Mike Deodato Speaks Out About Not Getting Paid for ‘Ironheart’ TV Show
Mike Deodato, the artist who helped create Riri Williams (Ironheart), is speaking out. He says Marvel Studios did not pay him for using the character in the new Ironheart TV show, which is coming soon to Disney+.
Deodato worked with writer Brian Michael Bendis to create Riri Williams. She first appeared in Invincible Iron Man Vol. 3 #7 in 2016. The character made her big-screen debut in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, played by Dominique Thorne, who will also star in the Ironheart series.
With the Ironheart trailer dropping this week, Deodato posted a letter on social media. In it, he shared his feelings, both proud and frustrated. The full message, written in English, said:
“As a comic book artist, there are few feelings more satisfying than seeing a character you helped create come to life on the big screen. Tomorrow, the trailer for Ironheart drops, and I’m thrilled to share a scene from the preview featuring a moment I originally brought to life on the comics page. Riri Williams, a character I co-created with the amazing Brian Michael Bendis, is finally taking flight, and the result is stunning. It’s a powerful reminder of the magic that happens when imagination meets real-world production.“
But even with the excitement, Deodato says something is missing.
“But as much as I celebrate this moment, there’s a bitter edge to it. You see, while Marvel has built an empire worth billions on the backs of its creators, the compensation model hasn’t kept pace with the success. I’m in a good place, one of the best-paid creators in the industry, and I truly appreciate that. But it’s not about me. It’s about the principle. When a character you poured your heart into helps fuel the engine of a multi-billion-dollar machine, a small share of that success feels only fair.“
He goes on to explain that creators don’t expect huge money — just respect and fair treatment.
“Creators don’t ask for billions or even millions. Just a nod, a bit of recognition, and a share that reflects the contribution they’ve made. It’s not just good ethics—it’s good business. Happy creators stay invested, inspired, and loyal. But when the business side doesn’t match the creative investment, creators naturally drift toward projects where they retain control, where their work can lead to lasting financial security.”
Deodato made it clear that he is not angry, just being honest.
“I’m not bitter, just realistic. I’m proud to see Riri come to life, and I’ll always appreciate the fans who make that possible. But I hope one day, the companies that thrive on our imaginations will truly recognize the value we bring to the table. Marvel, you can do better. And I genuinely hope you will, for the sake of the characters we love and the creators who bring them to life.”
Deodato doesn’t work much with Marvel anymore. He now creates comics for AWA, a company run by former Marvel editor-in-chief Axel Alonso, the same person who helped launch the first Riri Williams stories.
Ironheart will premiere on Disney+ on June 24, 2025. It will have six episodes, with the first three releasing on day one. The show will also be the final Marvel TV series in Phase Five of the MCU. But as the release date gets closer, both Marvel Comics and Disney+ have been quiet about it.
Deodato’s message is clear: he’s proud of Riri Williams and her success, but he also wants Marvel and Disney to do better by the people who helped bring these heroes to life.
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