- Primary Subject: James Spader’s MCU return as Ultron in VisionQuest
- Key Update: James Spader explained why he agreed to return as Ultron in the new MCU series.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: October 14, 2026
- Quick Answer: James Spader returned as Ultron in VisionQuest after showrunner Terry Matalas pitched an unexpected, character-focused story tailored for television that was an immediate yes.
James Spader recently revealed why he agreed to reprise his Ultron role in VisionQuest.
After more than 10 years, the veteran actor made his return to the MCU by reprising the role of fan-favorite villain Ultron in the new series. However, this time around, he is a supporting character, and we also get to see him in his human form. It's a treat for fans who have been wanting to see him again in the franchise.
Why James Spader Returned as Ultron in VisionQuest
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, James Spader opened up about his decision to reprise the role of Ultron in VisionQuest 10 years after playing him in Avengers: Age of Ultron.
While Ultron seemingly met his demise physically, the actor acknowledged that Marvel was leaving the door open for the possibility of bringing back the character.
"You see how the end is cut. [It] cut away before you see anything. You realize at that point [Marvel] always leaves a window open, an escape route. With a character like Ultron, he could be anywhere. There could be a cell phone, and he could get in there," Spader said.
However, for many years, Marvel never approached him to reprise the role, and it all changed when VisionQuest showrunner Terry Matalas approached him to join the series.
"Like a lightning bolt, the first thing that went into my mind was James Spader," Matalas shared. "I absolutely adore that last scene in Age of Ultron between the two of them and could have watched hours more of them chewing it up. I was like, ‘Well, what if that is the show?’"
Spader added, "It did come out of the blue when Terry reached out about revisiting it, but revisiting it in such an entirely different way."
Fortunately, it was an easy yes for Spader when the two talked about bringing back Ultron for VisionQuest.
"I pitched him this Gonzo idea, and he said yes right at the lunch. He was like, ‘I wanna do this. This is so weird. This is so unexpected.’ We hit it off right away," Matalas recalled.
Spader also acknowledged that the TV format is a better way to explore the character further.
"Even more enticing for the [Ultron] revisit [was] the idea of it being the show because the format was so different, where you could really concentrate on these characters and really let them grow into themselves," he said.
What Is VisionQuest About?
VisionQuest follows Vision, rebooted and having escaped from those who sought to weaponize him, who is now in hiding. Searching for new meaning, he consults the AI personas embedded in his programming, including F.R.I.D.A.Y., E.D.I.T.H., J.A.R.V.I.S., and the infamous Ultron.
His discreet existence ends when a bounty placed on his head thrusts him on the run with Thomas Shepard, a mysterious boy who may be Vision's son reincarnated. As Vision evades capture, he must confront his nature, resist Ultron's influence, and unravel the enigma that is his young companion if he's to survive.
The cast includes Paul Bettany, James Spader, Ruaridh Mollica, Todd Stashwick, T'Nia Miller, Lauren Morais, Orla Brady, Diane Morgan, Polly Frame, Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, Emily Hampshire, and James D'Arcy.
New episodes premiere every Tuesday night on Disney+.
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