Vision (Marvel Cinematic Universe)

Vision is a character portrayed by Paul Bettany in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film franchise, based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. Vision is an android with a body created by the villain Ultron during the events of Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), incorporating the Mind Stone, but which was brought to sentience by Tony Stark and Bruce Banner, uploading the core software of Stark's AI, J.A.R.V.I.S., with energy provided by Thor. Vision is featured in two later MCU films, and is killed by Thanos at the end of Avengers: Infinity War (2018). He returned with Wanda Maximoff in the 2021 MCU television series WandaVision.

Vision
Marvel Cinematic Universe character
Paul Bettany as Vision in Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
First appearanceAvengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
Based on
Adapted byJoss Whedon
Portrayed byPaul Bettany
In-universe information
Full nameVision
SpeciesSynthezoid[1]
AffiliationAvengers
WeaponInfinity Stone
Significant otherWanda Maximoff
NationalityNone
Creators

Conception and characterization

A character named The Vision first 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 anthology through issue #48 (Oct. 1943). In the late 1960s, editor Stan Lee and writer Roy Thomas decided to add a new team member to the superhero-team series The Avengers. Thomas wanted to bring back the Golden Age alien Vision (Aarkus) but Lee was set on introducing an android member. Thomas ultimately compromised by using a new, android Vision.[2] The second Vision first appeared in The Avengers #57 (Oct. 1968). Thomas wanted the character to be white as befitting his ghostly name, but printing limitations of the time would have rendered him colorless, with un-inked paper where his skin should be. He settled on red as he did not want Vision to be green like the Hulk or blue like the 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] 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.[11]

Discussing the development of the character in Captain America: Civil War, Bettany noted that because the Vision was only created in the previous film, Age of Ultron, "you see my character get born... He must be both omnipotent and yet totally naive at the same time. And experiencing the world in real time and his place in it. Is he going to be a force of good or a force of evil?"[12] Bettany also said he was interested in exploring "what it means to be human and what love is" with the character, as "The only way one can guarantee one's loyalty is love."[13] This is exhibited in the connection Vision begins to form with Wanda Maximoff, with Bettany commenting, "They both have these new burgeoning powers that they don’t understand ... I think he’s worried that they’re both dangerous. So he feels this real connection with her."[14] As the Vision has the ability to create a projected disguise, he chooses to dress similarly to Howard Stark's attache, Edwin Jarvis.[15] 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".[16]

By the events of WandaVision, Vision had apparently been killed by Thanos, and it is unclear whether Vision appearing thereafter is real, or part of an illusion being created by Wanda Maximoff, though it is noted that he appears to have independent agency.[17]

Fictional character biography

Avengers: Age of Ultron
Main article: Avengers: Age of Ultron

J.A.R.V.I.S. is apparently destroyed by Ultron, but it is later revealed that he actually distributed his consciousness throughout the Internet, allowing his security protocols to delay Ultron's attempt to access Earth's nuclear launch codes long enough for Tony to work out what had happened. The Avengers capture a synthetic body created by Ultron for himself, powered by the Mind Stone. Stark and Bruce Banner upload J.A.R.V.I.S. as the core software for that body. After a brief fight with other Avengers, who disagree with this effort, Thor uses his lightning to power its completion, creating Vision. Thor explains that the gem on its brow, one of the six Infinity Stones, the most powerful objects in existence, was part of a vision that he had. Having gained consciousness, Vision says that he is not a creature of Ultron, but is also no longer J.A.R.V.I.S.; Vision states that he "is on the side of life" and sides with the Avengers against Ultron. He fights the Ultron drones during the final battle in Sokovia and destroys the last Ultron drone himself. Notably, to this point, Vision is the only non-Asgardian to be able to lift Thor's hammer Mjolnir; an earlier scene in the film establishes that this signifies that Vision is pure of heart and therefore "worthy" of lifting the hammer.[18]

Captain America: Civil War
Main article: Captain America: Civil War

Vision sides with Iron Man's group during the titular conflict. He reasons this by remarking that the number of supernatural or highly dangerous events have increased since Tony Stark's admitting of his secret identity and that government oversight will assist the team. This includes effectively confining Wanda Maximoff to the Avengers' compound after the latter's involvement in the collateral damage in Lagos. Vision attempts to make Maximoff feel comfortable with her circumstances, cooking her paprikash. He overpowers Hawkeye, who tries to break Maximoff out, until she interferes, telekinetically pushing Vision hundreds of feet beneath the compound. As expected, Vision is unharmed and escapes to later participate in the battle to capture Captain America's allies. During the battle, he aims to disable the Falcon, however, accidentally shoots down and cripples War Machine, as he was distracted while tending to Maximoff. This movie also hints at Vision and Maximoff's relationship in the comics, with Vision confused about the emotions he experienced around her and his increased desire to keep her safe.

Avengers: Infinity War
Main article: Avengers: Infinity War

Vision now in Scotland having a relationship with the fugitive Maximoff while using his powers to maintain a human disguise. When Thanos and his army start coming to Earth to take the Mind Stone out of Vision's body, Captain America's team take Vision to Wakanda, in the hope that Wakandan science will be able to remove the Mind Stone without killing the Vision, so that Wanda can then destroy the Stone. Unfortunately, Thanos's forces attack Wakanda during the operation, and when his armies prove too much for even the Avengers and the Wakandan army, Vision convinces Maximoff to destroy the Mind Stone at the cost of his life. However, Thanos uses the Time Stone to reverse the Mind Stone's destruction, allowing him to rip the Mind Stone out of Vision's head, killing the android in the process.[19][20]

Wandavision
Main article: Wandavision

Vision returns and is married to Wanda who live in a reality that is not what it seems. The couple live in a suburban neighborhood, which appears to be themed after American television sitcoms of various eras, which become more recent as the show progresses. They conceal their true nature from their neighbors, pretending to be a normal entirely human couple, though both lack memories of how they came to be in this situation. In the first episode, Vision is shown to have a job at a company called Computational Services Inc., where he amazes his co-workers with his speed but is unsure what his company actually does. He is also shown to have invited his boss, Mr. Hart, for dinner, during which the boss chokes on his food and Vision has to use his abilities to save him. In the second episode, he is shown to behave as if he is intoxicated after accidentally swallowing chewing gum, which Wanda is able to fix. In episode three, as Wanda quickly progresses in her pregnancy with their twin children, Vision exhibits super speed, and momentarily appears to realize that something is not right about their surroundings.[17] In the fourth episode Vision briefly appears to Wanda as a corpse, and it is revealed in the fifth episode that Wanda had stolen Vision's body from S.W.O.R.D.

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".[21]

In terms of fashion while maintaining a civilian appearance, Vision attempts to emulate classic human style, including wearing an ascot tie.[22][23]

Reception

In 2016, Bettany was nominated for a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Avengers: Age of Ultron.[24] A review of the 2021 newly-launched television series, WandaVision states that "Olsen and Bettany's characters were often treated like benchwarmers on an all-star team in the Avengers movies. Here, they really shine".[25] The review further finds that Bettany "slides easily into the role of the devoted, kinda square, goofball husband", and praises his physical comedy skills.[25]

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. 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".
  4. Marcus Errico (May 6, 2015). "The Secret Origins of Vision and Ultron: An Oral History". Yahoo. Retrieved May 26, 2015.
  5. Huver, Scott (May 16, 2008). "Paul Bettany on Voicing Iron Man's Jarvis". Superhero Hype. 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 9, 2015. Retrieved April 9, 2015.
  9. Starnes, Joshua (July 26, 2014). "Comic-Con Interview: Paul Bettany on Playing The Vision in Avengers: Age of Ultron". Superhero Hype!. Archived from the original on July 28, 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.com. Archived from the original on December 17, 2014. Retrieved December 17, 2014.
  11. 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.
  12. 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 September 21, 2015. Retrieved September 21, 2015.
  13. 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.
  14. 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 10, 2016. Retrieved May 10, 2016.
  15. "'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 12, 2016. Retrieved April 11, 2016.
  16. Gruttadaro, Andrew; Halliwell, Kate (May 23, 2018). "A Salute to Paul Bettany, the Most Versatile British Guy in Hollywood". The Ringer.
  17. Vejvoda, Jim (January 22, 2021). "Is Vision Dead in WandaVision?". IGN.
  18. 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.
  19. Simpson, George (September 26, 2016). "Benedict Cumberbatch's Doctor Strange CONFIRMED for Avengers: Infinity War". Daily Express. Archived from the original on September 26, 2016. Retrieved September 26, 2016.
  20. Breznican, Anthony (March 8, 2018). "Behind the scenes of Avengers: Infinity War as new heroes unite — and others will end - page 3". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on March 8, 2018. Retrieved March 8, 2018.
  21. McMillan, Graeme (January 23, 2015). "Avengers: Age of Ultron's' Vision Finally Revealed Via Funko Toyline". The Hollywood Reporter.
  22. 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.
  23. "So Thats Why Vision's Wearing Those Clothes In Captain America: Civil War". Cinema Blend. May 6, 2016.
  24. "Saturn Award nominations on YouTube". Saturn Awards. February 24, 2016. (At 4:24).
  25. Chaney, Jen (January 14, 2021). "Marvel's WandaVision Is a Time-Traveling Delight". Vulture.com.
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