CHICAGO — Marvel’s Ironheart is set to debut June 24 on Disney+, and this time, Chicago isn’t just a backdrop — it’s a star.
The highly anticipated Marvel series features Dominique Thorne as Riri Williams, a brilliant young inventor from Chicago who creates an advanced suit of armor rivaling Iron Man. Many of the show’s major scenes were filmed across the city, showcasing iconic landmarks and bringing local pride to the global Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Chicago on the Marvel Map
Thorne, who leads the franchise, shared her excitement with ABC7 Chicago:
“It’s already been something I could never have dreamed up… so I’m curious to see where else it leads.”
She also spoke fondly about filming in Chicago:
“I love the river. I’m a bit of an architecture nerd… it blows my mind, being from New York, that a river can flow through a city.”
The production highlighted Chicago’s architecture and local neighborhoods, offering visibility to the city’s landscape far beyond a standard movie set.
Hometown Star Returns
South suburban native Lyric Ross, who plays a supporting role in Ironheart, reflected on the thrill of being part of such a major franchise in her hometown:
“All of my family is here… I moved back here a couple of years ago.”
Ross noted her lifelong connection to Marvel comics — sparked by her father — and described her character as one of the coolest she’s ever experienced.
A STEM Superhero for Young Girls
The character of Riri Williams has made waves for encouraging young Black girls to explore STEM careers. Both Thorne and Ross have actively engaged with youth in STEM fields, helping bridge the gap between entertainment and education.
“It’s necessary and encouraging for young kids to have someone who looks like them… We actually got to speak to some young girls in STEM and share in their excitement,” Thorne said.
The role of Riri Williams adds a powerful dimension to representation in superhero media — not just as a fighter, but as an innovator, engineer, and role model.
Streaming Details
Ironheart will begin streaming exclusively on Disney+ starting June 24. With a strong cast, Chicago scenery, and a powerful story about intelligence, resilience, and identity, the show promises to leave a lasting mark on both Marvel fans and local residents.
Are you excited to see Chicago spotlighted in a major Marvel series? Let us know how you feel about Ironheart and what it means for local representation at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
