Marvel Studios’ Iron Man AI Recasting Actually Has a Deeper Meaning

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Several of Iron Man’s artificial intelligence characters will have new voice actors when they return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This change is happening because Vision, originally created by Tony Stark and first appearing in Avengers: Age of Ultron, is getting his own series, VisionQuest, in Fall 2026. This show, which concludes the WandaVision story, will also feature other AIs created by Stark, including FRIDAY, EDITH, JARVIS, and even Ultron.

Marvel Studios has chosen new actors to play Tony Stark’s AI assistants when they return in the upcoming series, VisionQuest. This decision, combined with the recent reveal that these characters will appear as physical people, suggests they’ll have more significant parts in the show than previously thought.

Emily Hampshire, known for her role in Schitt’s Creek, is taking over as the voice of EDITH, the AI from Spider-Man: Far From Home that was central to the Mysterio storyline. She replaces Dawn Michelle King in the role.

I’ve always known King as an editor, not an actress – she was a fantastic first assistant editor on Far From Home. So, when EDITH started needing a bigger, more physical presence in VisionQuest, it made sense to bring in someone with more acting experience to play her. It just felt like a natural step for the character and the project.

In addition to changes with EDITH, the character of FRIDAY is also getting a new actor. Orla Brady, known for her role in Star Trek: Picard, will take over the part from Kerry Condon, who played FRIDAY in the Avengers films from Age of Ultron through Endgame.

Kerry Condon is a well-established actress with significant roles in popular projects like F1, The Banshees of Inisherin, Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, and Better Call Saul, so her not being included is a bit surprising. It’s possible the decision was due to her schedule, as she recently returned to voice work on Marvel Zombies.

Paul Bettany, who currently plays Vision in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the series VisionQuest, will no longer voice JARVIS. Starting in 2026, James D’Arcy, known for his roles in Agent Carter and Avengers: Endgame, will be taking over the role.

D’Arcy’s return to the story neatly resolves the issue of the two Bettanys in VisionQuest, and it’s a nice nod to Marvel history. He previously played Edwin Jarvis, Howard Stark’s butler, who inspired the name of Tony Stark’s AI assistant.

Paul Bettany, Emily Hampshire, and Kerry Condon will star in VisionQuest alongside James Spader, who is returning as Ultron. The show will also introduce new AI characters played by Henry Lewis (as DUM-E), Jonathan Sayer (as U), and T’Nia Miller (as Jocasta).

VisionQuest Will Be a Double Family Story

The new series, VisionQuest, will follow up on White Vision’s story from WandaVision, focusing on his quest to remember who he is and become more human. The first trailer shows that his digital counterparts will play a crucial role, providing guidance and support from inside his own mind, within a mansion-like setting.

I’m intrigued by the show’s choice to recast several of the AI characters instead of just writing them out. It feels like they’re planning to really feature these AIs throughout the first season. I’m especially curious to see how the creative team, VisionQuest, will develop these personalities and give each AI a truly unique and well-rounded character. It’s a promising sign that they’re investing in making them more than just background elements.

Vision’s upcoming Disney+ series won’t just focus on his family from the Stark household. Marvel Studios is also planning to bring back his super-fast son, Tommy Maximoff, also known as Speed. This follows the return of his twin brother, Billy (Wiccan), in Agatha All Along, meaning both siblings are back in the Marvel Cinematic Universe after a four-year absence.

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2025-12-25 17:05