Iman Vellani thinks Ironheart deserves far more attention, even in Marvel comics. While praising the 2025 Ironheart series, the Ms. Marvel actor recently admitted she feels Riri Williams remains “underused” despite being one of Marvel’s more promising younger heroes. For Marvel fans, the comment stood out not just because Vellani has become one of the MCU’s loudest comic book supporters, but because her admiration for Ironheart goes back much further than the character’s recent Disney+ spotlight. In fact, according to Vellani, Riri Williams played an unexpected role in shaping her own connection to Ms. Marvel.

Considering Ironheart’s somewhat inconsistent comic history, it is not hard to see why the actor feels there is still far more Marvel could be doing with the character.

Speaking on The Revenge Of podcast, Iman Vellani was asked about a potential Young Avengers team-up when the conversation shifted toward Marvel’s Ironheart series release in 2025, starring Dominique Thorne. However, rather than simply praising the show, Vellani suggested Marvel has yet to fully tap into Ironheart’s potential, especially on the comic side of things.

“I think she’s like so underused. Even in comics, people need to keep doing stuff with her,” she expressed.

 While discussing the show, the actor made it clear she has long been a fan of Riri Williams and even credited the character for deepening her own connection with Marvel comics. 

  “I did [watch it]. That character got me into Ms. Marvel. I love Ironheart,” Vellani said. Vellani also admitted she personally leans more toward the Champions than the Young Avengers, explaining that she finds those storylines “way more relevant.”  

Robert Downey Jr. And Paul Bettany Turn Lincoln Center Gala Into a Marvel Reunion

 Yet her frustration with Ironheart’s limited use may not be entirely unfounded, especially when looking at Riri Williams’ comic book history.

Despite debuting in Marvel Comics back in 2016 and quickly becoming one of the publisher’s most high-profile younger heroes, Ironheart has never quite maintained consistent momentum in the comics. Riri Williams has crossed paths with major Marvel names, including Tony Stark, Shuri, and the Champions, while also taking part in storylines connected to The Invincible Iron Man and larger Marvel events.

Even the character’s recent Disney+ spotlight has not entirely settled conversations around Ironheart’s future. While the Ironheart series brought renewed attention to Riri Williams, audience response remained somewhat mixed. As of the time of writing, the show holds a 4.5 rating on IMDb and a 76% score on Rotten Tomatoes, highlighting a divide between viewers and critics even as interest around the character continues to grow.

Even so, solo material centered around Ironheart has remained surprisingly limited. The character has periodically resurfaced through miniseries and one-shots, with her latest dedicated comic, Ironheart: Bad Chemistry #1, arriving in 2025, a reminder that Marvel still occasionally revisits the character but rarely sustains long-term momentum.

That inconsistency is partly why Iman Vellani’s comments may resonate with longtime comic readers. Riri Williams clearly exists in an interesting corner of Marvel lore, balancing ties to legacy Iron Man stories with newer-generation superhero teams. Yet, fans have often argued there is still untapped potential in the character. With Marvel also gradually building toward its next major crossover event later this year, conversations around how younger heroes like Ironheart and Ms. Marvel eventually fit into the franchise have only grown louder.

Marvel’s Plans for 'Moon Knight' Addressed as Writer Discusses Oscar Isaac Return

Do you think we will see a Ms. Marvel and Ironheart team-up anytime soon? Let us know in the comments.