After years of rampant speculation and rumors, Marvel Comics villain played by Sacha Baron Cohen. Mephisto is a demonic being who has ascended (or descended) to ruling Marvel's hell, having claimed dominion over the other Hell Lords who preside over Marvel's various afterlives. His devilish form is finally brought to life by experienced cosplayer @emg_cosplays, in a depiction so jaw-dropping that it shows the movies exactly how to nail Marvel's cruelest villain.
An ancient cosmic being, Mephisto is widely regarded as the Marvel Universe's devil incarnate. Rather than a grand threat such as Thanos or Kang the Conqueror, Mephisto is often depicted as a conniving deal maker who works behind the scenes to influence the souls of those most pure of heart, playing the long game to corrupt the multiverse. That isn't to disqualify the villain from achieving big bad status, as Mephisto has otherworldly abilities ranging from super strength, sorcery, shapeshifting, and reality manipulation. Most recently, it was revealed that every reality's Mephisto is in , plotting as part of the Council of Red.
While movie fans patiently wait for any sign of Mephisto, the beloved Marvel Comics villain receives an amazing portrayal. Rather than wait, @emg_cosplays has brought the fearsome demon to life with the help of makeup, designer, and photography professionals @crowcaw_fx, @merman_ aquarius, and @nels. This Mephisto is very much reminiscent of the comics, with his red skin, pointed teeth, and even his signature 'horn' hairstyle. There are even minor design subtleties that add to the physical identity of the character such as torn bandages and wrist armor. What makes Mephisto dangerous is that he can approach his victims as either a towering, demonic threat or a suave, seductive deal maker, often while changing little about his actual appearance. It's easy to see from this cosplay how that's possible, as Mephisto appears as both a shady plotter and a fanged menace.
Mephisto Is At His Best As An Extreme Character
Mephisto made his first on-screen appearance in 2007's critically panned Ghost Rider film adaptation, portrayed by the late Peter Fonda. Unlike the comic iteration version of Mephisto, this version of the character largely maintained a human disguise throughout the film, with his true demonic form being given in vague glimpses. Mephisto would return via a human guise once again in the film's 2012 sequel Ghost Rider Spirit of Vengeance, this time played by Ciaran Hinds. While these performances had their own strengths, Mephisto is a Shakespearian villain who gathers power and influence by portraying himself as the one, definitive devil, and going all-out to depict him as such can make him a unique threat if done well - as this cosplay shows.
When Mephisto truly does enter the MCU, Marvel would do well to look to @emg_cosplays' costume for inspiration, as Mephisto appears in his full might and most insidious power, not hiding as a human, but broadcasting his unparalled connection to the supernatural.
