The heroes of the Marvel Cinematic Universe certainly have their hands full with the threat of Kang the Conqueror, who is set to be the overarching villain of the Multiverse Saga. Fans are also eagerly anticipating the eventual arrival of powerful villains like Magneto, Doctor Doom, and Galactus into the MCU. Yet one villain has been on fans' minds since the very first Phase 4 project, and the character might be joining the franchise soon: Mephisto.

Rumors have circulated that Mephisto will be getting his own Halloween special on Disney+ played by Borat star Sacha Baron Cohen. Mephisto has been a part of Marvel Comics for years and has recently been given a push in the comics, which often indicates big plans for the character's future in adaptation. Mephisto was rumored to be part of WandaVision and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and is now rumored for more projects. Here is a breakdown of who Mephisto is and where he may show up in the MCU.

What Are Mephisto's Origins and Powers

Mephisto in Doctor Strange
Marvel Comics

Mephisto first appeared in December 1968 in Silver Surfer #3 and was created by Stan Lee and John Buschema. The character is inspired by the Mephistopheles character from the Faust legend and is also the stand-in for the Devil in Marvel Comics. The character, like the religious 'Devil' itself, has gone by many names including Satan, Lucifer, and Beelzebub.

Mephisto was created at the beginning of time along with the event that created the Infinity Stones. He rules a dimension known as Mephisto Realm, which is essentially hell in the Marvel Universe, another plane of existence of fire and brimstone where the character is at his most powerful. He's essentially a magical entity who can shapeshift, manipulate reality, alter memories, and proejct illusions.

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While originally a villain of the Silver Surfer, the character is most commonly associated with Ghost Rider and is the one who gave the hero his powers. Mephisto has come into conflict with many Marvel characters including Thor, Doctor Strange, The Scarlet Witch, and Spider-Man. He is associated with one of the most infamous Spider-Man comics, "One More Day," which resulted in Peter Parker making a deal with Mephisto to save Aunt May in exchange for his marriage to Mary Jane. He also is a foe of the villain Doctor Doom, as Doom wants to save his mother's soul from Mephisto's realm.

Mephisto's Past On-Screen Appearances

Peter Fonda Ghost Rider
Columbia Pictures

Mephisto has actually been adapted twice before in two non-MCU projects. The first was the 2007 film Ghost Rider, where he was played by Peter Fonda. This version calls him after the character that inspired him, Mephistopheles. He is primarily seen in human form, but hints at his more demonic appearance are made in the character's shadow and just like in the comics he is responsible for giving Johnny Blaze his Ghost Rider powers.

In the 2012 sequel Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, Ciarán Hinds steps into the role that is now referred to as The Devil. He has taken the form of a man named Roarke who, after fathering a son with a human woman, wants to possess the child's body that will allow him to access his full powers on Earth. Ghost Rider saves the child and defeats Roarke, sending him back to hell.

Mephisto's Place in the MCU

Scarlet Witch Agatha Harkness Chaos Magic
Marvel Studios / Disney

Mephisto has been rumored to be part of the MCU since the first Phase 4 project WandaVision. This is because Mephisto plays a key role in the comics that inspired WandaVision, specifically around the creation of her children Billy and Tommy. Mephisto did not appear in the series and while some suspected he would be hinted at in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness the focus was put on the Elder God Chthon and his creation of the dark magic book the Darkhold.

Related: She-Hulk: Did Madisynn Make a Deal With Mephisto?

Now Mephisto is rumored to be in Ironheart. It might seem odd that a magical villain will be introduced in a tech-based superhero series like Ironheart, but that show has been described as a battle between science and magic with the main villain being the supernatural-themed character, the Hood.

In the comics, the Hood is enchanted by a demon that could be streamlined in the MCU to be Mephisto. Mephisto might be hinted at throughout and expanded upon in another project, with a final reveal similar to Thanos in the mid-credit scene of The Avengers. The character could then appear in a major role for Agatha: Coven of Chaos, as either a supporting character or even the primary villain.

Ghost Rider Could Be Coming to the MCU

Johnny Blaze Ghost Rider Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics

With this many hints at Mephisto, including the rumored Disney+ special, one imagines it is only a matter of time before the MCU also brings in Ghost Rider. Rumors of a Ghost Rider project have been circulating since 2021 and star Ryan Gosling has thrown his name into consideration for the part. Mephisto's arrival could also signal the arrival of Ghost Rider and indicate where the MCU is heading.

Ghost Rider would be one of many supernatural-themed heroes introduced in the Multiverse Saga. The franchise has already brought in Moon Knight, Werewolf by Night, Man-Thing, and Elsa Bloodstone. Blade has his own feature film set for release in 2024. Throw Ghost Rider into the mix, and a supernatural-themed team of heroes might be united; Mephisto would be the ultimate threat for these monster-based heroes to fend off. Time will tell, but while the threat of the multiverse is on the horizon, another sinister threat appears to be growing in the shadows.