Anthony Ramos Stars as The Hood in Ironheart Series

Marvel's Phase 5 may have concluded its theatrical run with The New Avengers, but the phase wraps up with the Disney+ series Ironheart. Following the events of 2022's Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Dominique Thorne returns as Riri Williams, who heads back to Chicago to craft a new armored suit. She’ll face a formidable challenge in Anthony Ramos’ Parker Robbins, known as The Hood.

Who is The Hood, and what makes him a dangerous foe for this emerging hero? We dive into the details of the MCU’s latest villain and his connection to a powerful supernatural force. Here’s what we cover:

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Who Is Parker Robbins, aka The Hood?

Parker Robbins was once a petty crook taking odd jobs to provide for his family. A botched heist changed everything when he acquired a Nisanti demon’s cloak and boots, transforming him into The Hood. With newfound power, he set his sights on dominating New York’s criminal underworld.

The Hood has since been a persistent threat to the Avengers and other heroes. His stolen abilities fuel his grand ambitions, even if he doesn’t fully grasp their potential. He’s determined to claim the title of the Marvel Universe’s new crime lord.

The Hood's Powers and Abilities

Initially an ordinary man, Parker Robbins gained extraordinary abilities after stealing a mystical cloak and boots from a Nisanti demon. These artifacts grant him powers like levitation, invisibility, and the ability to channel magical energy through dual pistols. At times, demonic possession turns him into a monstrous figure with enhanced strength.

The Hood also knows the power of alliances. To seize control of the criminal underworld, he recruits a loyal crew, including The Wrecking Crew, Madame Masque, Jigsaw, Chemistro, and The Wizard—a roster that rivals even the most notorious crime lords.

Though his core powers are modest, The Hood’s ambition drives him to seek greater artifacts, such as the Infinity Gems and Asgardian Norn Stones, elevating him to a true Avengers-level threat.

The Hood's Rise in the Marvel Universe

Created by Brian K. Vaughan, Kyle Hotz, and Eric Powell, The Hood debuted in 2002’s The Hood #1. The series portrays Parker Robbins as a flawed but well-meaning man who turns to crime to support his family. A failed job leads him to claim a Nisanti demon’s cloak and boots, pulling him into a larger, darker world.

In the original miniseries, Parker outsmarts a crime lord called The Golem and escapes the FBI, vowing to reform. However, he soon embraces his role as The Hood, aiming to dominate the criminal underworld.

The Hood plays a major role in Brian Michael Bendis’ New Avengers series, exploiting the chaos of the Superhuman Registration Act and Wilson Fisk’s retirement. Leading a supervillain army, he declares his intent to become the new Kingpin, challenging the New Avengers as they evade Iron Man’s Mighty Avengers.

During this time, the true source of The Hood’s powers is revealed: Dormammu, one of Marvel’s most formidable supernatural villains.

Following 2008’s Secret Invasion, The Hood joins Norman Osborn’s Cabal, alongside Doctor Doom, Namor, Emma Frost, and Loki. The group disbands after Osborn’s fall in 2010’s Siege, but The Hood persists, nearly assembling the Infinity Gauntlet and proving his evolution from a street-level thug to a major player.

Though freed from Dormammu’s influence, Parker Robbins continues his relentless pursuit of power in the criminal underworld.

The Hood in Marvel's Ironheart Series

The Hood has had limited appearances outside Marvel comics, featured in games like Marvel Heroes and Marvel Puzzle Quest, and voiced by Todd Haberkorn in Marvel Future Avengers.

That changes with Disney+’s live-action Ironheart series, where Anthony Ramos portrays The Hood as the main antagonist. Why choose The Hood, who lacks a comic connection to Ironheart? Let’s explore.

Spinning off from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Ironheart follows Dominique Thorne as Riri Williams, who returns to Chicago after being expelled from MIT. There, she builds a new armored suit and confronts The Hood, an aspiring crime boss.

The Hood serves two key roles in the series. His street-level crime ties align with Riri’s Chicago roots, where gun violence has shaped her life and her drive to become a hero. Facing a villain wielding enchanted guns carries deep personal stakes.

Additionally, Ironheart explores the science-versus-magic conflict often seen in Iron Man stories. The Hood’s mystical powers contrast with Riri’s technological genius, filling a gap left by the MCU’s Iron Man films, which never fully delved into this dynamic.

The series raises questions about The Hood’s origins. The trailer shows Ramos’ Parker grappling with his cloak’s dark influence. Will Dormammu be the power behind him in the MCU, or will another supernatural entity take that role? Could he rise to an Avengers-level threat as he does in the comics?

Answers await when Ironheart premieres on Disney+ on June 24, 2025. Until then, explore more about Dominique Thorne’s Ironheart and stay updated on every Marvel movie and series in development.