MCU Welcomes Classic Iron Man Foe in 'Vision Quest'

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. His betrayal at the hands of Obadiah Stane marked his last MCU appearance...until now.

Nearly two decades later, al-Wazar's return mirrors the surprise reappearance of Samuel Sterns from The Incredible Hulk in Captain America: Brave New World. While Vision Quest, starring Paul Bettany as White Vision, has yet to receive a release date, al-Wazar's inclusion promises an intriguing development.

Initially portrayed as the head of a generic terrorist cell, al-Wazar's backstory gained depth in Phase 4. His group was later revealed to be connected to the Ten Rings, a connection solidified in 2021's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. This retroactive inclusion suggests a potential link between Shang-Chi and Vision Quest.

The series might explore lesser-known MCU elements, similar to Deadpool & Wolverine's approach to the defunct Fox Marvel universe. Adding to the intrigue, James Spader is also rumored to return as Ultron, his first appearance since Avengers: Age of Ultron. Details about Vision Quest remain scarce, but al-Wazar's comeback hints at a potentially unexpected and exciting storyline.