Dominique Thorne recently discussed Riri Williams’ shocking deal in the Ironheart finale. She explained why the young tech genius agrees to work with a dangerous new force. In a new interview, Thorne revealed what drives Riri to make the deal, how it connects to her grief over Natalie’s death, and what it shows about her emotional and moral growth.

Why Riri makes a deal with Mephisto in Ironheart explained

Dominique Thorne, who portrays Riri in Ironheart, told Deadline, “She’s been making all these choices that she thinks other people will approve of… We finally get to the end, and she’s like, ‘I’m going to do what I think is correct and see what happens then.’” According to the episode, Riri’s request to Mephisto involves the resurrection of her best friend Natalie, who was previously killed in a drive-by shooting along with Riri’s stepfather.

Sacha Baron Cohen’s Mephisto enters the story and corrupts Parker Robbins, also known as The Hood, through his red cape, which channels destructive magic from the demon. After confronting Parker, Mephisto turns his attention to Riri, seeking to recruit her intelligence for his own agenda. Thorne elaborated, “For as smart as she is… the intuitive, emotional knowing is not as advanced as her technological know how.”

Riri bases her decision more on emotion than on calculated risk. “I think it really is difficult for Riri Williams to think beyond… ‘Well, I can make this much money, and the money would allow me to buy this for my suit,’” Thorne said. The character’s emotional vulnerability, coupled with the trauma of losing Natalie, shapes her choice to cooperate with Mephisto despite the danger.

While the ending does not confirm the full consequences of the pact, it sets the stage for future conflict. Thorne noted, “My gut is telling me that that is not the last we have seen of him… Mephisto is probably in for a bit more of a headache than he bargained for with Miss Riri Williams.”

The final moments suggest unresolved tensions and further developments between Riri, Mephisto, and Parker Robbins.

Originally reported by Anbhav Chaudhry on SuperHeroHype.