Comic book enthusiasts have much to look forward to with the debut of Marvel’s new television series ‘Ironheart,’ which airs Tuesday at 8 p.m. on Disney+.
The series introduces viewers to Riri Williams, a brilliant teenager who crafts her own technologically advanced suit of armor, inspired by Iron Man, portrayed earlier by Robert Downey Jr.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Chicago, particularly the South Side, the production has filmed several scenes locally. This connection to the city is significant, especially for series director Sam Bailey, who grew up in Logan Square.
Bailey’s vision for Riri’s character draws heavily from Chicago sociologist and artist Eve L. Ewing’s interpretation of Ironheart. Ewing introduced Riri Williams to comic book readers in ‘Invincible Iron Man Vol. 3, No. 7’ in 2016 and was the first to give her a standalone series with ‘Ironheart Vol. 1′ in 2018.
In her comics, Ewing explores the challenges and pressures faced by a young Black genius, a theme that resonated deeply with Bailey.
“I just understood what it was like to be a young person in Chicago while navigating grief and also having big dreams,” Bailey reflected.
Having directed the miniseries’ first three episodes, Bailey is excited for fans to witness Riri’s story, which begins shortly after the events of ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.’
Dominique Thorne reprises her role as the 19-year-old Riri, who previously appeared in Ryan Coogler’s film.
After an intense struggle alongside the Wakandans, Riri finds herself back at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) where she enrolled at just 15 years old. To make extra money, she begins selling blueprints and tech to fellow classmates, but her entrepreneurial spirit leads to her expulsion from the institution.
Consequently, Riri returns to Chicago to live with her mother and reconnects with her childhood friends, Xavier and Natalie Washington, played by Matthew Elam and Lyric Ross, respectively.
The series artfully depicts Riri’s navigation through grief while trying to define her identity and ambitions as a young adult. Riri is depicted as fiercely independent, embracing her aspirations despite the challenges ahead.
In her journey, she encounters Parker Robbins, a character born in Humboldt Park and played by Anthony Ramos, who leads a group of petty criminals. Together, they engage in a series of heists that test Riri’s morals and drive.
In the comics, Riri experiences profound loss, including the death of her stepfather and best friend Natalie, setting the stage for her character development.
The series is penned by Chinaka Hodge, the creator and head writer, who brings her own ties to Chicago into the narrative.
“I wanted to honor some of what I experienced with Chicago with my grandma, and that’s baked right in,” Hodge shared, emphasizing the cultural richness of the city she wishes to portray.
Born and raised in Oakland, California, Hodge has fond memories of visiting her grandmother in Kankakee and connecting with the essence of Chicago through family trips.
Her background in slam poetry with Young Chicago Authors has inspired her to incorporate the city’s vibrant culture into the series, making it a central theme.
“If I could have built in the flavor of hot Garrett [popcorn] melting in your mouth or Harold’s falling off the bone, I would have,” Hodge joked.
Though most of the series was filmed in Atlanta, key Chicago elements remain prominent with scenes featuring the iconic Chicago Bucket Boys and murals by local artists like Hebru Brantley.
The series’ soundtrack is also an homage to Chicago’s musical talent, including tracks from renowned artists like Lupe Fiasco and Chaka Khan.
Hodge expressed her excitement in adapting scenes directly from Ewing’s comics while maintaining a fresh narrative for audiences.
Working with Disney and Marvel Studios allowed the team to utilize a substantial budget for each episode, enriching the series’ production quality.
“My challenge was to take what works well in the comics and then extrapolate what other stories might happen,” Hodge explained.
By doing so, she aims to share a more nuanced perspective of Riri Williams, ensuring that her legacy continues beyond the comic pages.
As a mother of a young girl, this project holds special significance for Hodge.
“She will not know a world pre-‘Black Panther,’” she remarked, emphasizing the importance of representation within the Marvel universe.
“With Ironheart, we’re contributing to a world where representation in superhero narratives is becoming a norm, and that’s incredibly impactful.”
This approach promises not only an engaging storyline but a celebratory tribute to the city of Chicago and its cultural landscape, set to resonate with audiences everywhere.
image source from：chicago
