Sacha Baron Cohen says Marvel hesitated over Jewish actor as devil

Sacha Baron Cohen revealed Marvel's team had a sensitive conversation before offering him the role of Mephisto, a demonic character, in the Disney+ series 'Ironheart'.

According to Variety, the actor recalled during a live 'Happy Sad Confused' talk that the show's primarily Black producing and directing team expressed concern. They reportedly asked if he would be insulted by the offer, given the historical antisemitic stereotype linking Jewish people with the devil.

Baron Cohen described the moment as 'amazingly considerate' and empathetic, telling the hosts he accepted the role. He noted that for Jewish people, such a gesture made him feel 'seen.'

In the 'Ironheart' finale, his character Mephisto makes a deal with Riri Williams, played by Dominique Thorne, to resurrect her deceased friend. Marvel Studios did not comment on the actor's remarks to Variety.