Creator Chinaka Hodge Reveals Shared Decision Behind Devilish Reveal
After years of fervent fan theories and anticipation, the devil has finally arrived in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
In a shocking twist during the season finale of Ironheart, Mephisto, portrayed by Sacha Baron Cohen, made his long-awaited first appearance.
The reveal has sent shockwaves through the Marvel fandom, many of whom have been speculating about Mephisto’s introduction since WandaVision premiered over four years ago.
For those wondering how Mephisto stacks up against other cosmic threats, this detailed comparison between Mephisto and Thanos in the MCU offers some intriguing insights: Mephisto vs Thanos: MCU Power Comparison.
Series creator Chinaka Hodge spoke to Entertainment Weekly about the twist, clarifying that while she played a role in the reveal, it wasn’t entirely her call.
“That’s a really great question,” Hodge said when asked whether Mephisto’s debut was mandated by Marvel.
“I wish I could answer it more plainly. It was not my decision alone. I was empowered by Marvel to make that decision… I don’t know what will happen next with the character or with Sasha in the MCU. But as a fan, I’m really hoping to see him make lots of appearances.”
The episode had viewers believing that the characters were being haunted by Dormammu, the inter-dimensional demon from Doctor Strange.
But the tables turned when the villain revealed himself to be Mephisto in a chilling moment with Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne). He then offered her a cryptic, open-ended deal—similar to the one made to Parker Robbins, a.k.a. the Hood (Anthony Ramos).
The finale hints that Riri may have accepted Mephisto’s proposition. Her late best friend, Natalie (Lyric Ross), was resurrected, and dark veins reminiscent of those seen on Parker started appearing on Riri’s arms.
“I was surprised by the ending just as much as the audience will be,” Hodge confessed. “I think it’s a really fun payoff, and we’re setting up Riri to make big, grown woman decisions in the MCU. I think our cliffhangers will excite our fans and allow them to dream around whatever doom might befall them.”
Thorne, who plays Riri, was enthusiastic about her character’s darker turn.
“I think it’s so yummy that Riri doesn’t have to walk the traditional hero path. She has already crossed some lines and figured she’ll handle the consequences on the other side.
So what exactly is the scope? What’s the scale of those consequences? And does she continue to resist? Does she continue to do the right thing or does she lean into the other part of her?” she told EW.
She added that Riri’s choice wasn’t entirely unexpected. “It just helped to reinforce what we’ve been seeing from Riri since Wakanda Forever, which is that she’s not majorly committed to this superhero mantle.
It’s not something that she goes out chasing or seeking, but it’s something that she has to think her way through and figure out and really make conscious choices at every major turning point until she gets to the truth of who she is and who therefore who Ironheart will be.
That last moment brings it all home, boils it all down, and reiterates what we’ve been seeing since we’ve met Riri Williams, which is you have all this brilliance, you have all this potential, and you need to make a choice,” Thorne said.
Meanwhile, a mid-credits scene promises more trouble from Parker Robbins. After Riri separated him from his magical hood, Parker paid a visit to Stanton’s magic shop, where he encountered Zelma (Reegan Aliyah), asking for some “Supreme-like help.” Clearly, he isn’t done chasing mystical power.
Ramos expressed his eagerness to return to the role. “I love this role and I’d love to have the opportunity to do more with him. And to dive deeper into Parker and Mephisto’s relationship and how his failure affects him.
But also, does Riri go bad, all the way there, and by some miracle, does Parker have to stop her now? Does she become overcome by the magic, and is it going to take him to be like, ‘Look what it did to me, don’t let this do this to you.’ That would be sick,” he said.
The finale leaves plenty of threads dangling—from Riri’s pact with Mephisto to Natalie’s resurrection and Parker’s potential resurgence. Hodge hopes to continue unfolding these narratives in further seasons of Ironheart rather than offloading them into broader MCU storylines.
“I’ll keep it with you a buck, I’m hoping for all work in Hollywood right now,” she said.
“Yes, a second season, a third season, a fourth season. Yes!” As for what season two might cover, Hodge remained cryptic. “I look forward to answering that question with a staff of writers,” she teased.
Ironheart season 1 is currently streaming on Disney+.
