After 17 years, Marvel pulls a surprising Iron Man character back into the MCU for the new Vision series – and fans already have some wild theories

Vision Quest
(Image credit: Marvel/Disney)

In some very unexpected casting news, Marvel is seemingly bringing back a deep-cut character for the upcoming Vision Disney Plus show. Faran Tahir is returning as Raza Hamidmi al-Wazar, reprising his role from 2008's Iron Man, according to Deadline.

Back in Tony Stark's MCU debut movie, Raza was one of the antagonists as the commander of the Ten Rings terrorist cell. He was one of the men who kept Stark captive, which was later revealed to be under the orders of Obadiah Stane. The last we saw of him in Iron Man, it was assumed he'd been killed after Stane paralyzed Raza before soldiers turned up and opened fire on him and his men.

But this is the MCU, so if you don't see a body, then you have to assume that the character is not really dead… As for how he works into the Vision show, that's a bit more complicated. Few details have been released about the series so far but we know that it will star Paul Bettany as White Vision, who was given back his memories at the end of WandaVision before he set off to pursue a new purpose in life.

Based on this, one fan has a theory about how he might appear. Posting on Reddit, user Joebear174 writes: "Well, he's pretty essential to Tony Stark's hero origin story. Maybe part of Vision's 'Quest' is following the paths of the people who made him? Sort of a 'see where he came from, so he can decide where he wants to go next' kind of story?"

There some other intriguing theories too, including links to Raza's original story. User krlozdac speculated, "Does this mean we might see more from the Ten Rings as promised in Shang Chi’s post credits scene?" Meanwhile fan Sure-Access-4629 replied: "Maybe they are tying in elements of Armour Wars into the series, since I don’t think armour wars is happening anymore/any time soon".

Vision Quest is set to debut in 2026. In the meantime, check out our guides to upcoming Marvel movies and shows as well as how to watch the Marvel movies in order.

Fay Watson
Deputy Entertainment Editor

I’m the Deputy Entertainment Editor here at GamesRadar+, covering TV and film for the Total Film and SFX sections online. I previously worked as a Senior Showbiz Reporter and SEO TV reporter at Express Online for three years. I've also written for The Resident magazines and Amateur Photographer, before specializing in entertainment.

Read more
Paul Bettany in WandaVision
The Vision TV show has added a new cast member, and Marvel fans are convinced it's the new Tommy
Harrison Ford as Red Hulk in Captain America: Brave New World
The Leader returns to the MCU for the first time in 17 years, but this Captain America: Brave New World teaser doesn't want to spoil his new look just yet
Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom
20 years ago, Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom casting was actually foreshadowed in a niche Marvel show
Tom Holland in Spider-Man: No Way Home and Robert Downey Jr. during the Doctor Doom announcement at Marvel's SDCC panel
Marvel fans are sharing their dream Avengers team-ups, including one that would be "the biggest payoff" in the MCU so far
Captain America in Avengers: Endgame
Marvel fan theories about Chris Evans's MCU return have already started, from Beyonder to Captain Hydra
Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom
Avengers: Doomsday concept art reportedly "leaks" to reveal major returning MCU characters
Latest in Marvel TV Shows
Spider-Man: No Way Home
Daredevil: Born Again episode 1 references Spider-Man, and Marvel fans are excited about what it might mean for the future
Daredevil: Born Again
Daredevil star Charlie Cox was behind one of the most emotional parts of Daredevil: Born Again's premiere: "That was a brilliant idea"
Jon Bernthal in The Punisher
Daredevil fans have spotted a Punisher detail in the Born Again premiere, and Frank Castle is not going to be happy about it
Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock in Daredevil: Born Again
Daredevil: Born Again's Rotten Tomatoes score is a series low, but one star is still happy about the reception
Daredevil: Born Again
A major character is returning in Daredevil: Born Again season 2 – despite being killed off in the first 10 minutes of season 1
Daredevil: Born Again
Daredevil: Born Again fans are in shock after "sickening" death scene of a fan-favorite character
Latest in News
Ultima Online
As Ultima Online approaches its 28th birthday, former creative lead reveals what it takes for an MMO to last for decades, and why they sometimes fail: "Content does not last forever"
Link and Epona
A Zelda movie is finally happening, but Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto used to adamantly oppose the idea even "if Steven Spielberg himself" wanted to do it
Robert Downey Jr announces his Doctor Doom casting at San Diego Comic-Con 2024
"He is so dialed in": Robert Downey Jr. is coming up with backstory and costume ideas for Doctor Doom ahead of Avengers: Doomsday
Stardew Valley
With another "thank you," Stardew Valley creator Eric Barone brings an update arc to a close with "the Switch patch to fix the last Switch patch"
Demon Slayer Infinity Castle
Over 80 countries and 42 days: the first Demon Slayer Infinity Castle movie's remarkable staggered release plans have been revealed – including a US date
Monster Hunter Wilds
Monster Hunter Wilds' story is as divisive as expected: some players hate the "relentless on rails handholding," others love the build-up to "the best scene in Monster Hunter history"