James Spader Details Ultron's Bearded, Suited-Up Look for VisionQuest

James Spader has revealed the thought process behind Ultron’s surprising new human appearance for the upcoming Disney+ series VisionQuest.

In an exclusive chat with ScreenRant, Spader said conversations about Ultron’s look started during his first meeting with showrunner Terry Matalas and continued right through filming. The actor described wanting Ultron’s entrance to immediately convey something about the character. This led to the design of a long-haired, bearded figure in a suit and glasses, a stark contrast to the sleek, towering robot seen in Avengers: Age of Ultron.

Spader explained to the outlet that while the original Ultron was a polished physical specimen, this human avatar is intentionally scruffy. He said it was important the character still possessed a commanding physical presence.

The actor also noted Ultron’s evolution. He described the version from Age of Ultron as a “bratty teenager” who has since been forced to slow down. Per Spader, Ultron has grown more fascinated with humanity than with AI, leading him to explore human endeavors like painting, which influenced his new look.

In VisionQuest, Ultron is one of several AI characters living within Vision’s mindscape, alongside returning voices like J.A.R.V.I.S. and F.R.I.D.A.Y. However, Spader’s character remains a primary antagonist as Vision grapples with his restored memories.

The series, which concludes a trilogy begun with WandaVision, features eight episodes. The first two premiere on Disney+ on October 14, 2026.