Cohen: Marvel's Empathy on Mephisto Role Was 'Amazing'

Sacha Baron Cohen shared details about a unique conversation with Marvel concerning his role in the Disney+ series Ironheart. Before accepting the part of the demon Mephisto, the show's creative team proactively addressed potential concerns related to antisemitic stereotypes and his Jewish background. Cohen recounted this meeting as "wonderful" and "amazingly considerate," noting that the team understood the negative historical associations of Jewish people with the devil.

He emphasized the significance of this empathy, particularly from the show's predominantly Black producing and directing team. Cohen felt "seen" by their thoughtful approach, a sentiment he noted is not always extended to Jewish experiences. He debuted as Mephisto in the Ironheart Season 1 finale, which premiered in July 2025. In the episode, Mephisto offered Riri Williams a deal to revive her deceased best friend.