Wondering if Mephisto will finally make his live-action debut in Marvel’s Ironheart series? As the MCU nears the end of Phase Five, speculation around Sacha Baron Cohen’s mysterious role continues to grow. With The Hood’s magical origins and several credible reports pointing to Mephisto’s involvement, fans are eager for answers.
Here’s what we know so far about Cohen’s rumored casting and Mephisto’s possible connection to Ironheart.
Is Sacha Baron Cohen playing Mephisto in Ironheart series?
Sacha Baron Cohen will appear in Ironheart, as confirmed by Marvel Studios’ September 21, 2023 filing with the U.S. Copyright Office.
The document lists Cohen’s role as “Mystery Man,” a placeholder name believed to conceal the character Mephisto. Deadline first reported in October 2022 that Cohen was “likely playing Mephisto,” a demonic villain from Marvel Comics, and that he might debut in the later episodes of Ironheart before appearing in future MCU projects.
Marvel TV executive Brad Winderbaum addressed the Mephisto rumors during the Phase Hero podcast in November 2024. When asked directly, he responded, “I wish I could tell you,” offering no confirmation or denial. This followed years of speculation about Mephisto’s MCU debut, especially after his tease in WandaVision and later confirmation in Agatha All Along.
Filming for Ironheart began in mid-2022 at Trilith Studios in Atlanta and moved to Chicago in late October. The production wrapped in November 2022, with reshoots from February to April 2024. Marvel scheduled the series to premiere on Disney+ on June 24, 2025, debuting the first three of six episodes.
The show follows Riri Williams, played by Dominique Thorne, as she returns to Chicago from MIT after Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and clashes with Parker Robbins, aka The Hood, portrayed by Anthony Ramos. In the comics, The Hood gains powers from Mephisto, fueling speculation that Sacha Baron Cohen’s “mystery” role is indeed the long-teased villain.
The trailer shows Robbins’ transformation, highlighting his magical cloak, visible veins, and ominous powers—elements that suggest a demonic source. Though Mephisto isn’t confirmed, many believe he empowers or controls The Hood. The cast also includes Lyric Ross, Alden Ehrenreich, Manny Montana, Anji White, and Shea Couleé. Ironheart will close out Phase Five of the MCU.
