IronHeart’s highly anticipated live-action debut has delivered a jaw-dropping finale that fundamentally transforms the beloved Marvel character. In a dramatic departure from the comics, Riri Williams makes a Faustian bargain with the malevolent entity Mephisto, setting up a darker trajectory for the young genius that mirrors classic Marvel storylines while charting entirely new territory.
The Price of Power
Just like how Mephisto’s gifts twisted Parker’s humanity, the same fate also awaits Riri. At the same time, as Mephisto himself said, Riri is a once-in-a-generation talent. Parker was right about Riri being a criminal like him. Still, she’s also a super genius who’s just as resourceful and ambitious as Tony Stark. Mephisto doesn’t need to give Riri a hood – she already comes with her homemade magic armor.
If anyone can find a way to beat Mephisto at his own game, it’s Riri. On the other hand, Riri’s talents and dreams make her the perfect avatar for Mephisto. Combined with the Ironheart suit, Mephisto’s gifts could pave the path for Riri to become an iconic inventor, a master of science and magic. All she needs to do is give up her soul to Mephisto.
Significant Changes from Marvel Comics
IronHart significantly changes the original Marvel Comics character. Ironheart is a young female version of Iron Man in the comics, basically a straightforward hero. While the original Riri rarely dabbled in magic, the live-action Riri’s suit itself is imbued with magic. Most importantly, unlike her comic book counterpart, Riri isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty to get what she wants.
Although Riri and Mephisto don’t cross paths in the comics, their bargain is inspired by how the Scarlet Witch got her twins. In Avengers West Coast volume 2, number 52, it was revealed that Tommy and Billy Maximoff are made from shards of Mephisto’s soul.
The Truth About Natalie
This may explain the fundamental nature of the resurrected Natalie in the ending of IronHart. Apart from using Riri to gain further influence on Earth 616, Mephisto may have used Riri’s memories of Natalie to physically manifest fragments of his soul, unlike how Mephisto used Wanda’s desire to have children.
Post-Credits Threats
Mephisto isn’t even the only villain that Riri needs to worry about. After the credits roll, Parker meets Zelma at her mom’s shop. Unaware that she’s talking to the criminal formerly known as the Hood, Zelma freely offers her magical services to Parker, who may soon find his way back to absolute power.
Future Implications
Chicago needs to be careful. If they’re lucky, Riri and the Hood’s gang activities could soon warrant an investigation by the Sorcerer Supreme. At worst, Riri using science with magic could gain the unwanted attention of a long-awaited Marvel villain, Dr. Victor von Doom. After all, if there’s anyone who can help Riri manage dealing with Mephisto, it would be someone like Doom. Ironically, if Riri keeps walking the path of the anti-hero, Doom would also be perfect as her mentor.
People Also Ask:-
1. Who is the mysterious man that appears in Ironheart’s finale?
The mysterious man is Mephisto, a long-awaited MCU villain that fans have been wondering about since WandaVision four years ago. Executive producer Ryan Coogler and the team cast Sacha Baron Cohen to play this devilish character.
2. Is Natalie actually alive after the finale?
Ironheart fans are curious: Is Natalie alive? Did Riri make a deal with Mephisto in Episode 6’s ending? There are so many questions at the end of Ironheart, including whether Riri’s reunion with Natalie is doomed to fail.
3. What happens in Ironheart’s post-credits scene?
In Ironheart’s post-credit scene, Parker Robbins visits Zelma, who has links to Kamar-Taj, and asks her for help. After being cut loose from Mephisto, Parker Robbins, aka The Hood, is now a lone agent on a mission to reclaim his former power.
4. Does the post-credits scene set up future MCU projects?
Parker says he needs “Supreme-like help,” hinting he wants aid from the Sorcerer Supreme, which could set up Parker’s enrollment in the Strange Academy. The post-credits scene could set up a Strange Academy spinoff.
5. Will Parker/The Hood return to cause more problems?
There are questions about whether Parker will be back to cause more magical criminal mayhem. The post-credits scene sees Parker seek out a “Supreme-like” being who might be able to help him build up his powers again.
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