' Review: Mariska Hargitay's Documentary Portrait of Her Mother Has Massive Revelations - and Even More Empathy 'They think that saying no means that you're not gonna get a job,' said Davis, 'or that some type of bad spell is gonna be put on you because you said the word 'no.' The word 'no' is one of the most important things you can say in this business.' Davis cited a test he gave while teaching acting classes in Los Angeles, where he asked students if they were willing to do nudity. Many, as he said, immediately responded, 'Oh, yeah, sure,' but to Davis, this meant, 'They didn't think about the question.' If they're willing to do nudity, that's absolutely fine, but not even trying to understand why your character might strip down indicates they would 'do anything for a job.' Instead of just saying yes to everything, actors should consider why they're the best fit for a role and use that to guide their choices instead. Besides advising what to say 'no' to, Davis also highlighted why actors should 'always be learning.' By keeping their minds open, actors can tap into new ways of performing to elevate their presence. 'For me, it was just some little things, like every experience we have is filtered through your five senses,' Davis told Future of Filmmaking. 'That was like, 'Oh my God,' that was like an 'Aha!' moment for me. That was like, 'Ok, I can stop pretending. I can stop acting. I can only just behave now.'' He added, 'Emotion for emotion's sake is a lie. Emotion has to be based on the truth, and if I'm telling the truth all the time — if I'm really locked in — the truth of what this character's going through, the emotion's gonna be there to save me. It takes a tremendous amount of study to perfect it, and I don't think anyone perfects it. I think you're constantly learning, you're constantly growing.' Watch a clip from his episode of 'What No One Tells You' below. Want to find out more about Future of Filmmaking and 'What No One Tells You?' Visit IndieWire's new Future of Filmmaking landing page and sign up for our weekly newsletter, 'In Development.'Best of IndieWire The Best Thrillers Streaming on Netflix in June, from 'Vertigo' and 'Rear Window' to 'Emily the Criminal' All 12 Wes Anderson Movies, Ranked, from 'Bottle Rocket' to 'The Phoenician Scheme' Nightmare Film Shoots: The 38 Most Grueling Films Ever Made, from 'Deliverance' to 'The Wages of Fear'
Gizmodo
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
Watch Robert Downey Jr. Geek Out About ‘Ironheart' for 14 Minutes
It's still unclear what impact, if any, the events of Ironheart will have on the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but at least one person in it has already felt the effects. That would be Robert Downey Jr., the former Tony Stark, current Victor Von Doom and basically the Godfather of the MCU. Downey is a busy man, but he still found time to sit down with Ironheart star Dominique Thorne to geek out about the show for 14 minutes, and it's just a delight. In what's apparently just part one of two from a larger conversation, Marvel just posted Downey and Thorne talking about the first three episodes of Ironheart. They're going to talk about the last three eventually too. But, here, Downey asks Thorne all about her process, specific scenes, character choices, and so much more, all as he contextualizes the latest show into the larger scope of the franchise. Check it out. And while there aren't any major revelations there, you can just tell that Downey is being totally sincere about his love of this show. He's a great actor, clearly, but he wouldn't have done this kind of promotion for a show he didn't actually care about and enjoy. And he seems genuinely curious and excited about everything Thorne has to say. Now, I do wish they were able to at least talk a bit more about spoilers since this is out weeks after those episodes first dropped. For example, I would love to hear Downey's thoughts about Alden Ehrenreich's character since he's so wrapped up in the history of Iron Man. But maybe that comes in the next installment. And maybe we'll see what the latest MCU mega-villain has to say about that other new MCU mega-villain. All episodes of Ironheart are now on Disney+ and, like Robert Downey Jr. says, they're great. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what's next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
