Marvel's Vision Series Is Reviving James Spader's Ultron

Nearly a decade since he last voiced the character, James Spader will return as Ultron in the Disney+ Vision series.

Ultron is returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as James Spader is set to appear as the villain in the upcoming untitled Vision series on Disney+. Spader previously played Ultron in 2015's Avengers: Age of Ultron, which was also the debut film of Paul Bettany's Vision character. That film seemingly ended with Vision killing Ultron, although the fact that the film cut away from Vision's killing blast has made fans doubt the character's demise and hope for his eventual return. Nearly a decade later, Spader is confirmed to return as Ultron. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Spader is joining the cast of the untitled Vision series, previously known as Vision Quest. Star Trek: Picard showrunner Terry Matalas is leading the Vision series, which will follow the White Vision constructed in WandaVision as he searches for his purpose in life. The series is the third chapter in a trilogy of stories that started with WandaVision and will continue with Agatha All Along. Notably, the report says Spader will voice Ultron, not provide motion capture as he did in Avengers: Age of Ultron.Ultron was created by writer Roy Thomas and artist John Buscema and debuted in The Avengers #54 back in July 1968. In the comics, Ultron was invented by Ant-Man hero Hank Pym, but the MCU version was reimagined as a creation of Tony Stark. In Age of Ultron, Tony created the Vision body for himself to evolve before the Avengers stole it and uploaded JARVIS, creating the new hero Vision. While Ultron was defeated, his impact on the MCU was felt for years as the destruction of Sokovia led to the creation of the Sokovia Accords, which fractured the Avengers in Captain America: Civil War, and left them divided in their fight against Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War. Vision's ties to both the origin story of Vision and the Scarlet Witch have loomed large over the MCU.

Read More

Zack Snyder Addresses Russo Brothers Marvel Return

The Watchmen director shares his thoughts on Marvel Studios' controversial future plans.

While the Marvel fan base is divided about the Russo Brothers returning to the MCU to direct Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, bona-fide superhero director Zack Snyder is feeling optimistic about the beloved directors making their Marvel comeback. Joe and Anthony Russo are responsible for some of Marvel Studios' most beloved and successful movies, including Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Avengers: Infinity War and, the second-biggest movie of all-time, Avengers: Endgame. When Kevin Feige announced that the Russos were returning to direct the next two Avengers movies, fans had mixed opinions. Some thought it was a lazy, overly-safe decision on Marvel Studios' part. However, others, like Zack Snyder, are glad that Marvel have paired with two directors who have established themselves as great comic book movie filmmakers. Zack Snyder appeared on the ReelBlend podcast to discuss his Director's Cuts for the Rebel Moon franchise. During the conversation, Snyder was asked for his opinion about the Russos making their Marvel comeback. Snyder is optimistic about Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars, believing the Russos to be the perfect pair to get the franchise out of its slump. He said: "I think that's great for them. They're amazing, and they've done really, I think they've done great work with those guys. I'm sure they'll do something amazing. They're talented guys, and I think they'll do something cool. I think it's time to shake it up a little bit." Marvel Studios' cinematic slump could be coming to an end. While Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 was a massive hit, the franchise, which once dominated at the box office, has been on the receiving end of poor reviews and low box office figures for its Phase 5 slate of movies. Deadpool & Wolverine has helped put Marvel Studios back on their feet — becoming the highest grossing R-rated movie in the process — but the studio needs more than one hit to carry them over the finish line for their Multiverse Saga.

Read More