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A Cracked Finale and Killer Cameo Are Powering This MCU Show to Streaming Dominance

BBG News

In the past two weeks following her television premiere, she’s climbed to the number one spot on Disney+’s streaming rankings, with Marvel Cinematic Universe fans expressing great admiration for her character’s development and the surprise appearance of Mephisto.

This week, Ironheart is currently leading the viewership on Disney+, according to ratings, surpassing shows such as Grey’s Anatomy, Modern Family, and The Bear. The popularity of Ironheart isn’t surprising given the buzz surrounding Riri Williams’ storyline in Season 2. While it’s uncertain if the show will return for another season, it is expected that Ironheart will feature in upcoming projects like Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars. Additionally, speculation about the appearance of Mephisto in the MCU has sparked excitement among fans, suggesting he could play a significant role in future storylines.

Originally, a different villain was intended for the final scene in the series, as Chinaka Hodge revealed. However, Mephisto was suggested by executives and ultimately chosen. The creators brainstormed ideas on who should be the main antagonist for the show, and after collective discussion in the writers’ room, they decided upon Mephisto. Unfortunately, they did not disclose their initial concept, but it was fortunate indeed that Sacha Baron Cohen brought such weight to his portrayal of the Darkness Emperor during his guest appearance.

‘I Wish We Could Have Done More’

In the moment, episode director Angela Barnes mused, “He exhibits the right amount of audacity for this part, and I’ve noticed his dramatic work too. He can be menacing, and I believe Mephisto should be intimidating. To my delight, he agreed. I was thrilled! He proved to be a fantastic collaborator. Working with him was enjoyable because he’s hilarious, but also made insightful decisions… I only wish we could have worked together more.

In Marvel movie adaptations, Peter Fonda and Ciaran Hinds played Mephisto, although this occurred outside of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (in “Ghost Rider” and “Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance”). However, Cohen’s portrayal was more restrained, but hinted at his character’s true potential. Hodge found the casting to be a fortunate coincidence, stating, “Everything just fell into place remarkably well, as if some magic was involved.” She continued, “Sacha was not merely benevolent; he was extraordinarily generous and selfless, ensuring that everyone benefited from the learning experience.

Fans of Marvel have been eagerly waiting for Mephisto’s entry since Doctor Strange’s debut in the MCU. This sparked a deeper exploration of Marvel’s dark mythology, which was continued in shows like WandaVision, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, and Agatha All Along. However, it seems that Marvel Studios may not be taking this path anymore, instead focusing on introducing the . Yet, there remains a possibility that Cohen could return to the role; Mephisto has made deals with characters from the X-Men in the comics.

Ironheart is streaming on Disney+.

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2025-07-06 00:24

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