Chris Hardwick's Blog, page 58

Box Lunch’s New SUPERMAN Collection Celebrates the Man of Steel

The Summer of Superman is officially here. Soon, James Gunn’s new version of DC Comics’ most iconic superhero will take flight on cinema screens worldwide. And you’ll want to wear your Kryptonian best when seeing Superman for a second and third time at the theater. The folks at Box Lunch have got you covered, with a ton of Superman apparel hitting stores this summer. They’ve got everything from Metropolis baseball shirts to House of El socks, to some Smallville-style cardigans. You can see the complete Box Lunch Superman collection down below in our gallery:

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A lot of the theming for this Superman collection focuses on core Kal-El values like hope and justice. With that in mind, this new Superman BoxLunch collection understands that doing good is a very powerful thing. So with every $10 spent (online or in-store), BoxLunch donates a meal to someone in need. This is through its ongoing partnership with Feeding America. Just $1 helps provide at least 10 meals secured by Feeding America on behalf of local member food banks. Helping others for the sake of helping others is what Superman is all about at the end of the day. That’s why we all look up to him and not Lex Luthor.

Box Lunch

The new Box Lunch Superman collection has clothing inspired not only by the new film, but also classic DC Comics. That’s why some shirts have the classic Superman ‘S’ shield on them, along with the one used in the film, inspired by Kingdom Come. Superman has had a variety of looks over the years, and this collection reflects them all. With over 85 years of Superman and Action Comics, there’s a lot to cover. To see prices and to purchase items from this collection, be sure to head over to the official Box Lunch website.

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The 5 Best Easter Eggs at Universal Epic Universe

Universal Epic Universe is the first new modern theme park in America in over 20 years. And its five lands reflect so many different areas of interest that have become popular in that span of time. But the word “epic” is a word that has meanings both modern and traditional. In the present day, “epic” means something closer to “awe-inspiring” and “wildly impressive.” But in a more historical sense, an “epic” was a long poem that detailed great adventures and powerful feats by larger-than-life heroes.

Incredibly, Universal Epic Universe manages to fit both definitions of the word. It weaves gorgeous tales together, performing amazing feats of technological creation and artistic wonder, and it is just SO DANG COOL. And nowhere does the dual definition of epic shine in Universal’s Epic Universe more than its nuanced attention to detail. There’s no way we could break down every elaborate and narrative-driven Easter egg hidden in Epic Universe, but we absolutely can present you with the five best hidden winks of all.

Check out our five favorite Easter eggs from Universal Epic Universe below.

Universal Epic Universe’s Stardust Racers Contain a Back to the Future Easter Egg, the Flux CapacitorThemeparkshark

It’s no secret that I adored Universal Epic Universe’s Stardust Racers, located in Celestial Park. This Roller Coaster is what dreams are made of. But, looking beyond the beauty, the thrill, and the total immersion that Stardust Racers provides, you can also find one of the best Epic Universe Easter eggs of all located on the ride. On the back of each ride car in Stardust Racers, you can find one of Back to the Future‘s Flux Capacitors. In fact, the Flux Capacitor seemingly powers the Stardust Racers ride vehicle.

This is a particularly beautiful Easter egg because Back to the Future used to have a ride in Universal Orlando, titled Back to the Future: The Ride. Back to the Future: The Ride rose to life in the early ’90s and closed in 2007. It remains a treasured part of the park’s past and is beloved in the hearts of fans. Bringing Back to the Future into Epic Universe, the future of Universal Orlando, allows the Easter egg to nod at the park’s legacy, while adding a depth of story and feeling to the current moment.

@themeparkshark

Stardust Racers at Universal Epic Universe located in Celestial Park has a FLUX CAPACITOR! THIS IS HEAVY! #Hosted #epicuniverse #ig #tw #yt #viral #fyp #Orlando #themepark #fy

♬ Back In Time – Huey Lewis & The News

The 428 Cornerstone in Dark Universe Cleverly Pays Homage to Carl Laemmle Jr.Nerdist

This super cool Easter located in Universal Epic Universe’s Dark Universe is a favorite of Steve Tatham, Executive Creative Director of Universal Epic Universe, himself. Tatham tells us, “When you go into Dark Universe and you go off to the left of the fountain as you’re walking into the world, there’s a place called the Burgermeister. In these movies, those guys were usually the mayors, so there’s a Burgermeister’s house. We wanted to include that. If you look at the foundation, there’s a cornerstone. Cornerstones on old buildings often have a date, when they were built. It says 4 2 8, as if that building were built in the year 428. But that is there for that reason. But also because it’s Carl Laemmle Jr.’s Birthday. April 28th, it’s 4/28. And Carl Laemmle Jr. was 19 years old when his dad put him in charge of the studio, and he’s a 19-year-old kid. So, of course, what does he do? He makes a bunch of monster movies. Yes. So he’s really important in the history of Universal Monster movies. So we wanted to recognize that.”

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Carl Laemmle Jr., as mentioned, was the son of the founder of Universal Studios. When his dad put him in charge of the studio at 19, he went on to make Dracula (1931), Frankenstein (1931), The Mummy (1932), The Invisible Man (1933), and the Bride of Frankenstein (1935). The films made by Carl Laemmle Jr. are the literal cornerstones of Universal Monsters and Universal Epic Universe’s Dark Universe—and so it’s beautiful that he is literally the cornerstone of the world through this clever Easter egg.

You Can Find Pikmin Easter Eggs in Universal Epic Universe’s Super Nintendo WorldNerdist

Super Nintendo World puts the spotlight on some of our favorite classic Nintendo characters from games like Mario Kart. We see Mario, Donkey Kong, Yoshi, Princess Peach, and all of their friends. But, for now, don’t expect to find Princess Zelda, Link, or other characters from different franchises wandering through. (Although you can find them in parts of the park that are external to Super Nintendo World itself.)

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Universal Epic Universe Super Nintendo World: Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country Review

But, one tiny exception is made in the realm of Super Nintendo World. And it’s an adorable one, and one of the best Universal Epic Universe Easter eggs around.

dovely bell

In Super Nintendo World, you can find tiny Pikmin having a great day. Pikmin are, of course, plant-like creatures that hail from the world of Pikmin, a strategy and puzzle game from Nintendo. And it turns out, these little guys are EVERYWHERE in Super Nintendo World? When you visit, see if you can spy all their hiding places for a fun side-adventure.

@dovelybell

So yeah there’s Pikmin at Epic Universe🍃 #epicuniverse #supernintendo #pikmin #universal #universalorlando #themepark #epic #creatorsearchinsights

♬ original sound – Kira

Dark Universe’s Well Holds a Bloody Secret

The Well of Darkmoor pic.twitter.com/g4dCcajPsb

— Rotem Rusak (@Moondancer1626) July 2, 2025

You might think a well would be full of water. But you’d be wrong. In Dark Universe, the central well is part of an important truce between the villagers of Darkmoor and a vampire colony that lives beneath the streets of Dark Universe. After a major battle between the factions, the well was established as a reminder of the tussle and the cost of peace… In this case, keeping the vampires well supplied with blood. (Well-supplied, get it?)

It’s a funny joke because the well is how the villagers send the blood to the vampires who yearn for it. Yep, that’s a blood well for blood irrigation. Rumor has it that if you lean in far enough, you might hear the vampires’ eerie noises rising up from below the village—waiting for their dinner to be poured down to them. Just don’t fall in, or you’ll be a blood Capri-Sun faster than you can blink.

Nerdist

The well’s inscription reads,  “Never forget you exist by our will alone.” Chilling!

The Isle of Berk’s Snow Wraith Is an Awesome Animatronic AND a Cool Drink 

At Universal Epic Universe’s Isle of Berk, you can meet a ton of dragons. You’ve probably heard about the iconic Snow Wraith that will roar to life and blow ice and mist in your direction. But did you know that the Snow Wraith is also actually a drink at Isle of Berk? How’s that for a delicious Universe Epic Universe Easter egg? At a stand nearby the Snow Wraith, you can purchase a cool Snow Wraith ICEE, one of our favorite drinks at Universal Epic Universe. Then you can drink a Snow Wraith while visiting a Snow Wraith. And it doesn’t get better than that.

The Snow Wraith coming to life at Universal Epic Universe's Isle of Berk pic.twitter.com/BtB2iOi16J

— Rotem Rusak (@Moondancer1626) June 4, 2025

For other cool Isle of Berk Easter eggs, Anitra Pritchard, Show Director Entertainment Operations at Universal Orlando Resort, suggests that you keep any on the “tops of the buildings for character specific Easter eggs that only readers might know about.” Very cool stuff!

Nerdist

Of course, these five best Easter eggs are just a tiny taste of the fun secrets you can uncover at Universal Epic Universe, but hopefully, they get you started in the right direction. Universal Epic Universe is now open in Orlando, Florida.

REad more

Universal Epic Universe’s Isle of Berk Is a Dragon Animatronic Wonderland

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The SUPERMAN Cast Reveals Their Nerdiest Fandoms

The future is bright for the DCU and the stars of Superman! To celebrate, Nerdist’s Hector Navarro is sitting down with David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nathan Fillion, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Isabela Merced, María Gabriela de Faría, Sara Sampaio, Beck Bennett, Skyler Gisondo, Wendell Pierce, Mikaela Hoover, and James Gunn to talk about the endless possibilities ahead for this epic new universe– along with everyone’s secret nerdy obsessions.

Superman soars into theaters and IMAX July 11th!

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James Gunn Reveals SUPERMAN Role for Major GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY Actor

James Gunn is one of those directors who loves working with the same actors time and time again. So it wasn’t a surprise to learn that some of his former Guardians of the Galaxy stars like Pom Klementieff Nathan Fillion, and Michael Rooker have roles in Superman. But now Gunn has confirmed, in an interview with Jake’s Takes (via Comic Book), that one of the principal actors in the Guardians series will have a small role in Superman. Gunn confirmed what was rumored for months, that Bradley Cooper will play Jor-El, Superman’s Kryptonian father, in the film. Here’s what Gunn had to say about the Rocket Raccoon voice actor and Oscar nominee landing a Superman role:

Really, Bradley’s just doing me a favor. He’s a friend. We’ve stayed in close contact since the Guardians movies, and I admire him greatly as an actor and as a director. I just said, ‘Hey, will you do me a favor? Come down, go to England, we’re going to shoot you in a 3D environment, make a hologram of you, and you can play Jor-El. He was like, ‘Okay.’

Warner Bros.

The fact that Gunn is comfortable talking about this with press means this isn’t some big reveal in the movie. Oh, and if you’re wondering how Jor-El can appear in a Superman movie that’s not an origin story? Gunn mentioning holograms means he’s going to be the AI version of Jor-El that exists in the Fortress of Solitude. That aspect of Jor-El has been around since Superman: The Movie in 1978, and the comics later adopted it. This puts Bradley Cooper in pretty great company, as previous cinematic Jor-Els have included Marlon Brando and Russell Crowe. Both actors won Oscars, so maybe this bodes well for Cooper finally getting his statue. It seems playing Superman’s dad equals Oscar gold.

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Neil Druckmann Leaves HBO’s THE LAST OF US Ahead of Season 3

The Last of Us‘ second season ended with one less star than it began with. Now the same is also true of its showrunners. Naughty Dog’s Neil Druckmann has announced he’s leaving HBO’s The Last of Us series before work begins on its third season.

The head of Naughty Dog and one of the creators behind The Last of Us video game franchise is leaving his own adaptation. Druckmann announced on his studio’s social media accounts that he is leaving the HBO adaptation of his The Last of Us game. In his statement, Druckmann wrote why, but his words will only lead to plenty of speculation over what he might not have said – the real reason he’s no longer part of The Last of Us season three.

I’ve made the difficult decision to step away from my creative involvement in The Last of Us on HBO. With work completed on season 2 and before any meaningful work starts on season 3, now is the right time for me to transition my complete focus to Naughty Dog and its future projects, including writing and directing our exciting next game, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, along with my responsibilities as Studio Head and Head of Creative.”

Co-creating the show has been a career highlight. It’s been an honor to work alongside Craig Mazin to executive produce, direct and write on the last two seasons. I’m deeply thankful for the thoughtful approach and dedication the talented cast and crew took to adapting The Last of Us Part I and the continued adaptation of The Last of Us Part II.

Liane Hentscher/HBO

Some fans wondered if Druckmann and Mazin were on the same page during the show’s second season. Could any potential creative tension between the two over how to adapt the game have caused this The Last of Us split?

If there’s a reason beyond his stated ones for Druckmann’s departure, that will likely come to light at some point. In a world where George R.R. Martin can go scorched Earth on his own HBO adaptation, it’s hard not to at least consider there’s more going on here. But for now, everyone is saying the “right” things to assure fans that this The Last of Us split and Druckmann departure are all happening amicably. In a statement shared by Variety, Craig Mazin praised his now former co-showrunner.

It’s been a creative dream to work with Neil and bring an adaptation of his brilliant work to life on HBO. I couldn’t have asked for a more generous creative partner. As a true fan of Naughty Dog and Neil’s work in video games, I’m beyond excited to play his next game. While he focuses on that, I’ll continue to work with our brilliant cast and crew to deliver the show our audience has come to expect. We are so grateful to Neil and Halley Gross for entrusting the incredible story of The Last of Us Part II to us, and we’re just as grateful to the millions of people around the world who tune in.

While we can (and will!) speculate over what actually happened behind-the-scenes on The Last of Us, we don’t actually know what Druckmann’s departure will mean for season three of the series. Ultimately, that will determine just how big a deal this news really is. And that’s the worst news of all. Unfortunately, we won’t find out for a very long time.

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Olive Garden’s Pool Noodles Are a Tasty Way to Tread Water

‘Tis the season for scorching hot weather for pretty much everyone in the US, thanks to global warming. It is hot, hot, hot outside and one of the best ways to find relief is in the cooling waters of a glistening pool. While you’ll probably find more relief in the actual water, it’s pretty relaxing to loaf around on a pool float or noodle. And if you wanna really make that pool noodle live up to its name, then you should grab one of Olive Garden’s pool noodles that are shaped like the restaurant’s various forms of pasta. 

Yep, you can add some deliciousness to your chill day at the pool by floating in plastic rigatoni, tortellini, or even fettuccine. Each Olive Garden pool noodle costs $40 but, unfortunately, the tortellini one is already sold out. And, just like in the restaurant, you can get a little breadsticks, soup, or salad on the side. No we don’t mean actual food.

Olive Garden

There’s a soup bag, a salad floating drink holder, and a breadsticks bucket hat to go along with your tasty float. You can choose one item with every pool noodle purchase. Olive Garden is for family and these accessories feel like they are showing some real love. We bet Dom Turetto would love that family feeling. 

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You might want to run to the website quickly and claim your noodle while they are still available because, unlike breadsticks, this is not an unlimited supply.

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Universal Epic Universe’s Dark Universe Is a Haven for the Fabulously Weird

In the past, we at Nerdist have urged anyone who is a self-proclaimed weirdo and proud to visit Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights. These incredible seasonal events create the perfect place for the witches, ghouls, and fabulously fae among us to feel right at home. But happily, Universal Orlando has learned all the right lessons from the success of Halloween Horror Nights. And now, a haven for horror-lovers, gothic-romance stans, and those who simply love to be strange exists year-round. Yes, I’m talking about Universal Epic Universe’s Dark Universe, the theme park land that self-proclaims that it’s for “delightful freaks.” (At least if you ask Ygor!) Nerdist

In the introduction to Universal Epic Universe’s Dark Universe during its opening days, Doctor Victoria Frankenstein, the lead character of the world, noted that in the past, the world had called her great-great-grandfather a monster; they were afraid of what he had done. But through Dark Universe, everyone will see that “there’s nothing to fear.” No one should be afraid of the monsters of the land, because they’re amazing, and most importantly, friends. And could there be a more welcoming refrain for anyone out there who isn’t sure where exactly they fit in? We’ve talked before about the appeal of horror to marginalized groups. Existing beyond conventional lines has a tremendous beauty and is a vision that calls to many, and it’s a rare and beautiful gift to find the distillation of that idea made in a theme park.

Universal Orlando Resort

Because ultimately, Universal Epic Universe’s Dark Universe has one loud refrain: it’s good to be weird! The heroes of the land are the monsters; that’s the entire draw. Whereas in other worlds, these famous creatures and monsters might be termed “villains,” at Universal Epic Universe, this is their land, and you’ve come to cheer them on. (Just ask the cadre of folks who love “Hot Dracula.”) In fact, Universal Epic Universe’s Dark Universe brings to life a whole new story starring the Universal Monsters like never before.

The Laughing Place

Universal Creative’s Chris Frisella shares, “We love all these classic Universal Monster stories, but they all kind of stand on their own. So it was our goal to create a space where they all can live together, that’s the world of the Dark Universe and the Village of Darkmoor. So that’s the vehicle that allows for all those stories to be told at once, to bring those characters together and to leave room for new stories, new editions, new things to explore.”

Nerdist

While other IP-inspired theme-park lands have stricter stories to draw and work from, the freedom of Dark Universe to BE the primary hub of its own unique tale really offers a unique chance for fans to unearth the lore and narrative of the world in situ. In some ways, it’s like the most extravagant fanfiction of Universal Monsters come to life. (And if there’s one thing you can bet about monster-loving weirdos, it’s that they love a good fandom.)

[image error]Nerdist

For example, Frisella reveals a bit more about one of the most striking fixtures of Universal Epic Universe’s Dark Universe, its misty, burbling well, set right in the center of the land as you enter into it. This well certainly calls to mind the dense mist of Halloween Horror Nights (a nice touch), but it turns out it is an essential story piece, which fans can unearth if they are especially discerning.

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Frisella shares, “In the middle of the village is the well. The well is an important part of the story of the Truce of Darkmoor, the truce between the vampires and the citizens of Darkmoor. There have been many battles between the villagers and the forces of darkness. Some artwork inside of Das Stakehaus shows one particular battle. And the well was part of that truce—where the vampires are going to leave the village of Darkmoor alone as long as they continue to ensure they get a little blood once in a while.” On the well are engraved the Latin words, “Never forget you exist by our will alone.” And that, as they say, is epic. (Especially if you’re a Vampire lover.)

Nerdist

Steve Tatham, Executive Creative Director of Universal Epic Universe, adds that all the characters that exist in Dark Universe are “part and parcel of the narrative. That’s the fullness. We’ve worked very hard to ensure that the storytelling is consistent. So that if guests have an experience with one character, it’s not contradicted by anyone else.” That means that if you speak to the Invisible Man, Ygor, the Bride, Frankenstein’s Monster, the vampires’ familiars, the monster hunters, or the Storyteller in the universe, everyone will help you build a greater narrative.

Nerdist

And boy, is this immersion fun and weird in the best way. Every actor will bring their own flavor to a role, but by and large, the Bride is sad and soulful, and quite a bit odd. Frankenstein’s Monster is like a giant teddy bear, just wanting to make a connection. Ygor is an excitable fellow, full of hilarious quips and iconic improvisations. He will insult you, but will also invite you to… give him a hand. (Yes, your right one, please.) Meanwhile, the Invisible Man will just be totally rude to you, but you’ll swoon. If you’re lucky, he might invite you to a ball.

Talking to Ygor at Universal Epic Universe's Dark Universe pic.twitter.com/AjOqEloh0K

— Rotem Rusak (@Moondancer1626) July 2, 2025

When I asked Ygor his thoughts on the Invisible Man, he told me, “Jack?! He’s a nice guy when you get to know him. He’s a little constipated, though, because he’s a little angry! And that’s what constipation is.” Meanwhile, the Invisible Man said, “I’m the only one of significance here, you know that.” And then commenting on Ygor’s opinion of him, “Ygor’s a fool! He’s a pet!” And that, my friends, is how you build a narrative.

Speaking to the Invisible Man at Universal Epic Universe's Dark Universe pic.twitter.com/1BUzJgDJ69

— Rotem Rusak (@Moondancer1626) July 2, 2025

Between its bedrock vision, a world for the monsters, its layers of lore to uncover, and the daily manifested adventures of its wacky inhabitants, Universal Epic Universe’s Dark Universe has truly created an immersive love letter of a theme park dedicated to anyone who is looking to get lost in a strange and beautiful land. The ever-changing nature of Darkmoor and its millions of little secret story details will draw these kinds of fans back again and again.

Nerdist

I know that when I left Darkmoor, its siren song still played in my ear, pulling me back, making me wonder… What was Ygor going to get up to while I was away? Would the Bride find any peace? And how would the monster hunters fare against the Chickendillos? (Armadillo chickens, which one hunter told me were plauging the land.) Most of all, what would become of Dracula? I longed to go back and uncover more pieces of the lore, to hear one more song from the Storyteller, all so I could better understand Universal Epic Universe’s Dark Universe and its naunaced story.

Of course, I would be remiss not to mention that Universal Epic Universe’s Dark Universe also has two of the most incredible rides in the park, and they are thrilling, cinematic, and technologically incredible. Riding them once, twice, or ten times is simply not enough. Hidden among their screaming joy are MORE details than you could possibly ever fully perceive, even if you had a whole day in the space.

Nerdist

But that’s what next time is for… Because even though we can’t live in Darkmoor every day, its whispers stay with us, reminding us that being weird is a joyous activity, and that should we travel back to Universal Epic Universe, Dark Universe will be waiting in the shadows, ready to embrace those who wish to be seen.

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A Long Awaited Marvel Villain FINALLY Appears in IRONHEART

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It feels like we’ve been talking and theorizing about the demon lord Mephisto’s arrival in the MCU forever. We suspected he’d be a major player in WandaVision back in 2021 and that never happened. Then, fans suspected he’d play a part in Spider-Man: No Way Home. Nope, no Mephisto there either. Finally, we got a brief mention of Mephisto in Agatha All Along, confirming his MCU existence. We were starting to wonder if he’d ever appear in live-action. Well, Mephisto finally appears in the flesh in the finale of Ironheart. The character is surprisingly played by Borat and Bruno actor Sacha Baron Cohen.

How Mephisto Reveals Himself in IronheartMarvel Studios

Although the character of Zelma Stanton in Ironheart believed that Parker Robbins’ mystical hood had origins tied to Dormammu and the Dark Dimension from Doctor Strange, that was all a big misdirect. The being that gave Parker Robbins the hood is none other than Mephisto, Marvel Comics’ version of Satan. Well, more or less. Although he’s traditionally red-skinned with a flowing cape, much like a Medieval version of Mephistopheles, his namesake in Ironheart looks like a regular man, albeit a very sinister one. But we think it’s safe to assume that’s just how he presents himself to mortals. In one brief scene, however, Mephisto sees his reflection in a spoon, and we catch a quick glimpse of his true red-skinned, demonic-eyed self.

Mephisto’s Marvel Comics HistoryMarvel Comics

Created by Stan Lee and John Buscema in 1968’s Silver Surfer #3, Mephisto is essentially a stand-in for Satan/Lucifer in the Marvel Universe. His name is a shortening of the name Mephistopheles, the demon of Germanic folklore. Although, the comics have gone out of their way to let readers know Satan and Mephisto are not the same being. Yet he often fulfills a Satanic role, tempting people with deals and convincing them to sell their souls to him. Mephisto has been a mortal enemy to characters like Doctor Strange, Silver Surfer, Doctor Doom, Spider-Man, and more.

Mephisto Makes Deals with the Hood and Riri Williams in IronheartMarvel Studios

Mephisto appears first to Parker, a.k.a the Hood, via flashback, in what appears to be a pocket dimension. This particular place looks like a local restaurant. This is where he makes his literal “deal with the devil” that results in his getting the magical hood. At the end of the series, Mephisto makes a similar deal with Riri Williams and he seemingly returns her friend Natalie to life. And not just the AI called Natalie, but seemingly the real flesh and blood Natalie. This shows how powerful Mephisto really is, as he has powers over life and death.

The MCU Future of MephistoMarvel Comics

So what do we expect for Mephisto’s MCU future? Well, this could all play out in a potential season two of Ironheart. But what if there’s no season two? Outside of Loki, no other MCU live-action series has had a direct season two, except for Daredevil: Born Again. And even that was an 18-episode season split in two. We want to see another Ironheart season, but we know Marvel Studios’ patterns at this point. We’d say it’s far from a sure thing.

If Riri becomes a player in a potential Young Avengers/Champions series, this storyline could play out there. And we’d be shocked if a third Doctor Strange film, or a potential Ghost Rider movie, doesn’t mention Mephisto. You don’t cast a known name like Sacha Baron Cohen for just one series. Mephisto is just too major a Marvel character for this single appearance in Ironheart. And maybe when we see Mephisto again, he’ll appear in all his crimson, demonic glory.

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IRONHEART Ties Into DOCTOR STRANGE, Thanks to This Magical Character

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Infusing tech and magic is at the core of Ironheart. This season shows Riri Williams and Parker Robbins as two sides of the same complex coin. They both want control/power and recognition, and are reeling from different types of grief. And they are willing to go to wild extremes to be able to accomplish their goals, whether that’s extorting rich folks or making a deal with a demon. But Riri also has magic on her side through her mother’s bestie, Madeline, and her daughter, Zelma. They have an Earthy vibe on the surface, complete with crystals and mantras. However, the last three episodes of Ironheart reveal so much more about Zelma Stanton and how she connects to the MCU and Doctor Strange. 

In episode four, Riri goes to her mother, claiming to need some crystals or an aura bath to balance out her energy. Her mom is more than happy to take her to Stanton’s, the magic, books, and sweets combo shop that Madeline owns. (Can I please hang out there for the rest of my life?) There, this episode of Ironheart introduces Zelma Stanton.

Disney+/Marvel Television

Madeline and Zelma quickly suss out the piece of Parker’s hood that is in Riri’s pocket. Soon, Zelma does a little hand sorcery transportation spell, and they are in an apothecary room in the Western Cortex of Neverish, a parallel plane. As they examine the fabric, Zelma reveals that Madeline went to the Kamar-Taj, the same sorcery school we know all too well thanks to Doctor Strange and Wong, thus linking Ironheart and Doctor Strange. Madeline was once a student there but dropped out to raise Zelma.

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Meanwhile, Ironheart reveals that Zelma learned her magic from books and TikTok witches, but she’s certainly no joke when it comes to magic. She initially thinks that Dormammu is the one who gave Parker the hood to influence him. Zelma tells Riri that this powerful being wants a puppet to carry out its dark plan. But it turns out that it is Mephisto. GASP. Still, Zelma’s statement about a dark being using a puppet driven by ambition stands. 

After a bionic Ezekiel destroys Riri’s suit, Zelma plays a key role in helping her rebuild it in Ironheart. She uses magic to power up Riri’s suit, but it is at the cost of AI Natalie. By the end of the finale, things are in a very dire spot with Riri in a deal with Mephisto. He gives her what seems to be the real Natalie back.

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However, there’s always a cost, and Riri will have to pay a high price. An Ironheart post-credits scene shows Parker trying to appeal to Zelma for help. Will it work? We may have to wait a while and see where Zelma’s story goes, and whether it will loop her back into the world of Doctor Strange in the future.

The post IRONHEART Ties Into DOCTOR STRANGE, Thanks to This Magical Character appeared first on Nerdist.

The Marvel Comics History of IRONHEART’s Zelma Stanton

Ironheart on Disney+ has introduced some Marvel Comics characters that, in the grand scheme of things, are relatively recent. One of them is the Hood, a villain who first appeared in 2002. The other is Zeke Stane, who first fought Iron Man in 2008. That may seem like a long time ago, but the Marvel Universe has 85 years of history. So we consider any character from this century as “new.” But no Ironheart character is as recent an addition to the MCU as Zelma Stanton, who first appeared in the Marvel Comics in 2015. Zelma, portrayed by actress Regan Aliyah, helps Riri Williams when she needs advice in regards to all things mystical on the show. But for a character only a decade old, she already has quite a comics history.

Zelma Stanton First Appears in Doctor Strange #1 from 2015Marvel Comics

In the comics, Zelma Stanton first appeared in 2015’s Doctor Strange #1, and was created by writer Jason Aaron and artist Chris Bachalo. In that issue, Stephen Strange discovers Zelma, a young librarian from the Bronx, at the front porch of his Sanctum Sanctorum. She tells the Sorcerer Supreme she discovered a bizarre rash, but when it grew literal teeth, she definitely knew something supernatural was going on. Doctor Strange describes her affliction as a supernatural wound, and that the creatures infecting her are mind maggots. Those are the grossest-sounding things ever.

Zelma Stanton, the Sanctum Sanctorum LibrarianMarvel Comics

Doctor Strange, with the assistance of Wong, was able to cure her of the mind maggots eventually. Now faced with intimate knowledge of the supernatural, Zelma was changed. As a result, Doctor Strange offered her a job as his personal librarian in the Sanctum. The two had several adventures together, and at one point, the pair became stranded in the mystical dimension known as Weirdworld. Because of the time she spent there, it altered Zelma’s physiology, making her more perceptive to all things magical. When she returned to Earth-616, she officially became Doctor Strange’s new apprentice.

Zelma Becomes an Instructor at the Strange AcademyMarvel Comics

Zelma’s knowledge and powers grew at a rapid rate, learning all she can from Strange’s incredible library of books. She used these ancient tomes to cast spells, and has been able to cast mystical energy from her hands. Doctor Strange and other powerful mystics like Doctor Voodoo later founded the Strange Academy. This was a magically hidden school in New Orleans for students with a propensity for the mystic arts. Zelma’s official role at the Academy was as “keeper of arcane and magical items.” When Doctor Doom replaced Stephen Strange as the Earth’s Sorcerer Supreme, she became part of the staff of his new Doom Academy, although she doesn’t trust Victor von Doom at all.

The MCU Zelma Stanton in IronheartMarvel Studios/Marvel Comics

In the MCU, Zelma appears a bit younger than her Marvel Comics counterpart. Although she seems well-versed in all things magic, it’s unclear if she has ever met Strange or Wong. Her mother Madeline, however, studied at Kamar Taj, giving up her mystical studies to raise Zelma. She passed on her magical knowledge to her daughter Zelma. It seems Zelma knows things that the high-level sorcerers of Kamar Taj know. Those things include the existence of Dormammu and the Dark Dimension.

Zelma’s mother Madeline has a store called Stanton’s Sweets, Reads, and More in Chicago, which sells magical items. However, Zelma is able to master a transportation spell, which can transport her and anyone she chooses into an apothecary room in the Western Cortex of Neverish, a parallel dimension. She ultimately is able to help guide Riri Williams into a world of magic, and use that magic to defeat the Hood. We’re not sure what the future holds for Zelma in the MCU, but there are rumors of a Strange Academy series in the works. We think she’d be the perfect character to headline such a series, should it ever happen. The Marvel Comics history of Zelma Stanton has plenty to mine for future MCU adventures.

The post The Marvel Comics History of IRONHEART’s Zelma Stanton appeared first on Nerdist.