In the Ironheart series finale, Marvel Studios may have finally teased Ghost Rider’s MCU debut — offering a long-awaited answer to years of fan speculation. As a result, this subtle moment could mark the beginning of Marvel’s supernatural expansion, with Mephisto potentially at the center of it all.
Mephisto’s Line Hints at More “Clients”
In Ironheart episode 6, Sacha Baron Cohen officially debuts as Mephisto. He empowers Anthony Ramos’ Parker Robbins, also known as The Hood, by giving him a magical hood. But there’s one line that fans can’t stop talking about:
“Aw, I’ve been a little bit busy. You see, you’re not my only client.”
That single sentence might just be the strongest hint yet at Ghost Rider’s MCU debut. In Marvel Comics, Mephisto is infamous for his many “clients,” and one of the most iconic is Ghost Rider himself.
Interestingly, the MCU has teased Mephisto’s influence before. In Agatha All Along, Jennifer Kale made a cryptic statement:
“They say he might be… an agent of Mephisto.”
That line referred to Agatha Harkness’ son, Nicholas Scratch. Although Death ultimately captured him—not Mephisto—the phrase ‘agent of Mephisto’ stuck with fans. Clearly, Marvel has been building this supernatural thread — and Ghost Rider’s MCU debut now feels like the next step.
Mephisto Plays a Key Role in Ghost Rider’s Origin
In the comics, Mephisto directly shapes Ghost Rider’s origin through a demonic deal. Johnny Blaze, the most well-known Ghost Rider, makes a deal with the demon to gain hellish powers and save his surrogate father’s life.
The Marvel superhero most famously tied to the devil is Ghost Rider, who gets his powers by bonding with the Spirit of Vengeance, Zarathos, after making a deal with Mephisto. The devil in the details of this deal varies between Ghost Riders, but in the case of motorcycle stuntman Johnny Blaze, it was to save his surrogate father.
As a result, it makes perfect sense for Mephisto’s “clients” to include Ghost Rider. While The Hood may be the MCU’s first onscreen demonic agent, he likely won’t be the last — and the next one could ride a flaming motorcycle.
Ghost Rider’s MCU Debut Could Lead Midnight Sons
Marvel is also rumored to be developing a Midnight Sons movie, where Ghost Rider would lead a team of supernatural heroes. That project is said to arrive after Secret Wars, potentially marking Ghost Rider as a major Phase 6 figure.
Marvel Studios may be getting ready to introduce Ghost Rider to the MCU soon, as they are reportedly eyeing Barbie star Ryan Gosling to play him in Avengers: Doomsday, provided his filming schedule for Star Wars: Starfighter allows it. If Ryan Gosling plays the Earth-616 version of Johnny Blaze, it might complicate existing lore. However, the multiverse could explain everything. Fans should expect a more mystical and horror-focused tone for this team. Mephisto may even serve as the primary villain.
As of now, there’s no confirmation on whether this Ghost Rider will originate from Earth-616 or the Multiverse. However, the possibility of a Multiversal version gives Marvel more flexibility to explore different timelines and backstories.
Additionally, there’s a rumored Midnight Sons movie in development for after Secret Wars, and Ghost Rider is said to be leading the supernatural team. This project could serve as a major launchpad for Ghost Rider’s MCU debut and solidify his role in the universe’s darker storylines.
That said, if Marvel introduces Earth-616’s Ghost Rider as Johnny Blaze — and casts Gosling in the role — it could directly challenge the canon established in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.. Longtime fans will remember that Robbie Reyes received the Spirit of Vengeance directly from Blaze. As a result, showing Blaze as the current Ghost Rider in the MCU could confuse viewers. It may also spark more canon-related debates among fans.
Ghost Rider’s MCU Debut Is Just the Beginning
While Ironheart introduced Mephisto through a brief but impactful reveal, it may only be the beginning. Sacha Cohen’s Mephisto debut could set the stage for even darker corners of the MCU — most notably, the long-rumored Midnight Sons project. Mephisto would make a natural antagonist for this supernatural team, especially with Ghost Rider expected to take a central role.
In the comics, Ghost Rider’s origin famously involves a deal with Mephisto, binding the two characters together across decades of Marvel storytelling. Recent reports suggest Ryan Gosling is being eyed to portray Johnny Blaze in Avengers: Doomsday, marking a major entry point for the Spirit of Vengeance. Additionally, Marvel is reportedly developing a Midnight Sons film, with Ghost Rider likely to lead the team.
Although there are currently no official signs of Mephisto’s return, the devil is rarely gone for long. In Marvel Comics, Mephisto is virtually immortal — and he always finds a way back after defeat. If the MCU follows this same pattern, Sacha Cohen’s Mephisto debut could evolve into something far more expansive. One thing is clear: Mephisto’s presence in the MCU is just getting started.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on MCU’s upcoming projects, and subscribe to Marvel Updates’ YouTube channel.
