The Cast of ‘Marvel Rising: Heart of Iron’ Reveal Their Super Hero Inspirations

In “Marvel Rising: Heart of Iron”, Riri Williams is introduced to the Secret Warriors team as Ironheart, a teen genius who gets her heroic inspiration from Iron Man!

Riri feels a kinship with Tony Stark as she’s inspired by his love for science and pursuit of cutting-edge tech in order to make the world a better place. To hear more about Marvel's most inspiring Super Heroes, Marvel.com talked with the cast of “Marvel Rising: Heart of Iron” about their own motivations, and we found out which heroes and what qualities drive them to become the best hero they can be...

Much like her character Ironheart, Sofia Wylie (Riri Williams/Ironheart) is inspired by the one and only Iron Man. “I’ve always thought he’s so intelligent, so funny, such a great character,” she explains. But that’s not her only role model; Spider-Man’s youth and strength are very in line with her own ideals as well. “He’s such an amazing character because he’s saving the world but at the same time being an incredible person—that is who I want to be.”

When it comes to inspirational heroes, Kamil McFadden (Rayshaun Lucas/Patriot) finds strength in the King of Wakanda: “I love what Black Panther stands for—he’s very righteous, he’s all about trying to do the right thing, he’s intelligent—he’s someone to look up to as far as leadership.” McFadden continues, “The fact that he relies on the Dora Milaje as council and putting his faith in an army of powerful women, that’s one of my favorite things about him.”

For Kathreen Khavari (Kamala Khan/Ms. Marvel), she finds her strength in one particular Marvel hero and that’s Storm. And her specific traits include, “The strength that she brings to everything, and what she represents for a group of people that have been marginalized, and the way in which she battles.” Hear hear!

Milana Vayntrub (Doreen Green/Squirrel Girl) is inspired by her very own character! “She’s the dream, mainly because of her sense of humor," Milana says. "This is the cartoon I wish I had as a kid. Not only were there not enough female heroes for me growing up, there certainly weren’t any that had the levity that Squirrel Girl has. Knowing that you can be powerful, resourceful, and have a sense of humor is a really powerful message.” She is unbeatable, after all!

"Marvel Rising: Heart of Iron" premieres on the Marvel HQ YouTube channel on Wednesday, April 3 at 4:00pm PT!

In conjunction with the premiere of "Marvel Rising: Heart of Iron", select voice talent from the special, including Sofia Wylie, Kathreen Khavari, Kamil McFadden, and more will be live-chatting with fans on Marvel HQ at the same time as the premiere! Click here to participate in the live-chat and talk to some of your favorite "Marvel Rising" stars!

For more information, check out “Marvel Rising” on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Then subscribe to Marvel HQ on YouTube for full episodes and more!