Years after his tumultuous journey in WandaVision, Vision is embarking on a new quest in the upcoming Disney Plus series, VisionQuest. Showrunner Terry Matalas shared insights into the series, which picks up a few years after the events of WandaVision, placing Vision in Scotland where he lives a seemingly ordinary life by day and confronts his past in a digital mind palace by night. "We're about current with Spider-Man: Brand New Day," Matalas told Polygon, situating the series' timeline within the broader Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Ultron's New Persona
A significant departure for the series is the portrayal of Ultron. Instead of a purely CGI robot, audiences will see a human version of Ultron, played by James Spader with a prominent beard. Matalas explained this creative choice was not due to budget constraints but a desire to leverage Spader's acting capabilities. "I just want to see James and I want to see Bettany," Matalas stated, emphasizing the dramatic potential of having the two actors, Paul Bettany (Vision) and James Spader, interact directly. He believes Spader can convey emotions and nuances that a CGI character might not achieve, noting, "It's not going to be able to emote and do the things that James Spader can do with just the twitch of an eyebrow."
Vision's Evolving Identity
Paul Bettany, who has played Vision for over a decade, is a key collaborator. Matalas described their partnership as "lockstep" and a "love fest," highlighting Bettany's deep understanding of the character and his connection with the audience. Vision's journey in VisionQuest will explore his evolving relationship with humanity. Matalas indicated that this new incarnation of Vision might not be as attuned to human emotions as his previous self. The series draws inspiration from pivotal MCU moments, specifically the final scene between Vision and Ultron in Avengers: Age of Ultron and the Ship of Theseus discussion in WandaVision.
Connecting the MCU Threads
While VisionQuest is described as concluding a trilogy that includes WandaVision and Agatha All Along, Matalas assured viewers that extensive prior viewing is not strictly necessary. The series will provide recaps to help audiences catch up. However, he suggested that watching WandaVision would be beneficial due to its direct sequel nature, and Avengers: Age of Ultron would offer rewarding context for understanding the core characters. Matalas also drew parallels between Vision and Data from Star Trek, noting that while both characters explore questions of humanity, Vision's current arc involves questioning the desirability of becoming more human, contrasting with Data's perpetual striving.
AI and Modern Concerns
VisionQuest touches upon contemporary themes surrounding artificial intelligence. Matalas stated that the show explores AI as a reflection of humanity, emphasizing the responsibility in its creation and integration. "We are essentially its parents and we need to raise it right and not give it necessarily too much freedom yet, and make sure we're bringing it into the world in a responsible way," he explained. While not a direct commentary on current AI societal integration, these themes are woven into the narrative.
Creative Freedom and Tone
Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige and head of television Brad Winderbaum were involved, maintaining open communication with the creative team. Matalas highlighted that they were granted significant creative freedom to tell Vision's story. Feige reportedly gave Matalas the core premise: "The story of Vision, he's going to meet his son, and he's like, 'The rest is up to you.'" The series aims for a unique tone, blending drama and adventure with elements of mystery, surrealism, and comedy, thanks to the cast's comedic timing. Matalas feels the show fits well within the MCU's diverse tonal landscape.
VisionQuest is set to premiere on Disney Plus on October 14.