Superheroes are often symbols of perseverance, ingenuity, power, and determination. And for National Superhero Day on April 28, 2025, we celebrate the heroes who inspire us, challenge expectations, and redefine what it means to be extraordinary.
Between fighting villains and crossing town to make it to class in time or to show up for their loved ones, their ability to balance their everyday and world-saving responsibilities is one of many ways they make the impossible look easy while reminding us that heroism isn’t just about superpowers—it’s about resilience, heart, and the willingness to stand up for what’s right.
This National Superhero Day, we honor the superheroes who are pushing boundaries and leaving a lasting impact on audiences across generations. With Ironheart preparing to take off on Disney+ in June, it’s time to spotlight the superheroes rewriting the rulebook and demonstrating the many forms in which strength can be shown.
- Riri Williams (Ironheart) – The Genius Inventor
Dominique Thorne’s Riri Williams is a woman in STEM – she’s an inventor and student at MIT who builds her own iron suit, modeled after that of Iron Man. We are introduced to her character in Wakanda Forever, where one of her inventions gets used by the CIA to discover vibranium outside of Wakanda, which is the catalyst for a war between Wakanda and Talokan. Her story is proof that young, brilliant minds can shape the future, both on-screen and in the real world.
Ironheart will be available for streaming on June 24 only on Disney+.
Shuri – The Tech Queen of Wakanda
Letitia Wright’s Shuri is more than just a princess – she’s a scientific prodigy as well as a fearless warrior. She successfully redesigned two suits for T’Challa with upgraded nanotechnology, eliminated the HYDRA programming from Bucky Barnes’ mind, and synthesized the Heart-Shaped Herb that sustained life for Wakandans for centuries, among other things. As one of the smartest heroes in the Marvel universe, she proves that intellect and innovation are just as powerful as any superpower.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is available for streaming on Disney+, Hulu, and Max.
Kamala Khan (Ms. Marvel) – The Hero Next Door
Iman Vellani’s character, Kamala Khan aka Ms. Marvel, is the franchise’s first Pakistani-American hero! Kamala is a teenager at Coles Academic high in Jersey City, learning to navigate high school, family, and her newfound shape-shifting superpowers. She represents everyday heroes stepping into extraordinary roles, especially as someone who goes on to join the ranks of the superheroes she idolizes. Her story is a testament to the idea that sometimes, the heroes we need the most are the ones who remind us of ourselves.
The Ms. Marvel miniseries is available for streaming on Disney+.
Ajak (Eternals) – The Wise Leader
Ajak, portrayed by Salma Hayek in Eternals, is the spiritual leader and healer of the immortal Eternals, with the ability to mend injuries and communicate with the Celestials. Her journey from unwavering loyalty to the Celestials to championing humanity reflects her deep empathy and moral courage. Ajak’s decision to value humanity’s resilience and creativity over the Celestials’ destructive plan highlights the importance of questioning authority and standing for what’s right. As a nurturing yet powerful leader, her character redefines heroism, and Salma Hayek’s portrayal brings vital representation to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, showcasing that strength comes in many forms.
Eternals is available for streaming now on Disney+.
Simon Williams (Wonder Man) – The Unconventional Powerhouse
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s Wonder Man challenges the traditional superhero archetype by blending Hollywood stardom with immense power. As a stuntman and actor, Simon Williams must navigate fame, identity, and heroism, proving that being a superhero is about more than just brute strength. His ionic energy-based abilities grant him superhuman strength and flight, but his true battle lies in balancing ambition with responsibility. Abdul-Mateen’s portrayal brings depth to Williams, showing that heroism extends beyond saving lives to shaping narratives and understanding one’s own power.
Wonder Man premieres in December 2025 on Disney+.
Staff Writer & Media Critic for Big Gold Belt Media: NYC Actress | Twitch Streamer | Artist