CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago provides the landscape and inspiration for Marvel’s new “Ironheart” series, now streaming on Disney+.
Billie Holiday is a film and television location manager. She said her job was to make sure the city of Chicago had a starring role.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
The South Side native took ABC7 on a tour of places the episodes were shot.
Named after the iconic singer, Holiday might have been destined for a career in the spotlight. She spent many years working within the juvenile justice system before deciding to pursue education in film and television. Now, she’s part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Her journey began at Brown Sugar Bakery on East 75th in Greater Grand Crossing, a beloved spot in the area where Riri Williams, the main character, resides.
“We shot on top of the Museum of Science and Industry building, offering a breathtaking view of the city,” Holiday said. “We rented a boat to film Lake Michigan, capturing scenes of Ironheart flying over the water. The Brown Line was essential for scenes showing Ironheart flying over Chicago… we opened the doors and rode through the city on the Brown Line. As we traveled, the camera captured the traffic and movement of the buildings.”
RELATED | Filmmakers behind ‘Ironheart’ highlight vibrant landscapes across Chicago in new series
Stan’s Donuts is repurposed as a book store in the series.
“Stan’s is located at a very unique spot up north six corners,” Holiday said. “It is the busiest, most historical place up north. The Avalon Theater on East 79th dates back to 1927. Then the stage palace was renamed.”
The Regal Theatre is a treasured landmark in the city, and it’s part of a pivotal scene in Ironheart. It’s used to reflect the city’s history and where Riri grew up.
White Castle is a popular taste of Chicago. A replica of slider central was built as a set in Georgia, and people were trying to eat there.
“I’m just a kid who was raised in Altgeld Gardens who is living above and beyond a blessing, a dream, and I didn’t start until I was 40,” Holiday said. “The sky’s the limit, and when I get there, I’ll rest.”
All six episodes of Marvel’s “Ironheart” are now streaming on Disney+.
The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of this ABC station.
Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
