CHICAGO — Chicagoans can revel in the excitement of having a new hometown pope and the premiere of ‘Ironheart,’ a superhero series spotlighting a Chicago-based character from the South Side.
Created by Chinaka Hodge, the six-episode series is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and continues after the events of 2022’s ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.’ The first three episodes of ‘Ironheart’ launched on Disney+ Tuesday, with new episodes set to release weekly thereafter.
Marvel CEO Kevin Feige announced ‘Ironheart’ back in 2020, leading to growing anticipation among fans as they awaited the series’ debut. Filming wrapped in November 2022, as reported by Reel Chicago.
At the outset of the series, we meet Riri Williams, played by Dominique Thorne, after her expulsion from MIT. She returns to her hometown of Chicago, where the rest of the narrative unfolds, presenting a gritty but vibrant portrait of the city.
Riri, a brilliant inventor, creates a suit of armor reminiscent of Tony Stark’s Iron Man suits, encountering various challenges including a supernatural threat from Parker Robbins, played by Anthony Ramos. Robbins is a Humboldt Park native leading a crew that seeks to uncover the secrets of Chicago’s elite.
The show maps out an array of iconic Chicago locales, from the ‘L’ train system to the Museum Campus and the picturesque DuSable Lake Shore Drive at night. Local spots like Stan’s Donuts are featured prominently, creating a treasure map of recognizable settings that both tourists and locals will appreciate. For the production team, it was essential to film in Chicago, with some additional scenes shot in Atlanta.
Proximity Media, founded by Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, and Sev Ohanian, produced ‘Ironheart,’ along with other notable projects like ‘Judas and the Black Messiah.’ Ohanian remarked on the breadth of places they showcased, stating, ‘We cover some good ground in the city.’
In one particular scene, Riri’s desperate flight back home after her suit malfunctions takes her crashing near her residence on the South Side, filmed on 75th Street amidst real businesses. Ohanian mentioned how thrilling it was to see actress Dominique Thorne don parts of the iron suit in public, hinting at the show’s distinctive vibe.
For Thorne, the significance of that fall back to Chicago cannot be overstated. As Riri glides past well-known landmarks, it emphasizes her love for the city, which she admires for its rich architectural heritage. ‘I’m a big architecture nerd, and they always say Chicago has the most architecturally diverse structures in America,’ she said, sharing her joy for the city’s aesthetic appeal.
The creative team behind ‘Ironheart,’ including location manager Natasha Parker, leveraged Chicago’s essence to give credibility to the show’s narrative. ‘The spaces and landmarks contribute to the vibrancy of the city,’ said Zinzi Coogler, noting how the selection of filming locations was a fun process for the team.
Chinaka Hodge emphasized her intention to embed notable Chicago landmarks and personalities throughout the show, saying, ‘I wanted the show to feel as much like Chicago as possible.’ Her commitment to authenticity echoed throughout their choice of locations, blending the cultural fabric of the city into the storyline.
The choice of Stan’s Donuts was not just a nod to local favorites; it also served as a research opportunity for the cast and crew, with Ohanian humorously referencing sampling the donuts ‘in the name of research.’
Capturing Riri’s authentic voice was paramount to Thorne, who sought to internalize the nuances of a young Black girl from the South Side. She immersed herself in Chicago’s dynamic culture to perfect her portrayal, including absorbing local accents.
To hone her character’s voice, Thorne engaged with social media influencers from Chicago, and listened to notable local figures for inspiration, which she believed would enrich Riri’s character depth. ‘I wanted to explore how Riri sounds differently at school than when she’s back home with her mom and friends,’ she elaborated.
The character’s origin in comics began with Brian Michael Bendis and Mike Deodato Jr., but it was Eve L. Ewing’s 2018 solo comic run that truly popularized Ironheart. Serving as a consulting producer on the show, Ewing ensured accurate geography representation and helped the team navigate local nuances.
Ewing emphasized the importance of authenticity in scripting, particularly for Chicagoans, who have a sharp eye for geographical inconsistencies. ‘We’re very quick to point out when something doesn’t match up,’ she noted regarding her contributions to the scripts.
Both Ewing and the production team aimed to present a complex portrayal of Chicago, recognizing its challenges and vibrancy. While the city is often defined by its struggles with violence, the narrative also explores its resilience and beauty.
‘Riri has experienced loss due to gun violence in the comics, and I felt it was critical to address that within her community context,’ Ewing stated, highlighting the multidisciplinary storytelling that could emerge in expansive narratives.
Zinzi Coogler expressed her gratitude for showcasing Chicago’s rich history and culture, emphasizing a strong sense of community. ‘Chicago’s immense contributions to arts, music, fashion, architecture, and culture are part of what makes it beautiful,’ she affirmed.
Riri’s journey in ‘Ironheart’ reflects that same spirit, navigating her ambitions while grappling with her local community’s realities. The show’s blend of humor and heart aims to evoke a sense of pride among those familiar with Chicago.
Looking ahead, while the future of Chicago in the Marvel Cinematic Universe remains uncertain, Ewing is continuously working to integrate the city’s culture into her upcoming projects. With ongoing work on ‘Exceptional X-Men,’ she plans to ground her narratives in authentic Chicago locations, highlighting the diverse representation that Marvel can explore beyond its usual New York-centric focus.
‘It’s exciting to frame characters with strong ties to their neighborhoods, just like Riri,’ Ewing concluded, noting her commitment to honoring the unique essence of Chicago within the superhero genre.
image source from：blockclubchicago
