What Other Characters Made Deals With the Marvel’s New Villain?

The following post contains SPOILERS for the season finale of Ironheart.

After long periods of speculation about his arrival, it’s now official: Mephisto has joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In the role portrayed by Sacha Baron Cohen, he’s a masterful charmer and negotiator. And in the final episode of Ironheart, he strikes an appalling deal with the main character, the consequences of which we’re just starting to understand.

Cohen’s Mephisto hints at striking similar deals with highly influential figures across history, sparking a captivating query: If Mephisto is an immortal entity in the MCU for ages, who else has he made bargains with? Which Marvel characters have traded their souls for power, respect or influence? And what exactly does this cunning demon aim to achieve in his manipulations? Explore these intriguing questions and more in our latest Marvel video. Take a look below:

If you enjoyed the video featuring Marvel characters possibly interacting with Sacha Baron Cohen’s Mephisto, don’t forget to explore more videos from us! We have a variety of content such as Easter eggs hidden in the last three episodes of Ironheart, speculations about Ironheart, Tony Stark, and Doctor Doom, and a recap of all the Marvel secrets and easter eggs found in the first three episodes of Ironheart. Additionally, you can find even more videos on our ScreenCrush YouTube channel! Make sure to subscribe to stay updated on future episodes. The entire season of Ironheart is currently streaming on Disney+.

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Every Marvel Cinematic Universe Movie, Ranked From Worst to Best

36. Eternals

In a surprising twist, I wouldn’t have foreseen a Marvel film, directed by an Academy Award winner and revolving around some of Jack Kirby’s most daring comics, potentially being the least crucial installment. Regrettably, Eternals fails to coalesce effectively. The movie remains largely true to Kirby’s fundamental ideas with a few minor but quite disconcerting alterations – for instance, transforming the malevolent Deviants into generic creatures lacking clear objectives or motivations. The ensemble boasts commendable supporting acts from Kumail Nanjiani and Brian Tyree Henry, but the principal characters – Gemma Chan as Sersi and Richard Madden as Ikaris – find it challenging to convincingly portray their alleged passionate relationship (a romance spanning 6,000 years; they appear like they’re on a disastrous first date). The script occasionally delves into intriguing themes about the relationships between superheroes, mythology, and religion, only to consistently forsake them in favor of repetitive action sequences featuring unengaging monsters. It’s challenging to imagine a more tedious film about immortal alien robots striving to thwart impending apocalypse than this one.

35. The Incredible Hulk

The production of this movie seems so haphazard and poorly timed, as if Marvel was taken aback when Iron Man turned out to be such a hit and they hastily put it together. Casting Tim Roth as the world’s greatest warrior (who transforms into a large bone-like creature) is arguably one of Loki’s biggest mistakes. (For more information, see [here](…)).

In this version, I tried to maintain the same tone and structure as the original, while using simpler language that may be easier for some readers to understand. Additionally, I omitted the phrase “big bony turd monster” since it is somewhat vulgar and may not be appropriate for all audiences.

34. Thor: The Dark World

In essence, we came close to having Patty Jenkins’ take on Thor, but what we ended up with was a rather gloomy pursuit of a mystical object – a MacGuffin – with one of the most uninteresting villains in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. If there’s any silver lining, it could be that this movie’s less-than-stellar performance might have persuaded Marvel to take risks and shake things up as dramatically as they did with Thor: Ragnarok (for more details, check out the link below).

(Read more here.)

33. The Marvels

This Marvel movie isn’t the worst out there – it surpasses three others on this list – but it’s undeniably messy and intense. Three captivating Marvel characters (Captain Marvel played by Brie Larson, Ms. Marvel portrayed by Iman Vellani, and Monica Rambeau embodied by Teyonah Parris) are haphazardly thrown together to prevent a Kree warlord from causing havoc for inexplicable reasons. Although the actors deliver impressive performances, the plot, though mercifully short, is confusingly chaotic with questionable decisions that make little sense.

32. Captain America: Brave New World

In an alternate phrasing: “The correct character, the wrong narrative. This sentiment aptly captures many recent Marvel films (like The Marvels) but is particularly relevant to Captain America: Brave New World, which grants Anthony Mackie’s charming Sam Wilson his solo movie, only to burden him with a dull antagonist and a tale filled with unnecessary references to The Incredible Hulk – leaving us puzzled about the fate of Betty Ross.

31. Doctor Strange

In a nutshell, the captivating imagery is there, but “Doctor Strange” still seems like an updated version of “Iron Man,” with a sprinkle of magic. The clever twist at the end with Dormammu earns a thumbs up, while the strange cape leaves something to be desired. For more details, you can check it out [here].

30. Iron Man 2

Despite being better than you may recall, it’s still not exceptional. Sam Rockwell’s dancing skill can conceal many flaws, but not all of them. Trimming 15 minutes of setup from Avengers could potentially yield a much stronger film. (Read more here.)

29. Ant-Man

Ant-Man isn’t bad, but it feels like a smaller-scale version of the grander Edgar Wright movie we could have had. Despite this, Michael Peña’s character Luis stands out as one of the most memorable and exceptional non-superpowered characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. (Read more .)

Or:

Ant-Man isn’t terrible, but it seems like a scaled-down version of what could have been an Edgar Wright masterpiece. Still, Michael Peña’s character Luis is one of the most remarkable and memorable non-superpowered characters in the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. (Read more .)

28. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

In the battle between Ant-Man and Kang the Conqueror, even the ominous Kang, played by Jonathan Majors, acknowledges that Scott Lang is in over his head. This seemingly lopsided matchup mirrors the film itself: The relatable, low-stakes universe of the Ant-Man series, known for its clever humor and lovable characters, stands little chance against the grand, multiversal saga unfolding in Marvel Phase 5. As a big-screen Marvel adventure, it gets the job done. However, as a follow-up to the Ant-Man franchise, it falls short, especially if you were expecting to see Michael Peña’s Luis, as he is nowhere to be found in this installment.

27. Ant-Man and the Wasp

The movie “Ant-Man and the Wasp” shines brightest when it emphasizes its compact nature, featuring plenty of lighthearted banter between Paul Rudd and his fellow actors, Michael Peña’s captivating soliloquies, and a heartwarming, intimate story about a fractured family striving to mend itself. (Read more .)

26. Captain Marvel

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Brie Larson’s portrayal of Carol Danvers could be the most potent hero; however, her movie seemed to fall short in delivering a strong emotional punch. Despite this, it remains engaging due to two standout performances: Ben Mendelsohn as the cunning Skrull Talos and Samuel L. Jackson, along with his impressive de-aging visual effects, portraying the young Nick Fury. (You can read more about it here.)

25. Black Widow

2021 saw Scarlett Johansson’s long-awaited standalone film, “Black Widow,” where she primarily served as the straight character among her quippy Russian superhero family consisting of David Harbour’s narcissistic Red Guardian and Florence Pugh’s captivating Yelena. Consequently, “Black Widow” may not have been the fitting farewell the character deserved. Nevertheless, it remains a strong Marvel production, boasting remarkable stunt sequences, and an intriguing villain in the shape of Taskmaster, who possesses the ability to copy the combat styles of any adversary he encounters.

24. Thor: Love and Thunder

As a cinephile, revisiting Taika Waititi’s second Thor movie is somewhat like witnessing a magician performing the same spellbinding trick twice in quick succession. The initial performance was mesmerizing. The encore is still captivating, yet it loses some of its surprise factor. Christian Bale brings an eerie presence to Gorr the God-Butcher, but his intense, deeply emotional villainy doesn’t quite harmonize with Chris Hemsworth’s Thor and his incessant wit. Love and Thunder shares the same ingredients as Waititi’s Thor: Ragnarok, they just don’t blend together quite as smoothly this time around.

23. Deadpool & Wolverine

As a dedicated cinephile, I must say that the camaraderie between Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman in this movie is simply unbeatable. The surprise appearances are mind-blowing, to put it mildly. However, the narrative seems to push the limits of how much backstory a film can carry without becoming confusing – and this film certainly tests those boundaries! It feels like one character has been burdened with more than enough tragic pasts (at least two, in this case). If you manage not to overthink anything on the screen for even a moment, you’ll still have an enjoyable time. And let me tell you, Reynolds and Jackman deliver everything you expect from Deadpool and Wolverine reluctantly teaming up to protect the Fox X-Men universe. I just wish the writers – including Reynolds himself – had delivered on their promise of a more coherent storyline.

22. Captain America: The Winter Soldier

An alternate take on “Iron Man 2”: Less impressive than you might recall, yet still worth watching. The promotional hype exaggerated the mystery-thriller aspect, but Anthony Mackie’s Falcon significantly enhances the series, and Chris Evans remains as reliable as Captain America. However, it’s hard to accept that Nick Fury, the world’s top spy, was clueless about the evil within SHIELD, except for himself and his two companions. Come on, man. Widen your perspective. (For further reading, click here.)

21. Avengers: Infinity War

As a movie reviewer, I must admit that this latest Marvel blockbuster is nothing short of grand in its scale and aspirations – the climax alone is worth the price of admission. However, it seems to lack something essential, perhaps a deeper emotional connection or character development. If you’re just here for the non-stop action and clever one-liners, then this film certainly delivers. But if you’re looking for the nuanced interactions between characters and the more intimate scenes outside of battle, you might find yourself feeling a bit shortchanged. For more details, do check out the full review.

20. Iron Man 3

A decent film slightly diminished by the expansive Marvel Cinematic Universe context. The entire plot revolves around Tony Stark deciding to abandon his Iron Man persona and ride off, but he ended up appearing in several more films afterwards. Despite Guy Pearce’s underwhelming performance as Killian, Robert Downey Jr.’s frustrated interchanges with a sharp-witted child were top-notch. (Read more here.)

19. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

From the get-go: The climax, filled with dragons and monsters clashing amidst a thick gray fog, is a chaotic CGI disaster. However, before this point, Shang-Chi could very well be Marvel’s finest action film, boasting numerous intense and intricate fight sequences. (The bus fight scene is particularly enjoyable.) Simu Liu heads a profoundly nuanced Marvel cast, with Tony Leung and Michelle Yeoh delivering captivating supporting performances, and Ben Kingsley and Awkwafina consistently providing comic relief. (Kingsley as the former Mandarin Trevor Slattery, may not have been the most beloved Marvel villain initially, but Marvel has cleverly transformed him into a delightful secondary character.)

18. Thor

In my opinion, I was quite surprised to find that a cinematic saga of such cosmic proportions, predominantly unfolding in the humblest corner of New Mexico – a tiny town, no less – could be as captivating as it was. While “Thor” had its flaws, it marked a turning point for Marvel films where exceptional acting and charming portrayals managed to overshadow structural and screenplay shortcomings, a trait that later became synonymous with the Marvel brand. (Read more here.)

17. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

In his endeavor to create “Wakanda Forever,” director Ryan Coogler confronted an incredibly tough predicament. Not only did he need to produce a sequel that surpassed the initial “Black Panther,” he had to do so without the captivating lead actor, Chadwick Boseman, who tragically passed away during the summer of 2020, just as production was about to start. The film excels when it seamlessly incorporates Coogler and the cast’s feelings of grief over Boseman into the narrative of Wakanda grappling with the loss of its ruler. Unfortunately, the remainder of the movie is somewhat disjointed, presenting a mix of intriguing concepts, an abundance of characters, and a villain, King Namor, whose motivations are slightly unclear.

16. Captain America: Civil War

The plot of this movie is questionable and seems to be leading towards the epic showdown between Tony Stark and Steve Rogers, particularly at the airport. However, let me emphasize: Oh my goodness, the battle at the airport is absolutely fantastic! (You can read more about it here.)

15. Spider-Man: No Way Home

In Jon Watts’ third Spider-Man movie, we find a level of comparison with Sam Raimi’s third Spider-Man film. Both share a common trait of being packed to the brim with numerous villains. On the upside, this film masterfully portrays the essence of Peter Parker as a character, someone who consistently falls short but never gives up on making things right in the future. It also significantly introduces the concept of the multiverse into MCU films, marking an impressive turning point in the ongoing storyline.

Here’s another way:

Jon Watts’ third Spider-Man film is similar to Sam Raimi’s third movie in that they are both overflowing with villains. However, it excels in capturing the charm of Peter Parker, a character who stumbles but never ceases to strive for improvement. Furthermore, it takes the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) into the multiverse in a grand manner, making a significant mark on the saga’s progression.

And one more:

Similar to Sam Raimi’s third Spider-Man film, Jon Watts’ third installment is heavy on villains. But what makes it stand out is its portrayal of Peter Parker as a character who repeatedly falters yet never quits trying to set things right next time. Additionally, it introduces the multiverse into MCU films in a major way, making a notable contribution to the ongoing narrative.

14. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

Following a 15-year absence, director Sam Raimi re-entered the Marvel universe with this exhilaratingly chaotic tale that revolves around a struggle for the survival of the multiverse. Much like his previous Spider-Man films, Raimi creatively blended his unique style and motifs – such as slapstick humor, maniacal zombies, and jump scares – into the conventional Marvel narrative framework. (Continue reading here.)

13. Thunderbolts (2025)

As a dedicated cinema enthusiast, I must confess that several Marvel productions following “Endgame” seem like Frankenstein’s monster creations, pieced together from leftover elements of various comics, films, and lore. However, the upcoming project titled “*Thunderbolts*” truly stands out. It’s more than just a movie—it’s a gripping narrative with intriguing characters, particularly Florence Pugh’s portrayal of the new Black Widow. Much like many of us, her character grapples with loathing her life and finding no fulfillment in her work. But when she’s thrust among a motley crew of disenchanted mercenaries—including Wyatt Russell as the cocky U.S. Agent and Hannah John-Kamen as the mystical Ghost—she discovers her purpose. Filled with exhilarating action and boasting an effective allegory about overcoming despair and apathy through action and camaraderie, “*Thunderbolts*” serves as a refreshing reminder of Marvel Studios’ potential when they’re operating at their peak performance.

12. Avengers: Age of Ultron

Despite my personal opinion, many seem to dislike this film. Granted, it might not have reached the heights of the initial Avengers movie and the subplot involving Wanda and Pietro could use some refinement. However, the climactic scene where the Avengers unite to rescue every remaining soul in Sokovia encapsulates the essence of Marvel at its finest. (Read more .)

11. Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2

The sequel of Marvel’s lighthearted franchise is overloaded with an excessive number (at least four!) of post-credits scenes, but it takes nerve to create such a film that ends on a somber note. It’s the only Marvel movie that manages to make me tear up, and it even includes jokes about alien deities’ anatomies. In my opinion, that’s a combination that hits the mark perfectly. (For more details, click here.)

This version aims to maintain the original meaning while using easier-to-understand language and a more conversational tone.

10. Thor: Ragnarok

I just really like when Jeff Goldblum plays a space god who DJs his own parties. (Read more here.)

9. Spider-Man: Far From Home

In the second Spidey movie from Marvel, starring Tom Holland as the incredible web-slinger, the film slightly falls short of its predecessor but offers a delightful blend of romance, action, humor, and emotion. The phrase “with great power comes great responsibility” isn’t explicitly mentioned, yet Far From Home explores this concept just as deeply as any Spider-Man movie has before. Peter Parker, portrayed by Holland, grapples with his feelings for MJ (a witty Zendaya) and his duties from Nick Fury (an annoyed Samuel L. Jackson), who tasks him with stopping a group of destructive elemental beings.

8. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

In a skillful manner, James Gunn brings the Guardians trilogy to a satisfying conclusion with a movie that offers an optimal blend of Marvel’s signature elements: Exciting action sequences, quirky sci-fi visuals, and deeply emotional characters we grow deeply attached to. By the end of Volume 3, Rocket Raccoon transforms from a secondary character in Marvel comics to one of the company’s most intriguing and emotionally complex heroes. After a series of less impressive films, Gunn effortlessly demonstrates his mastery over the craft, which is unfortunate as he is now moving on to work with DC.

7. Avengers: Endgame

As a dedicated fan, I can confidently say that “Endgame” surpasses even the epic scale of “Infinity War” and comes very close to being my favorite Avengers movie yet. It’s packed with massive action sequences, hearty laughs, and what might just be an unprecedented number of Easter eggs across all cinematic universes. (Read more .)

6. Spider-Man: Homecoming

Among the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s films that are hard to resist watching multiple times, it boasts engaging characters, thrilling Web-Slinger action, and an unexpected street vendor requesting a flip from Spider-Man (which he performs). Aren’t you captivated? (Continue reading here.)

5. Guardians of the Galaxy

As we reach the halfway mark of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the initial Guardians film played a significant role in establishing that Marvel’s distinctive style had enough appeal to draw audiences towards lesser-known properties. Prior to James Gunn’s direction, the Guardians were hardly more than a minor detail, but they unexpectedly became a massive success. It’s also important to note, for the sake of clarity, that Rocket is undeniably and indisputably the best Guardian – this point should be accepted without debate. (For further insights, check out the following article.)

4. Captain America: The First Avenger

While the plot may seem somewhat disjointed, assembling an entire war into a swift montage, “Captain America,” portrayed by Chris Evans, stands out as a remarkable adaptation within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This film breathed life into a character that was often criticized for being dull or outdated, transforming him into a dynamic, endearing, and complex individual embodying basic yet profound human values. When you’re in need of a boost, this MCU film is the one to watch. (Read more here.)

3. Black Panther

In contrast to many Marvel films that strive for profound connections with the cosmos, “Black Panther” demonstrates the benefits of a self-contained narrative style. Although the film’s conclusion presents Wakanda’s openness to the world as a joyful outcome, it could potentially lead to future sequels that are more spread out and packed with guest appearances. If this means a decrease in focus and cohesion for the storyline, then perhaps it isn’t such a happy ending after all. (Source: [https://www.theverge.com/2018/2/16/17005934/black-panther-marvel-movies-sequel])

2. The Avengers

After “Infinity War,” the original “Avengers” movie remains an extraordinary feat. Every character is skillfully balanced, the dialogue is concise, and the climactic Battle of New York stands as one of the outstanding action scenes of recent times. (Additional insights can be found here.)

1. Iron Man

As a cinephile reflecting on my favorite films, I can confidently say that no movie has surpassed the original version we’ve seen so far. Its unique advantage was its freedom from the constraints of a wider universe, which allowed for a more focused and compelling storytelling experience. The scenes where Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark donned his armor and took flight for the first time truly encapsulated the exhilaration of superhuman abilities better than any movie I’ve ever witnessed, whether from Marvel Studios or another production house.

2025-07-03 19:28