Sacha Baron Cohen Says Marvel Worried Casting a Jewish Actor as the Devil in ‘Ironheart’ Would Be Antisemitic

Sacha Baron Cohen has described how the “Ironheart” team carefully asked whether he was comfortable playing Mephisto, a devil-like figure, because of the history of antisemitic portrayals linking Jewish people with the devil. He said the conversation felt considerate and empathetic, and made him feel seen.

Baron Cohen shared the story at a New York event while discussing his role in the Marvel series. In its finale, Dominique Thorne’s Riri Williams makes a deal with Mephisto to bring back her deceased best friend. “Ironheart” was created by Chinaka Hodge, with Ryan and Zinzi Coogler among its executive producers.