The MCU just created a way to make Iron Man’s dream come true years after it was seemingly destroyed

The next Marvel Animation film And if…? season three could tease the reinvention of a variant of Iron Man that has long appeared in the MCU. Set to debut on Disney+ on December 22nd, the first trailer for And if…? season three showed that the next season will be stranger and wilder than its predecessors and will include a number of characters who are relatively new to the MCU. This includes the likes of Moon Knight, Shang-Chi, Monica Rambeau and Red Guardian, while Riri Williams’ Ironheart will also play a key role.

Tony Stark’s Iron Man played a role in previous seasons of And if…?but it is unclear whether he will return in And if…? upcoming season 3. In previous episodes, Tony Stark was killed by Hank Pym, recruited Killmonger, turned into a zombie, fought Justin Hammer at Christmas, defeated the Grandmaster, and helped Captain Carter in 1602. What the future holds for these animated Iron Man variants is uncertainbut And if…? season three could recreate a previously talked about but unexplored side of Tony Stark’s MCU history with a new hero.

Superior Iron Man is rumored to appear in Doctor Strange 2

Superior Iron Man is the villain Tony Stark in Marvel Comics

This storyline could reimagine Marvel Comics’ Superior Iron Man in the MCU, after this version of Tony Stark was rumored to be involved in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. The Superior Iron Man was introduced to Marvel Comics during 2014 Avengers and X-Men: AXIS eventin which the personalities of many heroes and villains were reversed, transforming the heroic Iron Man into the villainous Superior Iron Man. While others returned to normal after this event, Tony Stark did not, and it was only reverted after 2015. Secret Wars.

In preparation for the launch of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, There was widespread speculation that a variant of Tony Stark, using the moniker Superior Iron Man, would be a member of the Illuminati of Earth-838.. Many have theorized that this Stark could be played by Tom Cruise, who almost played Iron Man in the 1990s. That didn’t pan out, and Robert Downey Jr.’s recasting as Doctor Doom means it’s unlikely that the Superior Iron Man appear in the MCU, but And if…? season three could be about to change that.

Riri Williams’ Superior Ironheart Teases What If…? Season 3 offers a new way to adapt the story

And if…? Season 3 trailer may have teased Superior Ironheart

The first trailer for And if…? season three has put Riri Williams’ Ironheart front and center in teases for at least one episode, which will showcase her powers in the space between her debut in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and his next appearance in 2025 Iron Heart series. In addition to showing Riri in a basic Ironheart outfit, And if…? The Season 3 trailer also showed that Riri will wear a more elegant white and blue costume, which is very reminiscent of Marvel Comics’ Superior Iron Man costume..

This could mean a villainous turn for young Ironheart, who is the perfect candidate to take on the Superior Iron Man storyline, as Tony Stark is unlikely to explore that storyline in the MCU. The Superior Iron Man played an important role in Marvel Comics Time runs out plotwho saw Stark as a member of the Illuminati, who set out to destroy other worlds and prevent incursions from destroying the multiverse. With And if…? Season 3 released as part of the Multiverse Saga, it’s very possible that Riri Williams’ Superior Ironheart could fill that role.

Why Dressing As Superior Ironheart Would Be Perfect For Riri Williams

Superior Ironheart in What If…? It would show new sides of Riri Williams

Dominique Thorne has so far made just one appearance in the MCU as Riri Williams’ Ironheart, fighting alongside Shuri’s Black Panther and the Wakandans in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Until recently, there were few updates about his Disney+ solo series, but recently excitement for the show has increasedespecially after it received a June 24, 2025 release date. Iron Heart will develop Riri Williams’ story in live-action, but there are many sides to the new character that will also be explored in animation, especially in And if…? season 3.

Turning Riri Williams into Superior Ironheart in an episode of And if…? season three would give her a crucial role in the next season, giving her main character status and allowing more of her complex and interesting character to be showcased. Ironheart could be pivotal to the future of the MCU, especially since she’s the perfect legacy character for Tony Stark after his Avengers: Endgame sacrificeso it deserves much more development. Showing her as a villain and a hero in And if…? It would be a fantastic way to accomplish this mission.