Spoilers for Ironheart are below!
Summary
Is the introduction ofIronheart’slong-awaited big bad setting up a huge supernatural event in the MCU? A new rumor suggests that bigger implications may be at play, with the newly released Disney+ series being more important than audiences may think.
For years, Marvel has dangled the idea of introducing Mephisto, a villainous supernatural character from Marvel Comics. Disney+ shows likeLokiandAgatha All Alongfeatured references, and evenShe-Hulk’sMadisynn potentially had a run-in with the being. However, after its lengthy post-production,Ironheartfinally debuted and gave audiences the character theMCUteased, with a menacing portrayal of Mephisto, who may prove to be a much bigger villain in a coming MCU event.
IronheartFinally Introduced MCU Audiences To Mephisto After Years Of Teases
Mephisto is an immortal demonic figure in Marvel Comics.He is often the villain behind the villain, having pulled the strings. He is considered one of themost powerful beings in the Marvel universe, wielding magic to display a wide array of powers, such as illusions and reality manipulation. Mephisto has been featured in numerous Marvel Comics events, likeSpider-Man: One More Day,Fear Itself, andDamnation.
Mephisto’s appearance in Ironheart continues the character’s streak of Faustian bargains with powerful figures.The Hood made his own deal, and the demonic being appears to tempt series protagonist Riri Williams with a similar deal. He dangles what she wants most, presenting her images of her deceased friend and the promise of power, coming late inIronheart’srun. Mephisto’s magic offers a distinct counterpart to Riri’s tech-savvy ways, making for one problem she can’t solve with her scientific knowledge.Ironheartwas meant to introducethe character, with Mephisto planned for other future MCU events, and a new rumor may point to the demon in a prominent role.
A New Rumor Points To The MCU Adapting Marvel’sDamnationEvent
If rumors reported by theCosmic Circusare to be believed,Mephisto will return in the MCU’s adaptation of the Marvel Comics eventDamnation.Damnationis a 2018 comic event that saw Doctor Strange attempting to restore a destroyed Las Vegas and return all the souls lost in the tragedy. Mephisto has already claimed the souls for himself, putting him at odds with Strange, setting off a feud between the two. Wong attempts to aid Strange in the fight, assembling a team of magic and supernatural-related Marvel Heroes, including Blade, Moon Knight, Elsa Bloodstone, Ghost Rider, Iron Fist, and Man-Thing, bringing together the Midnight Sons.
With the casting of Sasha Baron Cohen in the role of Mephisto, who turns in an excellent performance, the character is intended to return.He may tie into projects in the works at Marvel,likeSpider-Man: Brand New Day, which could also be toying with theOne More Daystoryline. If Marvel wishes to embrace Mephisto to his true potential, he could even be a Thanos-level threat, which they may be gearing up for withDamnation.
DamnationCould Be A Great Way To Introduce The Midnight Sons To The MCU
The MCU could be gearing up to introduce the Midnight Sons, allowing them to serve as an Avengers-level team that takes on the supernatural world and embraces magical powers.The groundwork has been laid over the years,thanks toWerewolf by Night,Doctor Strangemovies, and even shows likeMoon Knight. Recent news has even teased the return of Moon Knight, who won’t be getting a season 2, but is planned to reappear in the MCU at some point. That could very well be in aMidnight SonsorDamnationevent film.
TheDamnationstoryline features numerous characters already in the MCU, including Wong, Moon Knight, and Man-Thing. Bringing them together for anAvengers-style film would mark a unique team and event for the superhero franchise. AdaptingDamnationcould allow the Midnight Sons to enter the MCU, exploring the supernatural side of Marvel. However, it could also introduce several fan-favorite characters that have yet to appear in the MCU.
Ghost Rider and Blade play prominent roles in theDamnationstory, which means they could appear in the MCU’s adaptation.Ghost Rider has been a characterfans have been asking about for years, with his last appearance inAgents of S.H.I.E.L.D.loose canon at best. Blade was meant to enter the MCU years ago with his own film in development hell, so it may be dead in the water. However, Midnight Sons could rectify the mistake, allowing the vampire slayer to make his MCU debut as part of a team rather than a solo outing.
While plans forDamnationare still rumors, the event could allow Mephisto to become the villainous threat he can be and introduce the MCU to the Midnight Sons. This plan would still be years away, but it could be the type of move to help reinvigorate the MCU after recent perceived failures in quality and box office returns.Ironheartmay have been the beginning, but Mephisto could have a bright future in the MCU that is yet to come.
