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. This marks a return after nearly two decades. Al-Wazar's betrayal by Obadiah Stane (Jeff Bridges) marked his last appearance...until now.

Similar to Samuel Sterns' (The Incredible Hulk) reappearance in Captain America: Brave New World, al-Wazar's MCU return is imminent, albeit with no confirmed release date for Vision Quest. The series, starring Paul Bettany as White Vision, picks up after the events of WandaVision.

Initially portrayed as the head of a generic terrorist group, al-Wazar's backstory was significantly enriched in Phase 4. A subtle connection to the Ten Rings organization was established, later greatly expanded upon in 2021's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. This suggests a retroactive inclusion of al-Wazar as a Ten Rings commander. Given Shang-Chi's open ending, a connection to Vision Quest through this character seems plausible.

However, Vision Quest might also delve into previously overlooked, less conventional aspects of the MCU, much like Deadpool & Wolverine explored the more eccentric elements of the defunct Fox Marvel universe.

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