MCU's Vision Quest Welcomes Familiar Threat

Marvel's upcoming Vision Quest series is reportedly resurrecting a villain from the very first MCU film, Iron Man.

Deadline reports that Faran Tahir will reprise his role as Raza Hamidmi al-Wazar, the Afghan terrorist leader who held Tony Stark captive in the opening scenes of the 2008 film. Nearly two decades later, Tahir's return marks a significant MCU comeback. His character, betrayed by Obadiah Stane (Jeff Bridges), hasn't been seen since those initial Iron Man moments. This echoes the surprise return of Samuel Sterns from The Incredible Hulk in Captain America: Brave New World. The release date for Vision Quest, starring Paul Bettany as White Vision, remains unannounced.

While initially portrayed as the head of a generic terrorist cell, al-Wazar's backstory was enriched during Phase 4. The group he led was later revealed to be a branch of the Ten Rings, a connection subtly hinted at earlier but significantly expanded upon in 2021's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. This retroactive inclusion positions al-Wazar as a Ten Rings commander, potentially linking Vision Quest to the Shang-Chi storyline.

However, Vision Quest might also delve into more obscure, previously overlooked MCU elements, much like Deadpool & Wolverine explored the less-conventional aspects of the abandoned Fox Marvel universe.

Another notable return is rumored: James Spader, reprising his role as Ultron for the first time since Avengers: Age of Ultron. Details surrounding the series remain scarce.