By returning to theMCUin 2026’s upcomingVisionseries, one unexpectedIron Manactor will break a huge Marvel Studios record which is about to be set by two returning characters in 2025. As the second spinoff from 2021’sWandaVisionseries, there is a lot of anticipation for theVisionseries, which will catch up withPaul Bettany’s White Visionfollowing his reawakening by SWORD and battle in Westview. Excitement has grown after the hiring ofStar Trek: Picard’sTerry Matalas as showrunner and confirmation that several MCU actors will be reprising their roles.
While theVisionseries will put the titular synthezoid front-and-center,James Spader was also confirmed to be returning as Ultronin August 2024. Ultron had a key role in Vision’s development in 2015’sAvengers: Age of Ultron, so the tyrannical robot could play a huge role as the villain of theVisionseries, but a more recent addition toVision’scasthas caused some confusion.One unexpected cast member of 2008’sIron Manhas now been confirmed to be reprising his role in theVisionseries, and he’ll break a major MCU record by doing so.
Faran Tahir Is Returning To The MCU As The Same Character After 18 Years
Faran Tahir Played Ten Rings Member Raza In Iron Man
Perhaps best known for his roles inStar Trek, Elysiumand12 Monkeys, Farah Tahir also appeared in the MCU’s first ever movie, 2008’sIron Man, as Raza, the leader of the faction of the Ten Rings who are hired by Obadiah Stane to kill Tony Stark. On January 14,Deadlinereported thatFaran Tahir would be reprising his MCU rolein the upcomingVisionseries, meaninghe will set the record for the longest gap between appearances in the MCU. Raza will be returning 18 years after his debut inIron Man.
It was implied inIron Manthat Obadiah Stane killed Raza for not carrying out the hit on Tony Stark, but Raza’s death was never actually shown on-screen, leaving the door open for him to return.
Of course, Robert Downey Jr., who also debuted inIron Man, will also be returning to the MCU in 2026. However, Downey Jr. will not be playing the same character as he did 18 years previously, and will instead be debuting as iconic Marvel villainDoctor Doom inAvengers: Doomsday. Faran Tahir is returning to the MCU as his same character, Raza, suggestingthe Ten Rings may have a role in theVisionseries, or flashbacks will explore Vision’s history, which is intricately tied into that of Tony Stark himself.
2 MCU Characters Will Set This Record In 2025 Before Faran Tahir Breaks It
Liv Tyler & Tim Blake Nelson Are Both Returning In 2025
By returning to the MCU in 2026, Faran Tahir will break an MCU record that is about to be broken by two other returning Phase 1 characters.Captain America: Brave New World, scheduled to release on August 05, 2025, will mark the return of Liv Tyler as Betty Ross and Tim Blake Nelson as Samuel Sterns, who will be the new villain, the Leader. Neither Tyler nor Nelson have appeared in the MCU since their debuts in 2008’sThe Incredible Hulk, so they will break the record currently held by anotherThe Incredible Hulkstar by returning after 17 years.
Currently,the record for the longest gap between appearances in the MCU is held by Tim Roth, who debuted as Emil Blonsky’s Abomination in 2008’sThe Incredible Hulkand wasn’t seen again until 2021’sShang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Other actors, including Clark Gregg and William Hurt, have also claimed this title over the years, with a seven and eight year gap, respectively. However, Faran Tahir’s 18-year absence prior to theVisionseries' premiere in 2026 will blow them out of the water.
Vision Quest
Cast
Vision Quest explores Vision’s journey to reclaim his identity following the events of WandaVision. As he attempts to restore his memory and humanity, the narrative delves into themes of self-discovery and transformation within the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s expansive storyline.
