Ironheart executive producer Ryan Coogler recently addressed whether Riri Williams will return in Ironheart Season 2 or appear next in Black Panther 3. In a new interview, he discussed her evolving role in the MCU, the introduction of Mephisto, and how Marvel’s strategy reflects a deeper narrative plan for the character’s future.
Ryan Coogler on if Ironheart would return in Season 2 or Black Panther 3
In a recent interview with Variety, Ryan Coogler addressed Riri Williams’ return and, when asked about a second season or Black Panther 3, said, “I don’t know jack s—,” adding, “I’m here for whatever Chinaka’s got coming at us next; whatever Kevin’s got coming at us next.”
Thorne also commented on Marvel’s strategy with Riri’s storyline. “The true Marvel fans know that Marvel always has a plan,” she said. “So, to know that they’ve chosen to introduce him [Mephisto] here with Riri Williams, with Parker Robbins, it’s strategic and it has a place in the larger storytelling.”
She described her reaction to learning of Mephisto’s identity while filming. “By the time they gave me the correct name in the script, it was like ‘Whoa, the Reddit guy! The guy from all the rumors. He’s in this show?’”
Coogler, whose Proximity Media co-produced Ironheart, elaborated on the character’s arc. “I love the compression that we have in this show,” he said, noting the shift from “just two kids trying to make a way” to Riri facing a “seemingly all-powerful, mystical being.” He explained, “When you watch the show, it’s like, ‘Oh, that was how you always were gonna meet him [Mephisto].’”
Head writer Chinaka Hodge called Mephisto’s introduction “a collaborative effort,” while producer Zoie Nagelhout said he replaced Dormammu for “better thematic fit.” Hodge further added, “He offered a sort of interesting and heightened way to tie together the characters’ journeys — and in particular, Riri’s.”
Angela Barnes, who directed the Mephisto reveal episode, suggested casting Sacha Baron Cohen. “She pitched it, and we couldn’t unsee it,” Nagelhout shared. “And we’re just so lucky he said, ‘Yes,’ because at that point, I don’t think we could’ve gotten out of our heads that he was Mephisto.”
Ironheart is now available for streaming on Disney+.
