Ultron’s return: A new chapter in Marvel’s Vision series
A familiar villain makes a comeback
James Spader is set to reprise his role as the menacing artificial intelligence, Ultron, from 2015’s Avengers: Age of Ultron. This time, he will be part of Marvel Studios’ upcoming Vision series, starring Paul Bettany. The series, which remains untitled, is scheduled to debut in 2026, with Terry Matalas of Star Trek: Picard fame serving as executive producer and showrunner.
Vision’s complex history
Vision, a character with a convoluted past, technically met his end in 2018’s Avengers: Infinity War. However, he was resurrected twice in the 2021 series WandaVision. First, he appeared as a spectral creation made and then unmade by magic. Later, he returned as a ghostly white robot devoid of any memories from his past. This intricate backstory sets the stage for potential conflicts when Ultron re-emerges.
The legacy of Ultron and Vision
Ultron and Vision share a deep-rooted history. Ultron originally created Vision’s synthetic body to house his AI permanently. However, the Avengers intercepted this plan, placing Tony Stark’s AI assistant, J.A.R.V.I.S., inside the body instead, thus creating Vision. At the end of Age of Ultron, Vision seemingly destroys the final robot containing Ultron’s consciousness, but this moment occurs off-screen. The news of Spader’s return confirms that some version of Ultron survived.
The challenge of bringing Ultron back
How Ultron will return in the series remains a mystery. In Age of Ultron, Spader performed the role via performance capture, a process that is quite expensive for a TV series. Transforming Tatiana Maslany into the titular character in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law reportedly cost Marvel around $25 million per episode. This raises questions about the feasibility of using similar techniques for the Vision series.
Marvel’s evolving approach to TV production
The Vision series, set to begin production in England in 2025, marks Marvel’s first new live-action show in nearly two years. Brad Winderbaum, Marvel’s head of streaming, television, and animation, mentioned in May that the company is shifting to a more traditional approach to TV production after initially launching its streaming content under a features model.
James Spader’s illustrious career
This series will be Spader’s fifth TV show as a star, following his roles in The Blacklist, The Office, Boston Legal, and The Practice. His film career is equally impressive, with notable performances in Less Than Zero, Sex, Lies, and Videotape, Stargate, Secretary, and Lincoln.
A deeper dive into the Vision series
For those eager to explore more about the Vision series, you can watch the trailer and find additional information here.
Personal reflections for fans
As a long-time fan of both cinema and TV series, the return of Ultron is particularly exciting. The character’s complex relationship with Vision adds layers of depth to the narrative. The Vision series promises to delve into these intricate dynamics, offering a rich tapestry of storytelling that fans of the Marvel Universe will undoubtedly appreciate.
The anticipation surrounding this series is palpable. The blend of familiar characters and new story arcs is a testament to Marvel’s ability to continually reinvent its universe. For music enthusiasts, the series’ soundtrack will likely be another element to look forward to, adding an auditory dimension to the visual spectacle.
the Vision series is shaping up to be a significant addition to Marvel’s ever-expanding universe. With James Spader’s return as Ultron, fans can expect a thrilling ride filled with suspense, drama, and the high-quality production values that Marvel is known for.