Ironheart finale ending explained: What’s hiding behind that final twist with Natalie?

Marvel's Ironheart finale episode raised the tension as the showdown between Riri Williams and The Hood determined what the future holds for them, bringing a unique twist with the entry of Mephisto.

By the final sixth episode, Riri, Zelma Stanton, and others that Riri holds dear come together to upgrade her iron suit, powered by magic. However, adding magical powers to her suit costs Riri a heavy price as N.A.T.A.L.I.E. AI gets deleted. After Riri and Parker Robbins’ final battle ends with the former emerging victorious, Mephisto's entry makes Natalie’s return possible for Riri.

In exchange for bringing Natalie back to life, Mephisto asks Riri to join him, which she agrees to, as shown towards the end. This collaboration between Mephisto and Riri poses a risky future ahead. From Riri meeting the same painful fate as Parker to giving a tough fight to Mephisto, this new development could bring unique twists ahead.

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Ironheart ending explained: What’s the cost of Riri’s deal with Mephisto?

A still from Ironheart (Image via Disney+)

Riri Williams' journey throughout Ironheart has been filled with difficult choices, with the series coming to an end with another major one. Riri and her close ones together remake her iron suit after her original one is destroyed by the now powerful Ezekiel 'Zeke' Stane.

After N.A.T.A.L.I.E. AI gets deleted, Riri and Parker finally come face to face. The fight ends in Riri successfully taking away Parker’s mysterious hood. While Riri makes her way out after completing her mission, she meets Mephisto, the villain who was previously revealed to be manipulating Parker via the hood all along.

He seems to be taking control of Riri's mind and her weakest points, finally touching on the loss of Natalie. He offers her to join him in exchange for bringing her best friend back to life.

The final scene makes it clear that Riri has joined hands with the evil Mephisto, unaware of the dark world she is stepping into. Natalie comes back to life, and the ending scene shows purple veins on Riri’s hands, indicating that she is now under Mephisto.

Ironheart makes it clear that Mephisto’s control over Parker was not an easy experience for the latter. While he wielded significant powers through his hood given by Mephisto, the painful purple veins and continuous manipulation made Parker’s life miserable. With Riri possessing more power and technical knowledge, Mephisto’s plans with her might be more dangerous, bringing similar or more intense struggles for Riri.

What the collaboration between Mephisto and Riri could unleash in the future is something that viewers can look forward to watching, if the show is renewed.

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Ironheart’s post-credit scene shows Parker’s new strategy for gaining power

A still from Ironheart (Image via Disney+)

Ironheart episode 6 includes a post-credit scene at the end that raises questions about what could come ahead. It gives a hint at Parker Robbins' new strategy for gaining magic, which could mean his journey has not ended yet.

Parker Robbins is shown walking down the street to Stanton's store. He directly jumps to the point, telling Zelma that he needs 'heavy-duty magic' and was advised to come to her store. His appearance at the store seeking magical help indicates that the loss of his hood is not stopping him from gaining his powers back. What he requires this magic for and whether he is still a threat to Riri remains a mystery.

While the series ends with this cliffhanger, it remains unclear whether Parker is seeking help for his evil plans or if he has shifted to the good side. Future works could provide more answers to this interaction between Zelma and Parker.

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Watch all episodes of Marvel's Ironheart on Disney+.