As the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) continues to expand, one of the most anticipated projects is Ironheart, a Disney+ series focused on Riri Williams, a young genius inventor who follows in the footsteps of Tony Stark by creating her own suit of armor. However, it’s not just Riri who’s drawing attention—Anthony Ramos is making waves with his portrayal of Parker Robbins, a.k.a. The Hood, a street-level villain with mystical powers. In a recent interview, Ramos opened up about his journey into the MCU, how he approached the role, and what fans can expect from his character.
A Different Kind of Villain
Unlike many of the larger-than-life villains we’ve seen in the MCU, The Hood brings something different to the table. A street criminal who gains access to magical powers through a cloak and boots he steals from a demon, The Hood isn’t your typical super-powered antagonist. His motivations are rooted in survival and ambition, making him a more grounded, yet still formidable, opponent.
“Parker Robbins is a guy who’s trying to make a life for himself,” Ramos explained. “He’s been dealt a tough hand and he’s doing whatever he can to get by. He’s not inherently evil; he’s just doing what he thinks is necessary to survive. But once he gets that power, it changes him.”
This humanizing take on a villain adds complexity to the character. Ramos emphasized how Robbins’ story is one of struggle, desperation, and the corrupting influence of power. It’s a transformation that allowed him to dig deep into the emotional layers of the role.
Finding Parker Robbins
Ramos, who rose to prominence through roles in Hamilton and In the Heights, has shown his versatility as an actor across different genres. Stepping into the MCU, however, presented new challenges and opportunities.
“I wanted to find out who Parker was before The Hood,” he said. “That was the key for me. I did a lot of thinking about his past—his family, his upbringing, what led him to make the decisions he does. Once I understood that, the transformation into The Hood felt natural.”
He also mentioned the importance of physical transformation. “I had to get into a certain mindset and shape for the role. Parker is always on edge, always ready for a fight. That energy had to come through in how I moved, how I spoke, how I carried myself.”
Embracing the Supernatural
One of the most exciting aspects of The Hood is his connection to the supernatural—a world that has only recently been introduced into the MCU through characters like Doctor Strange and Wanda Maximoff. Parker Robbins is a conduit for dark magic, wielding abilities that set him apart from your average criminal.
“Playing a character with mystical powers was something totally new for me,” Ramos said. “The way Parker interacts with magic is raw and unpredictable. He doesn’t fully understand what he’s dealing with, and that makes it dangerous. It’s a lot of fun to explore that side of him.”
Ramos hinted that the series will dive into the mystical elements of The Hood’s character, but it won’t lose sight of his street-level roots. “It’s a mix of both worlds. You’ll see the gritty, grounded side of Parker, but then the magic adds this layer of unpredictability.”
The Hood vs. Ironheart
With Ironheart set to follow Riri Williams as she crafts her own legacy, the clash between her and The Hood is sure to be central to the story. Ramos teased that the dynamic between the two characters will be intense, as they represent opposing forces—Riri’s intellect and technology versus Parker’s raw ambition and magic.
“There’s a lot of tension between them,” Ramos revealed. “Riri is this genius who’s trying to do good, and Parker is someone who’s had to fight for everything. They come from different worlds, and that clash is going to be a big part of the show.”
He added, “I think fans are going to love the back-and-forth between them. It’s not just about the fight scenes, though those are going to be epic. It’s also about the emotional and psychological battle between them.”
Looking Ahead
As Ironheart gears up for its release, Anthony Ramos’ portrayal of The Hood is generating significant buzz. His approach to the character—grounded in humanity but tinged with the supernatural—promises to bring a fresh take to the MCU’s villain roster. For Ramos, stepping into the shoes (or rather, the cloak) of The Hood has been a transformative experience, and he’s eager for fans to see his journey on screen.
“People are going to see a side of me they haven’t seen before,” he said. “It’s been an incredible experience, and I can’t wait for everyone to see what we’ve created.”
With Ironheart introducing new characters and expanding the boundaries of the MCU, Anthony Ramos’ The Hood is shaping up to be one of the most compelling aspects of the series. Fans won’t have to wait much longer to see how this magical, street-level villain fits into the larger Marvel tapestry.