Marvel Brings Back Baddie From 2008's Iron Man for MCU Vision Quest Series

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. Al-Wazar's betrayal at the hands of Obadiah Stane marked his last MCU appearance until now. His return, much like Samuel Sterns' reappearance in Captain America: Brave New World, adds another layer to the MCU's interconnected narrative. The Vision Quest series, starring Paul Bettany as White Vision, currently lacks a release date.

Initially portrayed as the head of a generic terrorist group, al-Wazar's backstory was significantly enriched in Phase 4. The revelation that his group was connected to the Ten Rings, a detail seemingly unplanned in 2008, was substantially expanded upon in 2021's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. This retroactive connection suggests al-Wazar's return in Vision Quest might further explore the Ten Rings' history.

Alternatively, Vision Quest may follow in the footsteps of Deadpool & Wolverine, embracing less explored or forgotten elements of the MCU's past, similar to revisiting the less developed aspects of the scrapped Fox Marvel universe.

The series will also feature the return of James Spader as Ultron, marking his first appearance since Avengers: Age of Ultron. Further details about the show remain scarce.