As Marvel Enters Its Mephisto Era, 2 Deeply Emotional References Flew Over Ironheart Fans’ Heads

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For quite a while now, Marvel enthusiasts have been anticipating the emergence of a malevolent character, with hints tracing back to the peculiar occurrences involving Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany) in the critically acclaimed WandaVision. Over time, MCU fans have often guessed that some sinister influence was at play. Ultimately, it turned out to be Agatha or Death, or another force controlling the storyline.

Over the span of years, there have been whispers about who might portray Mephisto within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). However, nothing was set in stone until the closing moments of the most recent MCU series, now streaming on Disney+ with a subscription. Fans who witnessed the finale of Ironheart can attest that Sacha Baron Cohen, long-rumored for the role, has officially joined the MCU. In the final scene, it was disclosed that he is the sinister force manipulating Anthony Ramos’ The Hood character, and there seems to be an impending connection with Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne), a link that will likely play out in future events within the MCU.

However, I found it peculiar that Mephisto was operating from a mystical pizzeria. Given this unusual setting, I’m curious as to why the creators made this choice and decided to inquire about their reasoning behind it.

Why The Ironheart Finale Takes Place In A Pizza Parlor

In the series “Ironheart”, each choice holds significance. The newest Marvel Cinematic Universe production delves deeper into the mythos of tech prodigy Riri Williams, played by Thorne, as she continues her journey. Back in Chicago, Williams gets ensnared in the orbit of a criminal resembling Robin Hood named Parker Robbins, portrayed by Ramos. This character gains extraordinary abilities from a mystical hood he possesses.

It was widely believed that Ironheart’s long-awaited showdown would occur at last, and indeed it did in the sixth and concluding episode of Ironheart Season 1. Marvel’s infamous demon entered into a dark pact with Robbins, and their encounter unfolded in an unexpected location – a pizza parlor. The scenery was filled with some of the most mouth-watering pizzas I’ve ever witnessed on screen.

When provided an opportunity to delve into the world of Ironheart, I inquired about the purpose behind locating Mephisto’s lair within a pizza parlor. The decision seemed intentional. As it turns out, head writer Chinaka Hodge had deeply personal motivations for staging these sequences in such a restaurant-like setting.

It’s fantastic! What a heartwarming touch it is for Chinaka Hodge to have created the Ironheart storyline, placing it in a pizzeria as a tribute to moments shared with a cherished person. Even more special, that treasured individual appears within the scene itself.

As our conversation progressed, it became apparent that the pizza parlor featured in the final scene of Ironheart held a much stronger, more intimate connection for you.

The Connection Between 9/11 And The Pizza Joint’s Name

There might be some Marvel Comics readers who recognize the name Desperito’s and speculate if it holds deeper ties within the Marvel universe. However, that is not the case. Yet, there’s a fascinating explanation as to why Chinaka Hodge chose this name for the place where Riri Williams faces off against the MCU’s version of The Devil.

Take another look at that scene, and really appreciate the intricate details of the pizza parlor set now that you’ve realized Sacha Baron Cohen played Mephisto. Considering his appearance in this role, it might be worth revisiting the series again to speculate on potential connections with future Marvel projects.

When do you anticipate that the show will continue? The storyline concludes with a suspenseful twist, implying there’s lots more to unfold – especially following Williams’ deal with Mephisto. Additionally, Marvel Studios has been subtly suggesting the formation of a team. Furthermore, when Doctor Doom enters the MCU, it might require everyone’s attention, possibly summoning Riri and her enchanted suit for assistance.

For now, we wait, and plan to see the MCU’s next movie, , when it opens in theaters later in July.

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2025-07-06 17:05