Like every MCU project at this stage, Ironheart features a post-credit scene teasing future developments.
In the post-credit segment of Ironheart, Parker Robbins (Anthony Ramos), now without his magical hood, teams up with sorceress-in-training Zelma Stanton (Regan Aliyah) for some mystical assistance. After his confrontation with Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne) and the aftermath involving the newly introduced Mephisto (Sacha Baron Cohen), he states that he requires “Supreme-like help,” suggesting that the duo is heading to seek Sorcerer Supreme Wong (Benedict Wong).
There’s just one issue here, and it’s a challenge that Marvel has faced for some time now: Will this scene actually lead to anything in the MCU?
The MCU has a post-credits dilemma.
Despite Ironheart being inconsistent at times, it’s still a show I would like to see continue with a Season 2, where we would presumably discover what Parker and Zelma are up to alongside Riri’s forthcoming actions. However, considering that Loki and Daredevil: Born Again are the only two live-action Marvel Studios series to receive second season renewals, and the manner in which Disney hastily released Ironheart over two weeks, my expectations are low. Based on the rollout alone, it appears that Marvel lacks confidence in how Riri’s narrative integrates into the future of the MCU. That’s unfortunate since the series delves into intriguing themes like wealth inequality and AI ethics, while also enhancing representation in the MCU, featuring a predominantly Black cast and its queer and nonbinary characters like Slug (Shea Couleé) and Jeri (Zoe Terakes).
If Ironheart doesn’t get an opportunity for a Season 2, it will join the ranks of Moon Knight and She-Hulk: Attorney at Law as canceled shows with undeniable potential for further seasons. (While Ms. Marvel technically received continuity in The Marvels, I would categorize it in this group too.) Beyond that, it adds to the extensive list of MCU projects whose post-credit sequences lead nowhere. Recall Moon Knight hinting at Marc Spector’s (Oscar Isaac) third persona Jake Lockley? Or She-Hulk revealing that Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) has a son named Skaar (Wil Deusner)? Still waiting to find out where either of those narratives will progress, even after years.
Yet, these teases don’t end with the MCU’s television offerings. They extend to its films as well. Charlize Theron appeared as sorceress Clea in the closing moments of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Brett Goldstein featured as Hercules in the post-credit of Thor: Love and Thunder, and Harry Styles made his MCU debut as Eros in Eternals. But have any of these characters returned? No!
Post-Avengers: Endgame, the MCU has been throwing everything against the wall, hinting at storylines that will probably never materialize instead of consistently pointing to the next verified project. And while it’s interesting to see the franchise as a constantly evolving living document adapting in real time to current events (see: Disney’s Fox acquisition bringing in the X-Men and Fantastic Four, or the discarding of Jonathan Majors’ Kang), it’s equally frustrating as a viewer to become invested in characters the MCU suggests might play a role in future narratives but never get the solid chance to do so.
I’d love to witness more of Riri and Parker and Zelma and the rest of Ironheart’s team. But given Marvel’s past performance, I’m not optimistic, just exasperated.
Ironheart Season 1 is now available for streaming on Disney+.