Marvel fans have had a lot to celebrate in 2026, from the record-breaking box office run of Spider-Man: Brand New Day to the return of beloved TV series like Daredevil: Born Again and X-Men '97. But one of the most exciting surprises came this week with the announcement that The Hood is officially joining the roster of Marvel Rivals.
The villain, played by Anthony Ramos in the Disney+ series Ironheart, will be part of the massive Season 9.5 update, which drops this weekend. The news was accompanied by a brand-new gameplay trailer that showcases The Hood's abilities, including his signature cloak and mystical gunplay. Fans of the character have been eager to see more of Parker Robbins since his debut in the 2025 series, and this marks his first major appearance outside of the show.
Ironheart, produced by Ryan Coogler, was a surprise hit for Disney+, dominating streaming charts for weeks after its release. Dominique Thorne reprised her role as Riri Williams, but it was Ramos' portrayal of The Hood that left a lasting impression. Now, with his addition to Marvel Rivals, the character is getting a new lease on life in the gaming world.
This isn't the first time Marvel Rivals has expanded its roster with fan-favorite characters. Recent updates have added Cyclops, the leader of the X-Men, and other popular heroes. The game continues to be a major hub for Marvel fans, offering a chance to play as some of the most iconic characters from the comics and the MCU.
While Ironheart hasn't been officially renewed for a second season, the character's inclusion in Marvel Rivals suggests that Marvel hasn't forgotten about Parker Robbins. In fact, this could be a sign of bigger things to come, whether in the comics or on screen. For now, fans can enjoy playing as The Hood in the game, which is available on multiple platforms.
In other Marvel news, the streaming landscape has been a mixed bag. Wonder Man was recently canceled despite being renewed for a second season, a move that has sparked debate about Marvel's streaming strategy. Meanwhile, VisionQuest is set to premiere on Disney+ on October 14, continuing the story from WandaVision and Agatha All Along. Paul Bettany will reprise his role as Vision, and James Spader is returning as Ultron.
As for Marvel Rivals, the Season 9.5 update promises to be one of the biggest yet, with The Hood joining the fight alongside other new characters. The trailer gives a glimpse of his combat style, which blends stealth, magic, and gunplay, making him a versatile addition to any team.
For those who haven't seen Ironheart, the series is still available on Disney+, and it's worth a watch to understand The Hood's backstory. But even without that context, his arrival in Marvel Rivals is sure to be a hit with gamers and Marvel fans alike.
Stay tuned for more updates on Marvel Rivals and all the latest Marvel news. With Avengers: Doomsday on the horizon, there's plenty to look forward to in the MCU and beyond.
