Marvel’s Ironheart seemingly contradicts a previous magic-centered movie, but it might actually be setting up a new MCU installment. Ironheart‘s three-episode finale sees Riri Williams fully adopt magic in order to face Parker Robbins a.k.a. the Hood. To achieve it, Riri upgrades her Ironheart suit of armor with magic, which she obtains with the help of a familar face to comic book readers.

In Ironheart episode 4, Madeline Stanton explains her magical knowledge to Riri Williams, revealing that she trained at Kamar-Taj. Despite her talent, Madeline left Kamar-Taj, as she had to focus on raising her daughter Zelma and, according to her, “Kamar-Taj is no place for a child”. Madeline took Zelma to Chicago and they both continued to hone their magic independently.

Ironheart Changes The Ending Of Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness

Ironheart’s Kamar-Taj Reference Changes The Meaning Of America Chavez’ Recruitment

At first glance, Madeline Stanton’s comment apparently contradicts Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness‘ ending, where Wong recruited the fourteen-year-old America Chavez to train her at Kamar-Taj while Doctor Strange departed with Clea. However, Madeline is probably referring to Kamar-Taj’s grueling training, which was likely unfit for Zelma. In 2016’s Doctor Strange, Stephen Strange himself struggled to keep up with the Ancient One’s training for months at Kamar-Taj.

After Wong replaced the Ancient One as Sorcerer Supreme, training at Kamar-Taj probably became less strict and open for younger recruits. Masters of the Mystic Arts like Rintrah and Weasel might use a more lenient teaching method, and Wong may be making sure America Chavez in particular is satisfied with her stay. After all, America Chavez is a unique hero in the Marvel multiverse.

Ironheart’s Kamar-Taj Reference Sets Up A New Magical Location In The MCU

Zelma Stanton Might Be The MCU’s First Strange Academy Hero

Zelma Stanton’s MCU debut in Ironheart marks the first appearance by a Strange Academy hero in the franchise. In the comics, Doctor Strange establishes a magic school for young pracтιтioners in Louisiana, New Orleans, and Zelma Stanton is his first recruit. Zelma is the Strange Academy’s resident librarian and recruiter. Other students include the Asgardians Iric and Alvi, the Frost Giant Guslaug, and Dormammu’s son Doyle Dormammu.

One of Marvel Studios’ many projects in development is a Strange Academy series, which was put on hold alongside Nova in early 2025. Ironheart‘s post-credits scene sets up Strange Academy with Parker Robbins asking Zelma for help, and Madeline’s Kamar-Taj reference suggests there must be many magic users willing to train elsewhere. Whether Marvel Studios moves forward with Strange Academy after Ironheart‘s set-up remains to be seen.