Warning! This article contains spoilers for Ironheart.
Ironheartmade a number of surprising reveals that could explain major mysteries, like how Ultron returns to theMarvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Riri Williams debut solo series has finally arrived after the character debuted three years earlier inBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever, and it did not disappoint.
With Riri’s story tying in to various parts of the MCU, like Tony Stark’s story, and even the mystic arts and Kamar-Taj,Ironheartis an important part of the Multiverse Saga. And parts of the story even provide insights to what could come next.
Overall, Riri’s incredible engineering skills, and the inclusion of magic in the story have resulted in a story that is a perfect example of the MCU’s larger potential.Bringing science and magic together, and creating superheroes from all walks of life. But it also gave rise to some notable villains.
Ultron’s Return Is Already Confirmed For The MCU
Ultron Will Be Back Alongside Vision In The MCU
While Ultron was initially introduced inAvengers: Age of Ultron, all the way back in 2015, the character is due to return to the MCU in 2026. Recently, Marvel Studios confirmed thatJames Spader will be reprising this iconic rolefor theupcomingVision Questseries.
For a number of reasons, this is surprising. Typically, Marvel is very averse to revealing details ahead of their own meticulous schedule, so the fact that the character is confirmed to return is already very unusual. But beyond that,Ultron is supposed to be dead.
I mean, technically, as an artificial intelligence, Ultron can’t die. But the 2015 movie saw therise and fall of Tony Stark’s most misguided creation. And with so much having happened between that film and the modern MCU, it begs the question, where has Ultron been? And how is it possible for him to return?
Ironheart Shows What Could Bring Ultron Back In The MCU
Riri Williams Broke New Ground With Her Latest Creation
Ironheartmay actually provide the answers to at least one of those questions. One important detail in the series is thecreation of Riri’s new AI co-pilotfor the suit, N.A.T.A.L.I.E., who looks and acts just like her late friend.
N.A.T.A.L.I.E. is an incredible creation which Riri herself is unsure of how she actually made. As far as Riri was concerned, having scanned her brain, and using that with an algorithm, she was able toproduce this highly advanced model of her deceased friend.
One important detail in the series is the creation of Riri’s new AI co-pilot for the suit.
But, there appears to be something bigger at play, and that is hinted at in the series' finale when Riri is reunited with her old friend Natalie, not the AI, but a physical, real being. IfUltron exists somewhere inside technology, lurking and waiting for his moment to strike, thissituation could pique his interest, and lead to his return.
Ironheart’s Ending May Also Play A Role In Ultron’s Story
Ironheart Brought Science & Magic Together In The MCU
Ultron is an AI. Rather than being a physical being, heexists as code and data, which was what made him so intimidating inAge of Ultron, because despite speaking and attacking through various robot bodies, he seemed to be everywhere.
But, Ultron also saw a value to taking on a physical form, and becoming “real.” This is why he built the body that J.A.R.V.I.S. inhabited, which led to the birth of Vision. But ifUltron is still lurking in technology, and absorbing information, it’s possible he saw Riri’s remarkable breakthrough.
And if he began to watch Riri more closely, it could have led to him witnessingNatalie being brought back from the deadas a real person. In addition, the presence ofMephisto may be another detail that connectsWandaVisionandIronheart, as the character was heavily hinted at throughout that show.
It’s not unreasonable to assume that Mephisto may get a kick out of bringing Ultron back, and with Riri’s incredible computer skills, he may have the right people and tools in place to do just that. In this way,Ironheartcould include the foundational setup for Ultron’s return inVision Quest.
