MCU's Vision Quest Expands with Return of Iconic Iron Man Foe

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, he's set for an MCU return. His last appearance was in those initial 30 minutes of Iron Man, before being betrayed by Obadiah Stane.

This isn't unprecedented; similar to Samuel Sterns' reappearance in Captain America: Brave New World, al-Wazar's return in Vision Quest (starring Paul Bettany as White Vision) demonstrates Marvel's willingness to revisit past characters. A release date for Vision Quest is currently unannounced.

While initially presented as a generic terrorist leader, al-Wazar's backstory was significantly expanded in Phase 4. His group was subtly revealed to be connected to the Ten Rings, a connection further developed in 2021's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. This suggests a possible link between Shang-Chi and Vision Quest through al-Wazar.

Alternatively, Vision Quest might explore less-developed aspects of the MCU, similar to Deadpool & Wolverine's approach to the abandoned Fox Marvel universe.

Another notable return is James Spader as Ultron, his first appearance since Avengers: Age of Ultron. Details about Vision Quest remain scarce.