Paul Bettany Addresses Plausible Return As Vision In Doctor Strange 2

Almost no one has been with the Marvel Cinematic Universe longer than Paul Bettany, who played Iron Man in the first film in the franchise

By Akshay Sharma
April 23,2022
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Almost no one has been with the Marvel Cinematic Universe longer than Paul Bettany, who played Iron Man in the first film in the franchise in 2008. Bettany first played JARVIS, an AI system, before going on to play Vision in three more films, the most recent of which was last year’s WandaVision on Disney+, with Elizabeth Olsen’s Scarlet Witch.

After Wanda put down her Hex enclosing Westview, New Jersey, Vision’s journey seemed to come to an end after nearly 13 years with the MCU, as the android faded away into oblivion. Of course, after his original body was transformed into White Vision by the SWORD team, there’s a version of Vision out there – a version that suddenly gained all of Vision’s memories from the previous episode. For the time being, though, his whereabouts are unknown.

Paul Bettany Addresses His Return As Vision

Wanda and Vision
Wanda and Vision

Despite Vision’s unclear future in the MCU, Bettany hasn’t shied away from discussing what might happen if he’s brought back for more. Now, owing to a recent conversation with the MCU veteran, there’s cause to believe he’ll return at some point in the future. Paul Bettany, who starred in WandaVision, spoke with Entertainment Weekly on the possibility of him reprising his role as Vision in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Initially, the veteran celebrity playfully responded, “Absolutely not,” even saying that no amount of money would entice him to do it:

“Certainly not! Not for any sort of monetary gain. I can’t even come up with a figure.” “No, the honest answer to that is — well maybe it’s not the honest answer, but it’s the answer I’m going to give you and you’ll just have to cope with it — at the end of WandaVision, you see Vision fly off and that’s a loose end. And Kevin Feige is a man who doesn’t really allow loose ends. So I assume at some point I will be putting on my tights and cloak for another outing, but I don’t know when that might be.”

Then, after a brief build-up to his true statement; he intimated that Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige never “allows loose ends” in the MCU. White Vision flew off into the horizon towards the end of WandaVision, according to the actor. Bettany expects that he’ll have to reprise his role as Vision for another film as a result of this; but he’s not sure when that will be.

How Vision Could Return

Vision
Vision

The Vision inside the Hex, as well as Billy and Tommy, vanished as all the spells holding it in place were lifted; and the town of Westview reverted to its normal form. However, before flying off to somewhere unknown; the restored original Vision regained his memories of his time with Wanda and the Avengers.

Despite the fact that Vision has died three times in the MCU, there are still various possibilities for him to return. The most plausible candidate is the aforementioned rebuilt version of himself; who now has all of his memories but appears to lack the emotion that made the original Vision so humanlike.

The multiverse path is also a viable choice. It’s been teased in various projects (and sort of included via the time heist in Avengers: Endgame). but it’s shaping up to be a true element by Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness at the very least; and it looks like it’ll play a role in other upcoming projects in the franchise.

Viewers have now seen numerous Visions interact with one another, but it’s possible that the multiverse will lead to another conflict, or that it will just present a new version of Vision. Given that time travel is now known to be possible in the MCU; a previous version of Vision could also play a role.

Wandavision Finale Gave A Setting Send-Off

Disney+ Show WandaVision
Disney+ Show WandaVision

The eighth episode of WandaVision provided Paul Bettany’s Vision with an emotional send-off; as he said his goodbyes to Wanda and their twin sons, allowing Wanda to carry on with her life and fulfill her full power. Marvel, on the other hand, is recognized for being able to bring back any character the company wants; regardless of whether or not they’re living at the time.

Recently, Bettany suggested a Vision cameo in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness; which already has a call sheet that could be longer than any other MCU solo film. The sequel’s promotional tour revealed that Billy and Tommy Maximoff will be returning in some capacity, allowing Bettany’s Vision to reunite with his family.

Although the timing of Bettany’s new remarks is suspect; and despite the fact that linkages to WandaVision have already been established for the next film; Marvel’s plans for Vision remain unknown. But, given White Vision’s presence in the world with the original Vision’s memories and WandaVision’s ties to the rest of the MCU, he shouldn’t be written out.

Bettany May Have Played Vision In Doctor Strange 2

Doctor Strange 2 Trailer Reveals Vision's Role In the Sequel
Doctor Strange 2 Trailer Reveals Vision’s Role In the Sequel

While an appearance by Paul Bettany as Vision appears to be an obvious choice on the surface; the paucity of speculations about his comeback in the film does not present a promising image. With such a long period of silence; supporters should definitely not get their expectations up. Of course, it’s not impossible. It’d also make a lot of sense. There’s still some unresolved business between Vision and Wanda; which fans would undoubtedly welcome.

Characters like Mr. Fantastic and Deadpool, on the other hand; have been speculated to be part of the Multiverse party more than the Vision himself. What would Bettany’s character do if he appeared? Given the evidence, Vision could be a voice of reason to help get through to Wanda—even with this new coat of paint. There’s also the possibility that a different version of the character appears on one of the numerous timelines the team travels through.

Is it possible that the Scarlet Witch would stumble across the perfect life she never had; only to destroy it in her sadness and frustration? Fans will be able to see for themselves when Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness hits theaters on May 6.