By now, you’ve probably already seen the first 3 episodes of Ironheart as they premiered on Disney+ earlier this month. The series was met with rave reviews from critics and fans, as many binged them back to back ahead of the remaining 3 set to release on July 1st. Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne) and the gang have already captivated audiences with the relatable mannerisms and personalities within their characters, so please believe the hype you’re seeing.
While the series has introduced us to the majority of the cast, there’s one character that we’re seeing appear for the first time in this second batch of episodes: Zelma Stanton aka the Sanctum Sanctorum librarian, played by actress Regan Aliyah.
Who is she? And why is it possible that she becomes a fan favorite? You’d be happy to know she has ties to another familiar Avenger, making it quite possible we may see her in future projects. Stanton is a bit of a deep cut if you aren’t up to date on all Marvel comics characters, so let’s get to know her a little better as we dive into her backstory.
Stanton’s story starts when she was working as a librarian in the Bronx and became infected with Mind Maggots, which left a growth within her head. The mass eventually grew eyes and teeth, but when she went to have it checked out at a hospital, she scared the staff, so a friend ultimately ended up suggesting she meet with Doctor Strange. Zelma’s condition stunned Strange as well, so he tried to cast a spell on it, but instead of curing it, Mind Maggots began to pour out. Because the creatures were linked to her, Strange asked her to begin pouring out her secrets to lure them, and when they came towards her, he was able to absorb them.
By doing so, this cured Zelma, and before leaving, Strange offered her a job as a librarian, which she accepted. Their partnership takes a turn when they fall under attack by a science-based cult known as Empirikul, which ended up destroying Strange’s library of spells. As they both attempted to retrieve the spells, they became stranded in Weirdworld and Strange back sick due to being struck by an arrow with a poison tip. In an odd turn of events, Zelma used a spell she had written down to transfer Stephen’s illness to her as a last resort when they were being attacked by enemies. Zelma was responsible for recruiting bright minds to the Academy. However, after Dr. Doom took over as Sorcerer Supreme, she was relocated to work at Doom Academy in Latveria.
This altered her physiology and made her a bit more sensitive to magic, the mystic arts, and regardless of Strange warning her about the risks involved in this world, she refused to revert to her normal life. This is how she became Doctor Strange‘s apprentice.
Stanton will be introduced in the fourth episode and appear in each one thereafter; however, her character’s angle is something we will soon learn. In the comics, she recruits students to attend a magical hidden school called Strange Academy, but it’s located in New Orleans. It could be possible that the Ironheart series brings the school’s location to Chicago instead, but that remains to be seen. If there is one thing we know about the Marvel universe is that they are good at weaving in storylines to allow for other characters to appear across a variety of films and series. This has proven a fun way to keep the excitement for the fans and spark interest in new titles that may be fairly new to anyone not familiar with the comics. I’m quite interested in seeing the dynamic between Williams and Stanton, especially given that both are strong, dominant female characters. Will they work together or against each other?
The decision to introduce Stanton in the second half of the series poses an interesting choice, one that points to Aliyah’s character possibly becoming a major draw. The momentum that Ironheart is picking up shows that we could be preparing to see more of Thorne and the gang, whether that be another season or appearances in upcoming Avengers flicks. I have a feeling the finale will leave us on a cliffhanger, further pumping up our desire for what’s next to come. Aliyah is a phenomenal actress, as she was recently seen in Netflix’s XO, Kitty series, further fueling the idea that she could become a fan favorite.
Now that you know a little more about Zelma Stanton’s background, how do you figure she will play in the future of the MCU? Given her direct ties to Doctor Strange, it seems highly likely they were specific with their idea to write her into Ironheart’s script. You know Kevin Feige and his awesome team of creatives are big on thinking far ahead, so what plans do you think he has for these characters? Riri is likely to appear in either of the upcoming Avengers films, but could Stanton join her as well? Only time will tell as we do still anticipate more “chairs” being announced in the near future (but unfortunately, not at this year’s SDCC).
As the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to expand into bold new territory, Zelma Stanton’s emergence is more than just a fun Easter egg—it’s a signal. A signal that Marvel is laying the groundwork for a future rich with magical mayhem, multidimensional team-ups, and fresh, compelling character arcs. Her comic book roots as a skilled sorceress and ally to Doctor Stephen Strange suggest that she could be a key player in the mystical side of the MCU, perhaps even a future member of the Midnight Sons or a guide to younger heroes navigating magic and science.
And let’s not forget the intriguing dynamic between Zelma and Riri Williams. Riri, rooted in tech and logic, represents the future of superhero innovation. Zelma, steeped in arcane knowledge, brings a perspective from the magical and mysterious. Could we be witnessing the first steps toward a new kind of Marvel duo—one that regards bridges science and sorcery? It wouldn’t be the first time Marvel explored unlikely partnerships (think Tony and Banner or Stephen and Peter), but it could open up brand-new storytelling territory.
With multiversal chaos brewing, young heroes rising, and supernatural forces gaining momentum, the MCU has never been more ripe for transformation. Whether Zelma takes on a mentor role, a teammate, or becomes a reluctant hero in her own right, her presence hints at deeper lore and bigger plans. One thing is certain: if Zelma Stanton is on the scene, magic is no longer lurking in the shadows—it’s ready to take center stage. And we can’t wait to see what happens next.