Sacha Baron Cohen discusses Marvel casting for Mephisto role

Actor Sacha Baron Cohen has shared details regarding his casting in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the character Mephisto. During an appearance on the ‘Happy Sad Confused’ podcast, Cohen noted that the production and directing team, which he described as being composed almost entirely of Black creatives, took deliberate steps to address his Jewish identity during the casting process.

Cohen revealed that the team explicitly acknowledged the historical antisemitic tropes that link Jewish people to demonic imagery. They sought to ensure he would not find the offer to play a devil figure offensive. Cohen described the gesture as an act of extraordinary empathy and consideration, stating, “I think for the Jews out there, sometimes we don't feel seen.”

The character of Mephisto, inspired by Mephistopheles, is a known figure in Marvel comics who often deceives superheroes into making deals for their souls. Cohen’s debut in the franchise occurs in the series Ironheart.