Vision (Marvel Cinematic Universe)

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Vision
Tommy Maximoff[b]
OriginMidtown Manhattan, New York, United States
Creators

The Vision is a fictional character portrayed by

Westview, New Jersey
, but this version vanishes when she returns to reality.

Vision has appeared in three films. He has a lead role in the television series WandaVision (2021), and alternate versions from within the MCU multiverse appear in the animated series What If...? (2021).

Fictional character biography

Creation and joining the Avengers

In 2015,

Sokovia
, Vision fights scores of Ultron's sentries, rescues Wanda from the collapsing city, and destroys Ultron himself.

Sometime after, Vision arrives at the

Avengers Compound and joins the Avengers alongside Wanda, Sam Wilson, and James Rhodes, led by Rogers and Natasha Romanoff
.

Sokovia Accords and the Avengers Civil War

In 2016, Vision phases into Wanda's bedroom and tells her and Rogers that Stark and Secretary of State

paprikash and they start to form a romantic relationship. Later, Vision sees Barton trying to break Wanda out on Rogers' behalf, but stops him. Wanda interferes and telekinetically pushes Vision beneath the Compound. Unharmed, Vision flies to Germany
to help stop Rogers' team. During the fight, he aims to disable Wilson with an energy beam, but accidentally shoots down and cripples Rhodes, as he was distracted while tending to Wanda. Vision flies back to New York and visits Rhodes in the hospital, before going back to the Compound.

Infinity War

In 2018, Vision, now in a romantic relationship with Wanda, visits her in

S.W.O.R.D.
's custody.

Wanda's Hex and resurrection

In 2023, S.W.O.R.D. runs experiments on Vision's corpse at their headquarters in Florida. Wanda, desiring to give him a burial, learns he is being experimented on, but is told that he is government property and cannot be released to her.

She travels to Westview,

Darcy Lewis
that the people inside need help. Wanda expands the Hex, restoring Vision. After waking up, he finds Lewis in Westview and awakens her from her trance. While heading home with her to confront Wanda, Lewis tells him about his past life and death.

Acting S.W.O.R.D. director

Tyler Hayward uses Wanda's powers to reactivate Vision, now with a white body and his memories erased, and deploys him into Westview. He attacks Wanda, but Hex Vision engages in a fight with him, during which they discuss the paradox of the Ship of Theseus
. Vision permits Hex Vision to restore Vision's memories and realizes he is an Avenger. He then flies away to process this information.

Hex Vision learns that he is a memory of Wanda that was created through her powers and the Mind Stone, and says his final goodbyes before he fades from existence when the Hex is removed.

Alternate versions

Several alternate universe versions of Vision appear in the animated series What If...?, with Bettany reprising his role while Ross Marquand voices a version of Ultron in Vision's body.

Zombie outbreak

In an alternate 2018, a quantum virus is unleashed and infects several humans, turning them into

Camp Lehigh, where he experiments with the Mind Stone to find a cure and manages to cure Scott Lang and preserve his severed head in a jar. However, Vision is unable to cure Wanda, leading him to lure in individuals, such as T'Challa
, and feed them to her. Eventually, after the surviving Avengers and their allies arrive at the base, Vision hands over the Mind Stone to Bruce Banner, killing himself in the process.

Ultron's vessel

In an alternate 2015, Ultron successfully transfers his consciousness into Vision's body and goes on to kill most of the Avengers and eliminate all life in the universe after obtaining the other five Infinity Stones from Thanos. After learning about the

Doctor Strange Supreme
, with the latter agreeing to guard them for the rest of eternity.

Universe Destroyer

In an alternate universe, Vision was captured by

Doctor Strange Supreme and taken to his makeshift dimension. He was freed by Captain Peggy Carter and began fighting against Carol Danvers
.

Conception and characterization

A character named The Vision debuted in a short comic story in Marvel Mystery Comics #13 (Nov. 1940) as an alien law enforcement officer also known as Aarkus, continuing as a regular feature in that superhero

Atlanteans.[3] The character has been compared with Spock from Star Trek, but Thomas said that he was barely aware of the TV series at the time.[4] He acknowledged being influenced by the Adam Link character by Otto Binder, one of the first robots treated as a sympathetic character rather than as a mechanical tool.[4]

In The Avengers #75 (April 1970), the Scarlet Witch is reintroduced to the team and soon becomes a love interest for the Vision. Thomas recounted, "I felt that a romance of some sort would help the character development in The Avengers, and the Vision was a prime candidate because he appeared only in that mag... as did Wanda, for that matter. So they became a pair, for just such practical considerations. It would also, I felt, add to the development I was doing on the Vision's attempting to become 'human'."[2]

Characterization

Paul Bettany portrays Vision.

Prior to the introduction of Vision in the MCU, Paul Bettany had voiced J.A.R.V.I.S., Tony Stark's A.I. companion in previous films. Bettany admitted that he had little idea of what the role was, even as he recorded it, simply doing it as a favor for Jon Favreau.[5] He was cast again as the Vision,[6][7] an android created by Ultron.[8] Bettany stated that he was surprised when Whedon asked him if he wanted to be the Vision because once an actor has been cast as a particular character in the MCU, they usually are not cast as another.[9] On what intrigued him about the Vision, Bettany said, "The thing that appealed to me is that this sort of nascent creature being born, being both omnipotent and totally naive, the sort of danger of that and complex nature of a thing being born that is that powerful and that created in a second and the choices he makes morally are really complex and interesting. They've really managed to maintain all of that".[9] Bettany also stated that the Vision feels paternal and protective to a number of people in the film, particularly Wanda Maximoff, and has the ability to change his density. Bettany did wire work for the part.[9] Whedon stated he wanted to include the Vision in a second Avengers film before he signed onto the first film.[10] Vision's on-screen appearance was designed by Trent Claus and his team at Lola VFX, based on concepts by Ryan Meinerding.[11] Bettany's make-up, which consisted of a mix of face paint and prosthetics, took two hours to apply with make-up artists Jeremy Woodhead and Nik Williams citing the correct hue of the Vision's skin as the hardest thing to figure out.[12] Ultimately, however, the prosthetics and tracking dots were removed digitally and replaced with CG.[11]

Discussing the development of the character in

Howard Stark's attache, Edwin Jarvis.[16] One review notes that "Vision is an android who gained consciousness and an affinity for love all at the same time, and so the latter is of the utmost importance to him".[17]

In WandaVision, Bettany portrays a new version of the character created by Wanda within her reality from the part of the Mind Stone that lives in her, who is the embodiment of her sadness, hope, and love.[18][19] Given this, Bettany described this Vision as "decent and honorable". He was influenced by the performances of Dick Van Dyke and Hugh Laurie for this version.[20] Bettany also plays the original character, referred to as "The Vision",[21] who is reassembled and reactivated by S.W.O.R.D. (Sentient Weapon Observation and Response Division). That version has an all-white appearance similar to when the comic book character was resurrected with an all-white body and without his memories and emotions.[22] Bettany differentiated the two versions by portraying The Vision as familiar and intimidating at the same time.[21]

Appearance and special effects

A review of the character for The Hollywood Reporter notes: "The comic book Vision employs a garish green-and-yellow costume, matched with a bright red face — a color scheme that may be a little over-the-top for the more subtly-hued Marvel Cinematic Universe — but even so, the mixture of purple, blue and grey is an unexpected, and unexpectedly bold, choice for Paul Bettany's character".[23]

In terms of fashion while maintaining a civilian appearance, Vision attempts to emulate classic human style, including wearing an ascot tie.[24][25]

When Vision is reactivated by S.W.O.R.D., his entire body is white and he has light blue eyes.[26]

Reception

Critical response

Following the release of

Looper inducted Bettany's portrayal of Vision through the MCU among his best performances overall, stating, "From his heroics — and ultimate death — in the Avengers franchise to his subsequent revival in WandaVision, Bettany's Vision has added a deeply soulful component to the MCU through his portrayal of a being whose synthetic structure doesn't deprive him of his essential humanity."[29] Matt Purslow of IGN wrote Bettany "effortlessly takes to the comedic skits" and that he and Olsen "provide a fantastic amount of life, wit, and emotion".[30] TVLine named Bettany "Performer of the Week" for the week of January 16, 2021.[31]

Accolades

Year Award Category Work Result Ref.
2016 Saturn Awards Best Supporting Actor Avengers: Age of Ultron Nominated [32]
2021 Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie WandaVision Nominated [33]
2022 Critics' Choice Awards Best Actor in a Movie/Miniseries Nominated [34]
Critics' Choice Super Awards Best Actor in a Superhero Series Nominated [35]
Golden Globe Awards Best Actor for Miniseries or Television Film Nominated [36]
Hollywood Critics Association TV Awards Best Actor in a Limited Series, Anthology Series, or Television Movie Nominated [37]
Satellite Awards Best Actor for Television Series Musical or Comedy Nominated [38]

Notes

  1. ^ A magically constructed version of Vision is married to Wanda in WandaVision.[citation needed].
  2. ^ Magically constructed by Wanda in WandaVision[citation needed].

References

  1. ^ Raymond, Nicholas (January 27, 2021). "The MCU Finally Gets Vision's Name Right". Screen Rant. Archived from the original on January 27, 2021. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  2. ^ a b Walker, Karen (December 2010). "Shattered Dreams: Vision and the Scarlet Witch". Back Issue!. TwoMorrows Publishing (45): 59–65.
  3. ^ "Marvel Legend Reveals What Stan Lee Initially "Hated" About 'Age of Ultron' Breakout". The Hollywood Reporter. May 2015. Archived from the original on March 27, 2019. Retrieved December 28, 2018.
  4. ^ a b Marcus Errico (May 6, 2015). "The Secret Origins of Vision and Ultron: An Oral History". Yahoo. Archived from the original on May 26, 2015. Retrieved May 26, 2015.
  5. Superhero Hype. Archived
    from the original on December 25, 2008. Retrieved December 4, 2008.
  6. ^ Ritman, Alex (December 16, 2014). "Dubai Film Fest: Paul Bettany Talks 'Avengers 2' and Watching Jennifer Connelly Inject Herself". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on December 16, 2014. Retrieved December 16, 2014.
  7. ^ Kroll, Justin (February 6, 2014). "Paul Bettany to Play the Vision in Marvel's 'Avengers: Age of Ultron'". Variety. Archived from the original on February 7, 2014. Retrieved February 7, 2014.
  8. ^ "'Avengers 2' Story Details: Ultron & Vision's MCU Origins Clarified". Screen Rant. April 9, 2014. Archived from the original on April 10, 2015. Retrieved April 9, 2015.
  9. ^
    Superhero Hype!. Archived
    from the original on July 29, 2014. Retrieved July 28, 2014.
  10. ^ Weintraub, Steve (December 17, 2014). "Joss Whedon Talks Hesitation to Return, New Additions to the Team, Collaborating with Marvel, and More on the Set of 'Avengers: Age of Ultron'". Collider. Archived from the original on December 17, 2014. Retrieved December 17, 2014.
  11. ^ a b "What it takes to make Vision's face". befores & afters. March 25, 2021. Archived from the original on March 25, 2021. Retrieved April 10, 2021.
  12. ^ Nazzaro, Joe (August 6, 2015). "Creating 'Avengers: Age of Ultron' Vision Make-up". Make-Up Artist Magazine. Archived from the original on September 6, 2015. Retrieved August 8, 2015.
  13. ^ Santos, Mari-An (September 19, 2015). "Paul Bettany tells Filipinos: "You've all seen me naked. Therefore, you have me at a disadvantage."". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Archived from the original on October 11, 2015. Retrieved September 21, 2015.
  14. ^ Radish, Christina (November 12, 2015). "Paul Bettany on Directing, 'Shelter', 'Captain America: Civil War', Anthony Mackie, and More". Collider. Archived from the original on November 15, 2015. Retrieved November 15, 2015.
  15. ^ Ross, Dalton (May 9, 2016). "Civil War: Paul Bettany on how Vision's love for Scarlet Witch led to [SPOILER]". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on May 11, 2016. Retrieved May 10, 2016.
  16. ^ "'Captain America: Civil War' Official Bios, Costume Upgrades and Hi-Res Behind-The-Scenes Photos". Stitch Kingdom. April 11, 2016. Archived from the original on April 14, 2016. Retrieved April 11, 2016.
  17. ^ Gruttadaro, Andrew; Halliwell, Kate (May 23, 2018). "A Salute to Paul Bettany, the Most Versatile British Guy in Hollywood". The Ringer. Archived from the original on November 9, 2020. Retrieved January 5, 2021.
  18. ^ Travers, Ben (February 26, 2021). "'WandaVision' Review: The Ghost of Grief's Past Ushers in the Series' Best Episode Yet — Spoilers". IndieWire. Archived from the original on February 27, 2021. Retrieved February 26, 2021.
  19. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (March 5, 2021). "'WandaVision' "The Series Finale" Recap: What Now For Scarlet Witch, Vision & The Kids?". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on March 10, 2021. Retrieved March 13, 2021.
  20. ^ Radish, Christina (January 11, 2021). "How 'WandaVision' Was Made: Cast and Crew on Iconic TV Influences, Big Swings, and More". Collider. Archived from the original on January 12, 2021. Retrieved January 11, 2021.
  21. ^
    Marvel.com. Archived
    from the original on March 6, 2021. Retrieved March 5, 2021.
  22. from the original on February 27, 2021. Retrieved February 27, 2021.
  23. ^ McMillan, Graeme (January 23, 2015). "Avengers: Age of Ultron's' Vision Finally Revealed Via Funko Toyline". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on December 16, 2019. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
  24. ^ Buchanan, Kyle (May 5, 2016). "What Do Superheroes Wear In Off-Hours? Captain America: Civil War's Costume Designer Explains". New York. Archived from the original on May 6, 2016. Retrieved February 28, 2020.
  25. CinemaBlend. May 6, 2016. Archived
    from the original on February 29, 2020. Retrieved February 29, 2020.
  26. ^ Ortiz, Andi (March 8, 2021). "'WandaVision': What Exactly Happened to the White Vision?". The Wrap. Archived from the original on April 9, 2021. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
  27. Vulture.com. Archived
    from the original on January 20, 2021. Retrieved January 19, 2021.
  28. ^ Cheeda, Saim (February 24, 2021). "WandaVision: 10 Vision Mannerisms Paul Bettany Absolutely Nails". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on July 9, 2022. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  29. ^ Starner, Nina (March 2, 2021). "Elizabeth Olsen's Best Onscreen Performances". Looper.com. Archived from the original on July 9, 2022. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  30. ^ Purslow, Matt (March 9, 2021). "WandaVision: Full Series Review". IGN. Archived from the original on January 2, 2022. Retrieved February 8, 2022.
  31. ^ TVLine, Team (January 16, 2021). "Performer of the Week: Paul Bettany". TVLine. Archived from the original on January 16, 2021. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  32. ^ "Saturn Award nominations on YouTube". Saturn Awards. February 24, 2016. Archived from the original on April 11, 2016. Retrieved January 5, 2021. (At 4:24).
  33. ^ Phillips, Jevon (September 19, 2021). "Here's the full list of 2021 Emmy winners". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on September 20, 2021. Retrieved September 20, 2021.
  34. ^ Mitovich, Matt (March 13, 2022). "Critics Choice: Ted Lasso, Succession Lead TV's Big Winners; Squid Game and Yellowjackets Among First-Timers". TVLine. Archived from the original on May 11, 2022. Retrieved March 13, 2022.
  35. ^ Davis, Clayton (February 22, 2022). "Critics Choice Super Awards: Spider-Man, Justice League Among Film Nominees; Evil Midnight Mass Lead TV". Variety. Archived from the original on February 23, 2022. Retrieved November 1, 2023.
  36. ^ Moreau, Jordan (January 9, 2022). "Golden Globes 2022 Winners List: 'The Power of the Dog,' 'West Side Story' Win Big in Untelevised Ceremony". Variety. Archived from the original on January 10, 2022. Retrieved January 10, 2022.
  37. ^ Anderson, Erik (August 29, 2021). "Hollywood Critics Association (HCA) TV Awards Winners [Updating]". AwardsWatch. Archived from the original on August 30, 2021. Retrieved November 1, 2023.
  38. ^ Blaricom, Mirjana Van (April 2, 2022). "2021 Winners: The International Press Academy Announces Winners for the 26th Annual Satellite™ Awards". International Press Academy. Archived from the original on April 2, 2022. Retrieved April 3, 2022.

External links