The Devil’s in the Details: Where Sacha Baron Cohen’s Mephisto Could Strike Next in the MCU

The fan theories can finally rest. After years of speculation, the demonic deal-maker Mephisto has officially arrived in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His long-awaited debut came in the Disney+ series Ironheart, where he was revealed as the sinister benefactor behind the villain Parker Robbins, played by the unmistakable Sacha Baron Cohen.

Having already ensnared Riri Williams in a dark pact to bring back her deceased friend, the MCU’s new demon lord is just getting started. With his power to manipulate souls and prey on mortal desires, Mephisto is perfectly positioned to become a major, recurring threat. So, where does the devil go from here?

Paying Off the Ironheart Cliffhanger in Armor Wars

The most direct follow-up for Mephisto’s story is likely in the upcoming Armor Wars film. While a project centered on stolen Stark technology may not seem like a place for a supernatural big bad, Ironheart already broke that barrier. With Riri Williams’ story set to continue alongside Don Cheadle’s War Machine, her dark deal with Mephisto will undoubtedly come back to haunt her. This film could explore the consequences of her pact and establish the true cost of dealing with the devil.

Tempting Heroes on a Personal Level

Mephisto thrives on personal torment, and two upcoming projects offer the perfect stage for his insidious brand of evil.

• Spider-Man: Brand New Day: The title of the fourth MCU Spider-Man film is a massive red flag for comic fans. The infamous One More Day and Brand New Day storylines saw Mephisto offer Peter Parker a deal: he would save Aunt May’s life in exchange for erasing Peter and Mary Jane’s marriage from existence. With Tom Holland’s Peter still grieving the loss of his Aunt May in No Way Home, the temptation to reverse that tragedy could be Mephisto’s ultimate play. Rumors that Sadie Sink could play Mayday Parker—the very daughter whose future existence Mephisto sought to prevent in the comics—only add fuel to this fire.

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• Wonder Man: Simon Williams, played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, is an aspiring actor with superpowers. What better target for a demon who offers fame and fortune at a terrible price? While Simon’s comic history involves Mephisto’s son, Blackheart, the MCU could easily streamline this, having Mephisto himself offer Simon the stardom he craves in exchange for his soul.

Master of the Mystic and Macabre

As the MCU expands its supernatural corner, Mephisto is poised to become its central antagonist.

• Vision Quest: The Disney+ series centered on White Vision could dive deep into the complicated nature of the Maximoff twins. In the comics, Billy and Tommy’s souls have a direct connection to Mephisto. With Agatha All Along showing Wiccan literally pulling his brother’s soul into a new body, they have already broken the laws of life and death, making their souls a prime target for a demonic collector like Mephisto.

• Blade, Ghost Rider, and Beyond: Projects like Blade and a potential Ghost Rider series are natural homes for Mephisto. He is the very demon who binds the Spirit of Vengeance to Johnny Blaze. As Marvel builds towards a supernatural team-up like the Midnight Sons or a magic-focused series like Strange Academy, Mephisto could serve as the overarching big bad, the ultimate evil that forces these dark heroes to unite.

A Threat to the Entire Multiverse Saga

Mephisto’s influence isn’t limited to street-level heroes or spooky corners of the MCU. He has the potential to shape the very fabric of the Multiverse Saga.

• Avengers: Doomsday: This saga-ending film is set to introduce Doctor Doom, rumored to be played by Robert Downey Jr. In the comics, Doom’s mastery of magic stems from his relentless quest to free his mother’s soul from Mephisto’s realm. Weaving Mephisto into Doctor Doom’s MCU origin would not only honor the source material but also create a powerful, multi-layered villain whose scientific genius is matched only by his dark sorcery.

• Avengers: Secret Wars: As the final chapter of the Multiverse Saga, Secret Wars will be an all-hands-on-deck crossover. A being as powerful and manipulative as Mephisto could easily play a role, perhaps even appearing in a post-credits scene to set up the MCU’s next major threat.

With Sacha Baron Cohen bringing his unique charisma to the role, it seems the devil’s work in the MCU is only just beginning.