Ironheart Gives Marvel Fans The One Thing They Always Wanted (And WandaVision Failed To Deliver)

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The article contains spoilers for the finale of “Ironheart”

Endgame” about when Mephisto, Marvel Comics’ version of the Devil, might appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This guessing game peaked during the initial episodes of “WandaVision,” as any reference to demons or “666” symbols fueled speculation that Mephisto could be the main antagonist. However, these hints turned out to be misleading. Fans then anticipated that Mephisto would debut on-screen in “Spider-Man: No Way Home” or “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” but those theories also proved incorrect.

It has been speculated that Sacha Baron-Cohen might portray the character Mephisto in an upcoming “Marvel Presents” special. The first time his name was verbally acknowledged within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) was by Jennifer Kale (Sasheer Zamata) in episode 3 of “Agatha All Along.” However, some keen-eyed viewers have spotted references to Mephisto in SHIELD documents related to the Tesseract as far back as 2012’s “The Avengers” movie.

Currently, Sacha Baron-Cohen is set to appear prominently in the final episode of “Ironheart”, and it turns out he portrays the character of Mephisto. Fans who were let down by the unfulfilled hints in “WandaVision” should find satisfaction with Mephisto’s emergence in “Ironheart.

Mephisto’s role in Ironheart explained

In the movie “Ironheart,” lead character Riri Williams, played by Dominique Thorne, ends up working for and ultimately clashing swords with Parker Robbins, portrayed by Anthony Ramos – a notorious criminal boss and skilled thief famously known as “The Hood.” This name derives from the mystical cloak he possesses. With assistance from sorceress Zelma Stanton (Regan Aliyah), Riri suspects that the hood’s power originates from Dormammu, a villain featured in “Doctor Strange.” However, it is later exposed that Parker obtained the hood through a pact with Mephisto.

In the narrative, flashbacks depict Mephisto granting Parker powers to embody his wish for ‘stupid, filthy, wealthy.’ When Parker queries about Mephisto’s demands, Mephisto replies with, ‘Something you won’t feel the absence of.’ The price of this power is evident through each activation of the hood, as it leaves Parker with grotesque veiny scars that he attempts to conceal under tattoos. In the current timeline, Parker pleads for more from Mephisto, a plea that the demon dismisses, stating that he’ll reconsider if Parker can ‘keep hold of what I bestowed upon you.’

In a new suit empowered by magic, Riri removes Parker’s hood, becoming Mephisto’s preferred candidate to step into Parker’s role. Manipulating Riri’s ambition and feelings of being overlooked, Mephisto attempts to persuade her to strike a bargain. Instead of pursuing power for herself, Riri uses the opportunity to bring back her friend Natalie (Lyric Ross) from the dead.

What Mephisto could mean for the MCU going forward

It’s unclear when Mephisto or Riri will reappear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but this bargain with the devil certainly invites deeper examination. Given that Mephisto’s deals always have repercussions, not witnessing these makes the finale of “Ironheart” feel like the darkest form of happiness imaginable.

In simpler terms, “Ironheart” appears to be a stark contrast to “WandaVision.” While Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) initially attempted to use magic to erase the memory of losing her lover, Vision (Paul Bettany), and eventually found acceptance, “Ironheart” seems to end with magical necromancy, which is different from its starting point. The earlier AI-based resurrection by Natalie was unsettling for many of Riri’s peers, so what would an actual resurrection entail?

As a die-hard Marvel fan, here’s something that might just shake up the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) even more: Mephisto nonchalantly hinting at striking deals with some heavyweights, including individuals on Forbes’ “100 Richest” list and not just anyone, but also “14 kings, three popes, and a Beatle – Ringo.” Since Tony Stark, the inspiration behind Riri’s character, has already passed away and wouldn’t be on today’s Forbes list, one can’t help but wonder if Robert Downey Jr.’s casting as Doctor Doom in “Avengers: Doomsday” could signal a hidden link to Tony Stark. After all, the chilling blend of science and sorcery that Doctor Doom exhibits in the upcoming film echoes the same potent mix we’ve seen in “Ironheart.” This means Mephisto’s manipulations might be playing a more significant role within the MCU than we currently comprehend.

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2025-07-02 06:30