Marvel Is Actually Setting Up Mephisto (For Real This Time)

Warning: This post contains SPOILERS for She-Hulk episode 4!

It appears the Marvel Cinematic Universe is actually starting to set up Mephisto thanks to She-Hulk: Attorney At Law episode 4. Mephisto has become one of the most talked about Marvel characters in Phase 4, even though he has yet to make his MCU debut. As audiences continued to look for places for the powerful demon to appear, She-Hulk likely was not regularly mentioned as a possible destination for him. Mephisto might not be in She-Hulk episode 4, but Marvel seemingly began its proper setup of him in it.

Mephisto is a demon who rules over a pocket dimension often referred to as Hell or Hades. Created by Stan Lee, John Buscema, and Jerry Robinson in 1968, his origins are tied to the creation of the Infinity Stones in the comics. Mephisto's goal is to fill his Hell-like dimension with the souls of humans to build up his demon army. He started as a villain for Silver Surfer, but Mephisto grew to become one of Ghost Rider's main villains. His role in the comics expanded to see him play significant roles in the lives of Doctor Strange, Spider-Man, Scarlet Witch, and several other Marvel characters. And with the MCU looking for a Thanos replacement in Phase 4, Mephisto became a strong candidate to be introduced and play an essential role in the universe.

There has been no shortage of speculation about Mephisto joining the MCU in Phase 4, but so far, the demon has yet to make an appearance. Even most of his presumed setup turned out to be for other characters or misdirection. She-Hulk may be where Marvel has finally started to tease Mephisto's debut. After including MCU characters like Smart Hulk, Abomination, and Wong, She-Hulk episode 4 goes further into the mystical side of the universe. This seemingly includes the groundwork for Marvel to really introduce Mephisto to the MCU.

WandaVision Started Phase 4’s Crazy Mephisto Theories

WandaVision every Mephisto reference explained

The speculation about Mephisto joining the MCU kicked into high gear thanks to WandaVision. The first Marvel Disney+ series was the subject of intense theorization as audiences adjusted to the weekly release model of MCU content. This led to wild speculation about Reed Richards and others appearing, but it became common thought that Mephisto would be in WandaVision. Rumors and speculation about Mephisto's role were around for a while due to his comic connection to Wanda Maximoff's kids, Billy and Tommy, and the thought that he could be tied to their creations in the MCU. WandaVision inadvertently played into the Mephisto speculation with dialogue referencing where the devil could be, subtle 666 references, Billy and Tommy being called "demon spawn," and more. Mephisto was ultimately not in WandaVision, but with the intense speculation surrounding his debut, the idea that Marvel was setting up the villain turned other Phase 4 projects into potential landing spots for him.

It was then thought that Loki could introduce Mephisto. The multiverse series sparked speculation that Marvel's version of Satan would appear thanks to a devilish being depicted in a stained-glass window. Loki proved that there was no truth to the theories that Mephisto would be involved, as it was confirmed that the suggested reference to him was never intended that way. The audience's interest in seeing Mephisto in the MCU then brought Spider-Man: No Way Home into the picture. Mephisto played a prominent role in Spider-Man's controversial "One More Day" storyline. Since Spider-Man: No Way Home borrowed several elements from this story, it was thought he could appear in secret. Theories even suggested that Benedict Cumberbatch's Doctor Strange could have been Mephisto in disguise, but there was no real evidence to support this. This meant that Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness became Mephisto's next presumed landing spot. It was suggested he could be influencing Scarlet Witch and be the movie's true villain, but that also proved to be incorrect.

She-Hulk’s Demon Dimension Might Finally Mean Mephisto Is Coming

It now seems that She-Hulk episode 4's demon dimension could be the beginning of Marvel's real Mephisto setup. The episode's story revolves around a low-level sorcerer using spells he does not fully understand. This eventually leads to him accidentally opening a portal to another dimension where demon creatures begin to emerge from. While Mephisto's demons do not quite resemble what is presented in She-Hulk, changing them to monstrous creatures could be Marvel's way of giving him some cannon fodder to keep multiple superheroes busy in a future conflict. The dimension they hail from is only barely shown in She-Hulk episode 4, but the underworld look and fiery-orange color could make this a glimpse of Marvel's version of Hell. If that is the case, Mephisto should be nearby during these events.

There is even a chance that She-Hulk secretly included Mephisto. Part of the episode includes Madisynn talking about her experience of being transported to another dimension by Donny Blaze. This included her making a deal with a demon in the form of a talking goat named Jake. The goat demon and Madisynn made a deal for her to return to Earth, contingent on him eventually being able to "reap my soul and the souls of all I love." That is exactly what Mephisto would do, and his shape-shifting abilities mean he could have presented himself to Madisynn as a talking goat to make himself seem like less of a threat. This would mean that She-Hulk set up Mephisto's real MCU introduction in the future.

Where Mephisto Can Finally Appear In MCU Phase 5

If She-Hulk's Mephisto setup is real, there is a greater likelihood of him appearing in MCU Phase 5. Marvel could potentially use Mephisto in Blade to build up the supernatural corner of the shared universe. The solo film will help bring vampires to the MCU, but there is also the potential for it to feature various other supernatural characters, concepts, and ideas. Blade and Mephisto do not have a significant comic history, so including the demon in Blade could be part of the MCU's Midnight Sons setup instead.

There is also the opportunity for Mephisto to find a role in Agatha: Coven of Chaos. After all the theories that Agnes/Agatha Harkness was connected to Mephisto in WandaVision, the spinoff would be the perfect place to include him in Phase 5. Plot details on the Disney+ series are still largely a mystery, but a focus on sorcery and witchcraft is expected. Including Mephisto could be a way for Marvel to bring Agatha's story full circle and give her an encounter with a villain strong and evil enough to require her to become more of an anti-hero possibly. This could happen even if She-Hulk: Attorney At Law is not setting up Mephisto, but it would be better if that connection is made.

New episodes of She-Hulk: Attorney At Law release on Thursdays on Disney+.