Marvel Studios’ newest Disney+ offerings, including Agatha All Along and the upcoming Ironheart, have become targets of unfortunate dislike-bombing campaigns on platforms like YouTube, where coordinated efforts flood trailers with negative ratings and comments, often for reasons unrelated to the content itself. The official trailer for Ironheart, released on Wednesday, has sparked intense debate, becoming one of the most polarizing previews in Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) history. Posted to widespread attention, the trailer amassed millions of views on YouTube within hours but also faced an overwhelming wave of dislikes, igniting discussions about online trolling and Marvel’s challenges in engaging its diverse audience.
The Ironheart trailer introduces Dominique Thorne as Riri Williams, a brilliant young inventor who builds her own high-tech armor, stepping into the legacy of Tony Stark’s Iron Man. The series follows Riri’s journey as she navigates her newfound powers and confronts both personal and external threats. Featuring a vibrant cast, including Anthony Ramos as the mysterious Parker Robbins (The Hood), the trailer showcases a mix of high-energy action, emotional depth, and Marvel’s signature humor. Set to an upbeat soundtrack, the preview highlights Riri’s ingenuity, with glimpses of her constructing her suit in a Chicago workshop, alongside intense battles and supernatural elements tied to Robbins’ villainous arc.
Despite the trailer’s polished production and promising narrative, it has faced a staggering wave of negativity. As of 12:11 PM EDT on Thursday, May 15, 2025, the Ironheart trailer had accumulated 153,000 likes and 231,000 dislikes on YouTube, resulting in a 50% higher dislike count than likes, according to data reported by thatparkplace.com. This stark ratio underscores the intensity of the backlash, creating a sharp contrast to the reception of other recent MCU trailers, such as Thunderbolts, which debuted with significantly fewer negative reactions. The comment section on YouTube has become a battleground, with a flood of negative remarks, many criticizing the series for perceived “wokeness” or expressing fatigue with Marvel’s expanding roster of diverse leads.
Marvel’s Dislike-Bombing Problem
The Ironheart trailer is not an isolated case in the MCU’s ongoing struggle with online backlash. In recent years, several Marvel trailers and projects have faced similar “dislike-bombing” campaigns, where coordinated efforts flood platforms like YouTube with negative reactions. Notably, the 2023 trailer for The Marvels became the MCU’s most disliked trailer at the time, amassing over 600,000 dislikes due to objections over its all-female lead cast, featuring Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, and Iman Vellani. Similarly, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law faced significant pre-release criticism, with its trailer receiving over 500,000 dislikes, partly due to dissatisfaction with its CGI and its focus on a female protagonist. Ms. Marvel also endured review-bombing on IMDb, with 28.7% of its reviews being one-star, driven by objections to its Muslim protagonist and younger tone.
These incidents highlight a recurring issue for Marvel Studios: a vocal minority of fans who use dislike buttons and comment sections to protest projects that emphasize diversity or deviate from traditional superhero narratives. The Ironheart trailer’s reception suggests that these campaigns often target projects led by women or people of color, with critics citing “superhero fatigue” or accusing Marvel of prioritizing political agendas over storytelling. While some negative feedback may stem from genuine dissatisfaction, the scale and speed of the dislike counts—often amplified by bots or organized groups—point to a broader pattern of trolling. This phenomenon not only skews public perception but also places undue pressure on the cast and crew, who face personal attacks in online spaces.
Despite the backlash, projects like Captain Marvel and Ms. Marvel have achieved critical and commercial success, suggesting that dislike-bombing does not always reflect broader audience sentiment. However, the persistence of these campaigns underscores the challenges Marvel faces in navigating an increasingly polarized fanbase.
As Ironheart prepares for its Disney+ debut on October 3, 2025, Marvel Studios remains optimistic about its potential to resonate with audiences. The series promises to deliver a fresh perspective on the MCU, blending coming-of-age themes with high-stakes action. With a talented cast and a unique blend of genres, Ironheart has the potential to overcome its early online backlash and carve out a distinct place in the MCU. As the release date approaches, fans will be watching closely to see if the series can deliver the compelling story it promises.
