It sees Marvel Studios taking a deeper look at the rogue AI Ultron, played by James Spader (The Blacklist, Boston Legal), and his ulterior motives within VisionQuest. According to Comicbook, the series focuses on Vision, played by Paul Bettany (Legion, What If…?), who is on a road to rediscover himself with the aid of other artificial intelligences embedded within his code, including Ultron. In recent episodes, Ultron has been manipulating Vision to complete his goal of taking over the Synthezoid’s body for his own.
Reported by Comicbook, Spader spoke about the evolution that his character underwent: “I think that the interesting thing is what [showrunner Terry Matalas] wrote, which is this idea that AI in the Age of Ultron is a different AI than AI is in the show,” Spader explained. “And… if anything’s happened to Ultron… since Age of Ultron, what has transpired for him is that AI, for him, is much more humane and has a sense of humanity that he didn’t have before. And his relationship to humanity is still conflicted, and it still vacillates depending on mood, but it’s with real understanding. Definitely. He has a real sense of humanity.”
According to Comicbook, Ultron was initially focused on establishing global peace through the total extinction of humanity. While this version of the antagonist retains James Spader’s signature charisma, Spader noted that although the character is far from heroic, his perspective on humanity has subtly shifted. Audiences are well aware that at some point along this journey Ultron will ultimately backstab Vision, but for now, fans are thoroughly enjoying his surprisingly goofy side.
With more story to be revealed, time will only tell on how Ultron will enact his secret plan. The first two episodes of VisionQuest are available to stream on Disney+, with new episodes released weekly on every Thursday.