As Ironheart's Finale Poses Big Questions for Several MCU Characters' Futures, Creator Says Major Antagonist's Reveal Was 'Not My Decision Alone'

Ironheart creator Chinaka Hodge has said that the Disney+ show's introduction of a long-awaited and much-teased Marvel villain "was not my decision alone."

Indeed, rather than neatly wrap up Ironheart's storyline, the show's finale leaves numerous plot threads dangling, and feels surprisingly more connected to the rest of the MCU than some fans had been expecting.

Whether these storylines will be picked up elsewhere, in other MCU movies, Disney+ series, or even additional Ironheart seasons — something for which Chinaka now expresses hope — remains to be seen. Regardless, it's clear the show's characters, and that big villain in particular, are part of Marvel's wider plan.

Warning! Spoilers for Ironheart follow.

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Hodge was asked whether Ironheart's introduction of Mephisto — played, as had been rumored, by Borat's Sacha Baron Cohen — had been a mandate from Marvel.

"That's a really great question," Hodge said in response. "I wish I could answer it more plainly. It was not my decision alone. I was empowered by Marvel to make that decision... I don't know what will happen next with the character or with Sasha in the MCU. But as a fan, I'm really hoping to see him make lots of appearances."

Continuing, Hodge — who is listed as head writer on the series — said she herself had been "surprised by the ending just as much as the audience will be" in respect to where the show leaves its star. Ironheart's finale sees Riri Williams enter into a deal with Mephisto to resurrect her dead best friend, with the consequences of this bargain left unresolved.

The future of Anthony Ramos' villain The Hood, meanwhile, is also left up in the air. While defeated by Williams, we last see The Hood seeking "Supreme-like help" from some local magic-users, potentially setting up a crossover with Benedict Wong's Sorcerer Supreme down the line. (Could this have been planned as a set-up for Marvel's now on-hold Strange Academy series?)

And then there's Mephisto himself, who has clearly been introduced here with an eye to the popular character, and actor, recurring again somewhere in the future. (Once the MCU's multiversal shenanigans are over, could we see Mephisto hanging out with other magical characters, such as Wiccan, or even Blade?)

For now, Marvel has said nothing of any future plans for Ironheart as an ongoing series, or Riri Williams as a character — and, as of yet, actress Dominique Thorne is yet to get her Avengers: Doomsday call-up. Still, Hodge has said she remains hopeful Ironheart's story will continue via future seasons of the show.

"I'll keep it with you a buck, I'm hoping for all work in Hollywood right now," Hodge concluded. "Yes, a second season, a third season, a fourth season. Yes!"

Tom Phillips is IGN's News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social