Discovering Riri Williams’ Strengths in What If…?

Every episode of *What If…?* brings viewers a fresh perspective on beloved characters, and the recent installment titled “What If…The Emergence Destroyed Earth?” showcases the formidable strength of Riri Williams. In this captivating episode, fans are treated to a remarkable display of her abilities.

Set in a universe ravaged by the Emergence before the Eternals could intervene, Riri—portrayed by Dominique Thorne—faces a dystopian reality. In this world, nefarious figures like Quentin Beck, voiced by Alejandro Saab, wield control, using deceitful illusions to manipulate the remaining human population. However, Riri fights back utilizing her ingenious intellect and creativity. Along her journey, she teams up with iconic characters—including Ying Nan (Michelle Wong), Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), Okoye (Kenna Ramsey), and Wong (David Chen)—as they unite to confront the threats posed by White Vision and Beck.

This collaboration leads to electrifying moments, marking a significant step in Riri’s character development. What struck me most about this episode was how it allowed Riri Williams to emerge in her own light. Unlike other narratives where she learns from mentors like Tony Stark or engages with Shuri’s technology as seen in *Wakanda Forever*, Riri’s success stems from her own intellect and innovation. Truly, she remains the star of her journey!

At this moment, Riri Williams stands out as one of the brightest minds in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). While White Vision’s intelligence is notably higher, his actions are constrained by Quentin Beck’s control, placing Riri at the pinnacle in this episode. Her quick thinking showcases her potential, cementing her status as a critical player in the ongoing Marvel saga.

Anticipating Ironheart

Riri Williams made her debut in 2016 as a brilliant young Black girl from Chicago who enters MIT at just 15 years old. Her story embodies a perfect transition from the legacy of Tony Stark, who serves as her mentor and ultimately becomes her A.I. in the comics. With Robert Downey Jr. returning to the MCU, fans are left wondering if some of that dynamic might be reflected in the upcoming live-action series.

The forthcoming series is also set to introduce several highly anticipated characters, including Anthony Ramos’ take on Red Hood, who previously appeared in a *What If…?* episode. Meanwhile, the mystery surrounding Alden Ehrenreich’s role adds another layer of excitement, sparking speculation that he may portray Ezekiel Stane.

Riri’s appearance in *What If…?* has rekindled enthusiasm for her future in the MCU. Since her last depiction in *Wakanda Forever*, her absence has been felt, and witnessing her brilliance in this episode amplified hope for her character’s trajectory. Riri’s unique ability to transform herself into White Vision and confront Quentin Beck independently exemplifies her extraordinary talent.

If that doesn’t impress you, I genuinely don’t know what would! Riri Williams is truly an exceptional character!

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