Shubhabrata Dutta
The clash of science and magic takes center stage in Disney+’s action-adventure miniseries ‘Ironheart.’ Based on the eponymous Marvel Comics character, the Chinaka Hodge creation centers on Riri Williams, a tech genius and MIT graduate, whose aim to build something “iconic” using science leads her to lock horns with a shadowy figure powered by magic. Riri has just returned to her hometown of Chicago from Wakanda and is down with proving herself to the world. Inspired by Tony Stark, she starts working on Iron Suits and building her own legacy. This is when she is spotted by the mysterious Parker Robbins, AKA the Hood, who intends to combine his own proficiency in magic with Riri’s tech quotient for his nefarious purposes. The spectacular visuals of the 14th TV series in the MCU capture the essence of Chicago to not only address the show’s modern appeal but also to showcase the city’s culture, which underscores Riri’s dreams.
Ironheart Filming Locations
‘Ironheart’ is filmed in Illinois and Georgia, specifically in the cities of Chicago as well as Fayetteville and Atlanta, respectively. Principal photography reportedly began mid-June 2022 and continued for several months before wrapping in the first week of November of the same year. Unfortunately, additional shoots faced delays due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, which were eventually carried out in early 2024. The crew tried to incorporate as much of Chicago as possible since it is an important aspect of the story. Atlanta, on the other hand, was used mainly for scenes requiring controlled environments. However, production began in Georgia and then shifted to Illinois.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago, the seat of Illinois’ Cook County, became the base for on-location shoots of ‘Ironheart.’ Over the course of around 7 days, the crew used various areas and neighborhoods of the Windy City to showcase the culture Riri has grown up in and is a part of. Scenes showing Riri doing everyday stuff like meeting with friends or getting on the subway were taped to highlight the setting. One such place is the Stan’s Donuts shop at 1560 North Damen Avenue in Wicker Park, which falls under the city’s West Side. The shop was redressed as ‘Stanton’s Sweets, Reads & More’ for the show. From the sneakers the characters wear to the hairstyles to the buildings, everything reads Chicago. The team even reached out to native hair and makeup stylists to give the characters an authentic look. A casting call for Bucket Boys was made to add another element of the city’s pride.
As per reports, filming took place at Astor Court, an iconic estate located at 1355 North Astor Street in Central Chicago. Several areas in Downtown were used for lensing outdoor scenes, including Lower Wacker Drive and the Wacker and Columbus intersection, bordered by the Chicago River. Wacker Drive is an iconic multilevel street and is one of the city’s urban marvels, which naturally made it an apt location for shooting. Many scenes were taped at and near the Adler Planetarium, a public museum located at 1300 South DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Dedicated to astrophysics, the futuristic structure serves as a worthy addition to the show’s narrative and aesthetic. The crew shot scenes in many neighborhoods and streets on the South Side and the Near North Side communities, further expanding the visual canvas. Drones were used for recording scenes and taking B-roll footage, plate shots, and establishment shots that were later used for VFX. For those interested in knowing more about Chicago, famous landmarks to visit include Millennium Park, Willis Tower, Cloud Gate, Chicago Riverwalk, Navy Pier, and Shedd Aquarium.
Fayetteville, Georgia
Almost 90% of ‘Ironheart’ was filmed in Atlanta. In Fayetteville, the seat of Fayette County, the crew accessed the stages of Trilith Studios to shoot most of the indoor and outdoor scenes, many of which required customizable sets and controlled settings, especially for action sequences. Located at 461 Sandy Creek Road, it is a go-to studio for Marvel that has shot many of its movies and shows within the premises. The 1000-acre studio has 34 sound stages ranging from 15,000 square feet to 40,000 square feet of indoor space. It also has the Lux stage that boasts 18,000 square feet of purpose-built enclosed space with an 80’ x 90’ x 30’ virtual production volume screen that can be split into independent units based on lighting setups. As far as backlots are concerned, it has over 400 acres of unique landscapes, including special effects pads, woodlands, fields, a Brownstone façade, and more. The Trilith Studios is one of the largest studios in America and has hosted the production of game shows as well, including ‘The 1% Club,’ ‘Family Feud,’ and ‘College Bowl.’
Atlanta, Georgia
The crew set up shop in Atlanta, the capital of Georgia, and the seat of Fulton County, for several scenes. A White Castle restaurant, America’s first fast-food hamburger chain, was built from scratch inside-out on a 6-acre lot at 431 Edgewood Avenue in Sweet Auburn. Located east of downtown Atlanta, Sweet Auburn is a historic African-American neighborhood known for its Black culture and its role during the Civil Rights movement. The store doubled for one in Chicago, probably because Atlanta provided ample space. The lot, usually used for carousing and parking, was given its own 24/7 security detail, and the 400 block itself was reportedly closed off while filming. Other movies and shows revolving around Black characters shot in Atlanta include ‘Straw,’ ‘She the People,’ and ‘Give Me Back My Daughter.’
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