Summary
Marvel’sIronheartseries has given a new life to a famed Iron Man armor that theMCUsquandered. Exclusive footage thatScreen Rantviewed atD23 2024: The Ultimate Disney Fan Eventproffered a look at the Disney+ series. One of the most thrilling reveals included a glimpse at a classic Iron Man armor that appeared in the MCU but was completely wasted.
TheMCU’sIronheartseriescenters on MIT student, Riri Williams, who has designsed her own armor inspired by Iron Man. Riri, played by Dominique Thorne, debuted in the MCU inBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever, where she teamed up with the new Black Panther, Shuri. Similarly, Riri is the spiritual successor to Iron Man and will likely play a substantial role inthe MCU’s future. Disney gave D23 attendees a glimpse at the miniseries, which looks to revive an iconic Iron Man armor that was barely used.

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Iron Man’s White Armor Was Only Briefly Used In The MCU
Iron Man’s Mark XXXIX Armor Appeared In Iron Man 3
White Iron Man armor has appeared in various contexts, often symbolizing purity, new beginnings, or specialized functions.
Tony Stark’s Mark XXXIX armor, codenamed “Starboost,” madea brief but memorable appearanceinIron Man 3. The sleek, white armor was for sub-orbital flight, featuring advanced thrusters and a reinforced design suitable for the extreme conditions of outer space. The Mark XXXIX was unveiled as part of the Iron Legion during the climactic final battle when Stark initiated the “House Party Protocol,” summoning all his suits to aid in the fight against Aldrich Killian’s forces.

The Mark XXXIX is the third armor from the left in the iconic Iron Legion image fromIron Man 3.
Despite its advanced capabilities, the Starboost armor met an abrupt end. After playing its role in the battle, it was destroyed alongside the rest of the Iron Legion when Stark activated the “Clean Slate Protocol.” This dramatic self-destruction of his armor symbolizes Stark’s commitment to Pepper Potts,emphasizing that his love for her is greater than his obsessionwith his suits.

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In the comics, white Iron Man armor has appeared in various contexts, often symbolizing purity, new beginnings, or specialized functions, such as stealth or space exploration. Stark’sfirst white armor in the comics was the Arctic Armor(Model 14), which debuted inIron Man #318(1995), designed for survival in the harshest frozen climates. Another white armor (Model 50) was introduced inSuperior Iron Man#1 November, which was designed to imitate symbiote biology.

Ironheart D23 Footage Confirmed A New White Armor Upgrade
At the end of theIronheartfootage shown at D23, Riri Williams is seen flying in a sleek new white armor reminiscent of Iron Man’s white armor. This marks the second new armor revealed in theIronheartteaser. This fresh design offers a glimpse of theinnovative and futuristic aesthetic that Riri bringsto the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
MCU Theory Sets Up Iron Man’s Replacement Perfectly & Resolves An 11-Year-Old Loose End
Iron Man’s vision in future projects like Ironheart and Armor Wars can continue with old and new heroes, including one forgotten MCU character.
The white armor’s introduction inIronheartcan make up for the Iron Man counterpart that was wasted inIron Man 3.The white armor pays homage to Riri’s predecessor and demonstrates hercomparably unique genius. This helps cement her place as the MCU’s new Iron-hero when Riri steps into the spotlight inIronheart.

Ironheart
Cast
Ironheart: Following Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Ironheart introduces Riri Williams, a prodigious inventor navigating her path back in Chicago. Balancing her inventive prowess in creating iron suits with the enigmatic presence of Parker Robbins, known as The Hood, Riri finds herself at the intersection of technology and magic.
