A new theory in the Marvel Cinematic Universe suggests that a villain previously defeated in Phase 2 could make a comeback in the future. Phase 2 of the MCU mainly focused on the stories of the original Avengers members: Iron Man, Captain America, and Thor. These stories led to the Avengers coming together once again in Avengers: Age of Ultron, where they obtained Loki's scepter containing the Mind Stone and inadvertently brought the powerful artificial intelligence, Ultron, to life.
Ultron, powered by the Mind Stone, posed a significant threat to the Avengers and Sokovia, aiming to wipe out humanity and create a robotic society. Despite the challenge, the Avengers, with the help of Scarlet Witch, Quicksilver, and Vision, managed to defeat Ultron and prevent his catastrophic plans. While Ultron is a prominent villain in Marvel Comics, his appearance in the MCU was limited to Avengers: Age of Ultron. However, there are speculations that Ultron could potentially return in future MCU projects.
Infinity War Suggests Ultron May Still Be Alive Inside Vision
Vision at Avengers HQ in Avengers Infinity War - Infinity War Suggests Ultron May Still Be Alive Inside Vision
Reddit user minor_correction has put forward a theory suggesting that Marvel Studios may have already hinted at how Ultron could make a comeback in the MCU, despite being defeated nearly ten years ago. In the movie Avengers: Age of Ultron, Ultron attempted to create a new body for himself using vibranium, embedding the powerful Mind Stone within it. However, the Avengers managed to acquire this body and combined it with the JARVIS artificial intelligence, resulting in the creation of Vision. During Avengers: Infinity War, Bruce Banner mentioned that Vision is not merely the Mind Stone, but a fusion of various entities that contributed to his creation.
Bruce Banner explained to Vision that his consciousness comprises a complex blend of different components, including JARVIS, Ultron, Tony Stark, himself, and the Mind Stone. All these elements interacted and learned from one another, forming a unique entity. Banner suggested that even if the Mind Stone were to be removed, Vision would still retain a significant part of his identity, possibly containing the most valuable aspects of his being.
When Could Ultron Return To The MCU?
The possibility of Ultron making a comeback in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been raised due to Bruce Banner's observation that traces of Ultron still exist within Vision. Even though Vision was destroyed by Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War, his body was reconstructed by SWORD in WandaVision. If the new White Vision retains the same components as the original, this mysterious character could pave the way for Ultron's return to the MCU.
Ultron showing his fist in Avengers Age of Ultron - When Could Ultron Return To The MCU?
Ultron's potential return to the MCU is closely linked to the character Vision. This means that we may not see the villain make a comeback in a project that doesn't involve actor Paul Bettany. Currently, Bettany is set to reprise his role as White Vision in Marvel Studios' upcoming Vision Quest series. As Bettany's involvement is confirmed in this series, there is a chance that Ultron could make an appearance and pose a threat. In another storyline, Ultron robots from an alternate universe were seen protecting the Illuminati of Earth-838 in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Both Ultron and Vision were both created by Tony Stark, making them interconnected in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
One possible scenario for Ultron's return in the future MCU projects could be in Marvel Studios' Armor Wars. This upcoming movie will bring back Don Cheadle as Rhodey, also known as War Machine. In the Armor Wars storyline from Marvel Comics, Tony Stark investigates stolen Stark technology acquired by villains globally. Since Ultron and Vision were both technically created by Tony Stark, they could potentially be featured in the MCU's Armor Wars. While Paul Bettany's return as Vision is not confirmed, it wouldn't be surprising if he makes an appearance in Armor Wars.
MCU Theory Also Means Tony Stark Could Return In Ironheart
Tony Stark giving his funeral speech as a hologram in Avengers Endgame - MCU Theory Also Means Tony Stark Could Return In Ironheart
If Ultron could be revived from the copy inside Vision, other parts of Vision's personality might also come back. This could include Tony Stark, who may return to the MCU after leaving in Avengers: Endgame. In the comics, Stark creates an AI copy of himself to mentor Ironheart. So, perhaps an artificial Tony Stark from Avengers: Age of Ultron could be uploaded to have a similar relationship with Dominique Thorne's Riri Williams in her Ironheart series.
Editor's P/S:
The article presents an intriguing theory regarding the possible return of Ultron in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The suggestion that Ultron's remnants may still reside within Vision, despite his destruction and subsequent reconstruction, opens up exciting possibilities for future MCU projects. It would be fascinating to witness the return of such a formidable villain, especially considering the potential for an alliance with alternate universe Ultron robots from Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Furthermore, the article raises the intriguing possibility of Tony Stark's return through an AI copy of himself. This would provide a satisfying continuation of his character's legacy and could lead to a mentor-mentee relationship with Ironheart, mirroring his role in the comics. The MCU's exploration of complex themes, such as the nature of consciousness and the boundaries between humanity and artificial intelligence, adds depth to the narrative and keeps fans eagerly anticipating what lies ahead for these iconic characters.