Sacha Baron Cohen says Marvel discussed antisemitic stereotypes before Mephisto role
The actor said Ironheart’s creative team checked whether he was comfortable portraying a demon because of his Jewish background.
Sacha Baron Cohen said the creative team behind Marvel’s Ironheart raised concerns about antisemitic stereotypes before he accepted the role of Mephisto, checking whether portraying the demon would offend him as a Jewish actor.
Speaking with Josh Horowitz during a live Happy Sad Confused interview at New York City’s 92nd Street Y on October 21, Cohen recalled that the team acknowledged the history of associating Jewish people with the devil. He said he was comfortable with the part and valued their willingness to discuss the issue.
Cohen described the conversation as an expression of empathy. He said Jewish people sometimes feel their experiences are not understood, and the sensitivity shown by the producers and directors made him feel recognized.
The actor entered the Marvel Cinematic Universe through Ironheart’s Season 1 finale, which premiered in July 2025. His character offers Riri Williams, portrayed by Dominique Thorne, a bargain that would restore her deceased best friend to life.
