With any new Marvel Cinematic Universe project, there’s always speculation about the debut of the classic Marvel Comics villain, Mephisto, who serves asthe Marvel Universe’s version of the devil. The character tempts and torments his victims in their most vulnerable moments, offering them their hearts' greatest desires, but it always comes with a horrific price. The character debuted in the pages ofSilver Surfer#8 in 1968, created byStan LeeandSal Buscema. Since his creation, Mephisto has becomea mainstay villain in the Marvel Universe, tormenting many heroes over the last several decades.
Mephisto has been responsible for many major events in Marvel’s history. InMarvel Spotlight #5, Mephisto transforms Johnny Blaze into Ghost Rider. He creates a son, the demonic shapeshifting Blackheart, inDaredevil#270. He is also the one who infamously erased the marriage of Peter Parker (aka Spider-Man) and Mary Jane Watson from existence inSpider-Man: One More Day. As we anxiously await the MCU debut of Mephisto, whenever that will hopefully be, it’s time to take a look back at his first big-screen appearance. Before the MCU took flight with 2008’sIron Man, Mephisto appeared in the 2007 movieGhost Rider, portrayed by the late, Oscar-nominated actor,Peter Fonda.
Peter Fonda Portrays Mephisto in Nicolas Cage’s ‘Ghost Rider’
Sony releasedthe first live-actionGhost Ridermoviein 2007, starringNicolas Cageas Johnny Blaze, aka Ghost Rider, and Fonda as the Devil himself, Mephisto. Fonda’s Mephisto tricks a young Blaze into selling his soul in exchange for healing Johnny’s ailing father, Barton Blaze (Brett Cullen), from cancer. Although Barton Blaze’s illness is healed, he soon dies anyway during a stunt show accident. Later, Mephisto forces Johnny Blaze into servitude, making him his new Spirit of Vengeance, the Ghost Rider, to vanquish Mephisto’s rebellious demon son, Blackheart (Wes Bentley).
Unfortunately,the film did not give Fonda the best material to work with. Fonda delivers a villainous, scene-chewing performance that comes off as rather goofy and schlocky.The film also eschews Mephisto’s iconic look from the comics, opting for a more grounded approach. WhileGhost Riderwas a commercial success, it was the black sheep of Sony’s then-Marvel film franchise. Eventually, a sequel was released in 2011 withGhost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, but Fonda would not return as Mephisto!
Ciarán Hindsreplaced Peter Fonda as Mephisto in the sequel, taking a new human form named Roarke. The film wasa critical and commercial flop, but it enabledMarvel Studios to regain the media rights to Ghost Riderin 2013. However, while Ghost Rider has appeared in live-action form again in the MCU withDiego Lunaportrayingthe Robbie Reyes iteration of the characterinAgents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Mephisto has yet to make his grand return to the screen.
Mephisto Nearly Appeared as the Villain in ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’
During a junket for Marvel’sDeadpool & Wolverine, directorShawn Levyand producer and starRyan Reynoldsrevealed to Collider’sSteve Weintraubthat they “flirted” withthe idea of using Mephisto as the villainfor the sequel. According to Levy,the film’s story experienced “a lot of almost versions"before landing on using Cassandra Nova (Emma Corrin) as the main villain.
Let’s Be Honest, We Could’ve Done Without This ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ Scene
Sometimes less is more.
Considering the film acts as a threequel forDeadpooland features the return ofHugh Jackmanas Wolverine,it made much more sense to use anX-Menfamily supervillain, especially due toCassandra Nova’s connection to Professor Charles Xavieras his evil twin sister. Using Mephisto asDeadpool & Wolverinemight have been interesting, but ultimately, things worked out for the best withDeadpool & Wolverineutilizing Cassandra Nova.
Is Sacha Baron Cohen Playing Mephisto in ‘Ironheart’?
The new MCU miniseries,Ironheart, will debut on Disney+ later next year. The show will feature the return ofDominique Thorneas Riri Williams, aka the armored hero Ironheart. The theme of the show is science vs. magic, with Ironheart battling dark, supernatural forces. Additionally,Sacha Baron Cohenwill reportedly appear in the showin an undisclosed role.Deadlinereports that Cohen will likely portray the role of the supervillain Mephisto, soit appears the long-awaited, official MCU debut of Mephisto is on tap for later next year. Hopefully, Cohen delivers a more faithful adaptation of the longtime Marvel supervillain, includingan appearance closer to his devilish red look from the comics, with a lavish cape.
Ghost Rider
When motorcycle rider Johnny Blaze sells his soul to the Devil to save his father’s life, he is transformed into the Ghost Rider, the Devil’s own bounty hunter, and is sent to hunt down sinners.
Ghost Rideris available to rent on Prime Video in the U.S.
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