Sacha Baron Cohen Reportedly In Talks To Play Mephisto In MCU

Sacha Baron Cohen is reportedly in talks to star as the villainous Mephisto in the MCU, starting on of The Multiverse Saga, one character that many have continued to speculate about making his MCU debut is the super-villain Mephisto. As Phase 4 is getting close to its end, with Black Panther: Wakanda Forever as the last film before Phase 5, more films and shows are coming in 2023 and beyond, which leaves the door open for Mephisto's potential arrival.

Theories primarily began on WandaVision where some believed that the MCU was getting ready to introduce the Marvel demon. While WandaVision never saw that come to fruition, it hasn't stopped theories about Mephisto eventually making his way into the interconnected universe. So far, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige hasn't made any clear indication that the MCU will introduce Mephisto, leaving many to think that he is planning to bring in the character in some form of fashion.

However, it appears Mephisto might finally be on his way to the MCU as Deadline reports that Sacha Baron Cohen is reportedly in talks to portray the character for Ironheart. Rumors first emerged last week that the actor was set to portray the iconic villain on the Disney+ series, Ironheart, which recently wrapped filming. At the time of writing, Marvel Studios and Cohen's representatives have refused to comment if he is playing Mephisto or even starring in Ironheart, which premieres in late 2023 as part of Phase 5.

How Ironheart Can Introduce Mephisto

The BBC news team in the fight sceen from Anchorman 2.

While Ironheart may seem an unexpected choice to introduce Mephisto, there is a crucial character that could serve as a major factor in why the Disney+ series will feature the vicious demon. One of Ironheart's main players is Parker Robbins, a.k.a. The Hood, who will be portrayed by Anthony Ramos and star as at least one of the villains in the series. In the comics, The Hood ends up getting his powers from Dormammu, but ever since the rumored casting of Cohen being tapped as Mephisto emerged, a running theory has suggested that the demon will be the one to grant Robbins his abilities. While it would be a departure from the source material, it would make sense, given how audiences have continued to expect Mephisto to be a crucial villain in the MCU.

If this Ironheart report turns out to be accurate, it's more than likely that Cohen's Mephisto will simply get his start in the Disney+ series and go on to appear in other MCU projects. Given that Phase 4 has gone deeper into dark magic and the supernatural realm, primarily through Doctor Strange and Scarlet Witch, it would be a surprise if Mephisto was a one-and-done after Ironheart. Even though Ironheart will be focused on a technology-based hero, having supernatural-centric enemies also allows Riri Williams' solo show to stand out, especially when compared to the Iron Man movies. Perhaps when Riri makes her MCU debut in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, there will be allusions or nods to Mephisto potentially being one of the baddies on Ironheart, hence why Marvel Studios has chosen not to comment on the casting report for now.

MORE: Mephisto's MCU Introduction Can Prove Every Fan Theory About Him RightSource: Deadline