Marvel Studios appears to have finally addressed a long-standing mystery from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in What If…? Season 3. This development could carry significant implications for the forthcoming Ironheart series. Unlike the earlier seasons that primarily featured characters from live-action MCU projects, the latest installment introduces several newcomers, thereby unraveling a mystery that has lingered since Phase 3.
The latest chapter of Marvel’s animated Multiverse Saga brings back familiar faces while also unveiling new characters. Notably, Riri Williams’ Ironheart, Shang-Chi, and Kate Bishop appeared as outlaws in a Wild West setting, searching for Shang-Chi’s missing sister, Xu Xialing. In their quest, they encounter a villain who has not been seen since the release of Ant-Man and the Wasp in 2018.
The Unrevealed Benefactor of Sonny Burch in Ant-Man & The Wasp
Walton Goggins As Sonny Burch in Ant-Man & The Wasp
In Ant-Man and the Wasp, Walton Goggins debuted as Sonny Burch, a black-market technology dealer who supported Hank Pym and Hope van Dyne in their efforts to develop the Quantum Tunnel. Burch had a shadowy benefactor invested in the pair’s work, yet the identity of this figure remains undisclosed even after seven years. Notably, Marvel has not yet clarified who is behind Burch’s operations.
Though Burch managed to survive the events of Ant-Man and the Wasp, he faced incarceration alongside his henchmen after he attempted to abscond with Pym and van Dyne’s technology. In the comics, Burch is known as the chairman of Cross Technologies and has designed weapons for Obadiah Stane, a villain who met his end in Iron Man (2008). The absence of clarity around Burch’s funder has bred speculation, and What If…? Season 3 might have offered a crucial hint.
What If…? Season 3 Reveals Sonny Burch’s Connection to The Hood
Sonny Burch’s Return in What If…? Season 3, Episode 6
After nearly seven years, Walton Goggins reprised his role in What If…? Season 3, Episode 6 titled “What If… 1872?”This episode showcased a variant of Sonny Burch, possessing a similar opportunistic character as his original portrayal. However, this time, the identity of his benefactor was unveiled: he was working for the Hood, a criminal persona embodied by Xu Xialing, who utilized the dark powers granted by a coveted cloak.
The Hood’s inclusion hints at a deeper narrative for the upcoming Ironheart series, marking Anthony Ramos’ debut as Parker Robbins, the more recognized incarnation of the Hood. This revelation could imply that Burch’s live-action counterpart also has ties to the Hood, thereby adding complexity to his character. The mysterious cloak confers extraordinary abilities, possibly suggesting that Burch could play a more sinister role within the MCU.
The Hood’s Possible Mephisto Connections Hint at Sonny Burch’s Dark Background
Sonny Burch’s Ties to the MCU’s Hood Redefine His Character
The narrative of Parker Robbins becoming the Hood stems from his theft of a demonic cloak and boots he claimed from a demon. There are ongoing discussions surrounding whether the MCU will adopt this storyline for Ramos’ portrayal of Robbins. Speculation suggests that the Hood’s demonic ties might lead back to Mephisto. If Mephisto orchestrates events involving both the Hood and Sonny Burch, it would dramatically alter perceptions of Burch’s motivations, portraying him as someone fighting for his survival.
The Hood made his first appearance in Marvel Comics in 2002’s The Hood #1 and has since established himself as one of New York’s most feared crime lords. Underlying Burch’s role in Ant-Man and the Wasp was a lack of detailed backstory, only hinting at his connection to the black market and his benefactor’s interest in quantum technology. This absence of clarity led to theories on Kang the Conqueror’s possible involvement, while Mephisto’s established links to the multiverse suggest that he too would be drawn to quantum exploits. Given this context, Mephisto’s potential appearance in the MCU could soon collide with the ongoing narrative surrounding Burch.
Mephisto’s Anticipated Debut in the MCU Is Drawing Near
Teasing of Mephisto’s Arrival in the MCU
While not yet officially confirmed, rumors have circulated that Sacha Baron Cohen, known for his roles in Borat and The Trial of the Chicago 7, has been cast as Mephisto in the MCU. The character has long been speculated to make an appearance, especially following hints dropped during the airing of WandaVision in 2021. More recently, Agatha All Along gave Mephisto’s name its first mention in the MCU, with Jennifer Kale hinting at “Agents of Mephisto.”
With Mephisto poised to possibly debut in Ironheart, this development strengthens the notion of a connection between him and the Hood. This connection could also enhance the speculation that Mephisto plays a pivotal role in Sonny Burch’s narrative arc. Furthermore, Goggins is rumored to return to the MCU following What If…? Season 3 for the upcoming Armor Wars. This could potentially unveil Burch’s undetermined past, setting the stage for an expanded role for Mephisto within the MCU’s evolving storyline.
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