Marvel provided attendees at D23 with an early look at James Spader reprising his role as Ultron in the forthcoming Disney+ series, VisionQuest. The reveal was part of a special teaser presentation that also included other notable details about the show.
Fans observed a screen displayed like a piece of art within Marvel's D23 exhibits, which showed what appeared to be Jim Hammond, the original Human Torch, consumed by flames. This imagery would occasionally glitch, offering brief glimpses of Ultron as he was portrayed in 2015's Avengers: Age of Ultron, with actor James Spader.
This brief showing has fueled fan speculation, with many suggesting the series might explore a more "human" aspect of the character, or even depict him in a human form rather than his usual robotic manifestation. The teaser also featured an image of White Vision, played by Paul Bettany, holding a copy of the Vision Today newspaper. A difficult-to-read headline on the paper references "weather warnings" and a separate story about a "jewel thief."
The Human Torch easter egg seen in the teaser previously appeared in the MCU in Captain America: The First Avenger. In that film, Jim Hammond, also known as the 'Synthetic Man,' was depicted as an original Avenger alongside Captain America, Bucky Barnes, and Namor.
Despite Ultron's apparent destruction by Vision in Age of Ultron, VisionQuest creator Terry Matalas confirmed the villain's return. Matalas stated in an August panel that the series would feature James Spader returning as Ultron in a "really amazing, unique way." He further elaborated at New York Comic Con in October 2025 that the show is designed as a "delivery system for Bettany and Spader," emphasizing the core dynamic between the two characters and Ultron's presence in both robotic and human forms.
VisionQuest is slated for release on October 14, 2026.