Sacha Baron Cohen says Marvel raised Mephisto antisemitism concern
The actor, who plays Mephisto in Ironheart, said the studio checked he would not be insulted by the offer.
Sacha Baron Cohen said Marvel Studios was aware of the negative historical association between Jewish people and the devil when it offered him the role of Mephisto in Ironheart. Cohen made the comments during a live taping of the Happy Sad Confused podcast with Josh Horowitz, according to comingsoon.net.
Cohen said the studio told him it wanted to make sure he would not be insulted by the offer. He said he accepted the role and told Marvel he was fine with it.
He also said the show was almost entirely produced and directed by a Black team.
In the final episode of Ironheart, Mephisto makes a deal with Riri Williams to bring back her best friend Natalie Washington. The series is streaming on Disney+, and a second season has not been announced.
Background
Cohen debuted as the MCU's live-action Mephisto in Ironheart in 2025. Before he was officially cast, he had been a popular fan-casting choice for the part for years.
Quick answers
Where can I watch Ironheart?
Ironheart is streaming on Disney+.
Will there be a second season of Ironheart?
A second season has not been announced.
What did Sacha Baron Cohen say about Marvel and the Mephisto role?
He said Marvel Studios was aware of the negative historical association between Jewish people and the devil and told him it wanted to make sure he would not be insulted by the offer.