After years of speculation and fan theories, Mephisto has officially made his Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) debut. The long-anticipated character appears in the sixth and final episode of Ironheart, released on July 1, 2025.
Sacha Baron Cohen plays the role of Mephisto, a powerful and dangerous supernatural being known for making deceptive deals.
In the episode, Mephisto is revealed as the force behind Parker Robbins' transformation into The Hood. He grants Parker his mystical red cloak, giving him supernatural powers that drive much of the show’s conflict.
Mephisto later approaches Riri Williams with a tempting offer: the chance to bring back her close friend Natalie, who died in a tragic event.
The deal seems to work—Natalie returns—but the consequences are immediate. By the end of the episode, Riri begins to show physical signs that something is wrong, including dark veins on her skin.
This twist marks a major turning point not only for Riri’s character but for the direction of the MCU, signaling a deeper focus on the magical and mystical elements of the Marvel universe.
Spoilers for #Ironheart episode 6
— Jack (-_•) (@captaincupkicks) July 2, 2025
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MEPHISTO IS FINALLY HERE THIS IS NOT A DRILL RAHHHHHHHH
4 years of waiting finally paid off, I never thought this day would come pic.twitter.com/UDNBedgZWu
Ironheart’s Ending Sets Up Strange Academy and Future Mystical Stories
In addition to Mephisto's introduction, the Ironheart finale also includes an important moment suggesting upcoming Marvel projects. In a mid-credits scene, Zelma Stanton--an ally of Doctor Strange--was seen reviewing some magical disturbances, a clue regarding the potential start of Strange Academy, a school for young sorcerers.
This upcoming plot thread could offer a monumental expansion of the MCU's magical elements. Riri's deal with Mephisto and the Mysterious return of Natalie could connect directly to future stories featuring Doctor Strange or other mystical characters.
The inclusion of Zelma Stanton connects Ironheart to the larger magical part of the MCU, the same kind of stories we have seen in Doctor Strange and WandaVision.
The conclusion of the show is still filled with more questions: What is the full price of Riri's deal? How will the return of Natalie impact the future? Is Mephisto now a recurring villain in the MCU?
While nothing has been confirmed, the hints towards there being a lot more supernatural content in Marvel's upcoming films and series seem apparent.
With Mephisto now officially a part of the MCU, more dark magic, difficult choices, and unintended consequences are on the way in Marvel's stories to come.
