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

Marvel's upcoming Vision Quest series is set to resurrect 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 nearly two decades ago. His appearance marks a significant return after his initial appearance in the opening scenes of the 2008 film, where he was ultimately betrayed by Obadiah Stane.

This unexpected comeback mirrors the return of Samuel Sterns from The Incredible Hulk in Captain America: Brave New World. While Vision Quest, starring Paul Bettany as White Vision, currently lacks 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 was significantly enriched in Phase 4. The revelation that his group was connected to the Ten Rings, initially a subtle nod to comic lore, was substantially expanded upon in 2021's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. This retroactive inclusion positions al-Wazar as a Ten Rings commander, suggesting a potential link between Vision Quest and Shang-Chi's unresolved storylines.

Alternatively, Vision Quest might follow in the footsteps of Deadpool & Wolverine, embracing the more unconventional elements of previously overlooked MCU lore. The series also reportedly features the return of James Spader as Ultron, adding another layer of mystery to this anticipated show.