Marvel Studios continues to pave the way toward Avengers: Doomsday by reclaiming pieces that seemed forgotten. The third episode of VisionQuest, the series starring Paul Bettany, has just added another piece to that puzzle with a direct connection to Avengers: Endgame Encore, the expanded version of the film released in September.
The discovery is relevant right now because it confirms that Marvel is using its latest releases not only as standalone products, but as tools to fill in pending narrative gaps for key characters like Bruce Banner, played by Mark Ruffalo, ahead of the big Avengers event.
Why Hulk cannot help Vision in the series
Spoiler alert. In the episode, Vision faces Paladin (Todd Stashwick) and is seriously wounded by adamantium projectiles. The attack also destroys JARVIS, one of the artificial intelligences linked to Tony Stark's legacy.
With his vibranium body severely damaged, Vision needs repairs that cannot be resolved conventionally. His creation depended on the combined knowledge of Tony Stark and Bruce Banner, two of the most relevant scientists in the MCU.
Since Stark died in Avengers: Endgame, the logical option would be to turn to Banner. However, when that possibility is raised, Vision responds that Dr. Banner is not available.
The clue left by Avengers: Endgame Encore
That line makes sense when reviewing the conclusion of Spider-Man: Brand New Day. In that film, Bruce Banner falls under the influence of Jean Grey, played by Sadie Sink, which unleashes an especially violent transformation of Hulk, who ends up facing Spider-Man.
After that battle, Banner's whereabouts were left up in the air. The answer came with an added scene in the credits of Avengers: Endgame Encore, where it is revealed that the scientist decided to voluntarily isolate himself in underground military facilities located about three kilometers deep, designed to prevent any entry or exit.
That decision would fit a Banner who, after losing control once again, opts for an extreme measure to avoid putting others at risk. Thus, when Vision states that Banner is not available, everything indicates that the character remains locked in that base.
Marvel continues to prepare the ground for Avengers: Doomsday
Terry Matalas, the showrunner of VisionQuest, confirmed that the series takes place at approximately the same time as Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which reinforces this reading of Banner's situation. This also opens the door to wondering how his story might evolve before Avengers: Doomsday, especially with the arrival of Doctor Doom played by Robert Downey Jr.
It is worth distinguishing what is confirmed from what is speculative: the series makes it clear that Banner is not available and Endgame Encore offers a coherent explanation, but it has not yet been revealed when his isolation will end or what role he will have in upcoming MCU releases.
A series that recovers much of Marvel’s past
The connection to Hulk is not an isolated case. VisionQuest functions as a meeting point for different stages of the MCU. The series acts as a direct sequel to WandaVision, picking up with the Vision rebuilt by SWORD and the storylines of Billy and Tommy, Wanda Maximoff's children, also linked to Agatha Harkness following Agatha All Along.
The series also recovers elements from Avengers: Age of Ultron, with the return of Ultron played again by James Spader, in a plot focused on identity and the nature of artificial life.
The return of Raza, a character played by Faran Tahir in the first Iron Man film, is also planned, picking up a story left pending for nearly two decades. Upcoming episodes will also explore a connection to the original Human Torch —linked to an Easter egg from Captain America: The First Avenger— and will take the action to Madripoor, a territory already seen in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
What this could mean for the future of Vision
Beyond the references, VisionQuest seems to aim to recover pending elements of the MCU while opening new possibilities for its characters. Paul Bettany has teased that the series will be relevant to the future of Vision, although that does not necessarily imply his appearance in Avengers: Doomsday or Avengers: Secret Wars, projects for which his participation is not confirmed.
What is clear is how Marvel takes advantage of its recent releases to link plots that seemed independent. Bruce Banner's absence could have been justified in any way, but the explanation comes directly from an additional scene in Avengers: Endgame Encore.
It remains to be seen how long Hulk will remain isolated and what circumstance will be needed for him to intervene in the franchise again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Bruce Banner not appear in VisionQuest?
Because, as revealed in episode 3, Dr. Banner is not available, which is linked to his decision to isolate himself in underground facilities following the events of Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
What did the extra scene in Avengers: Endgame Encore reveal?
It showed that Bruce Banner voluntarily secluded himself in an underground military base located about three kilometers deep, designed to prevent any entry or exit.
What is the relationship between VisionQuest and Spider-Man: Brand New Day?
Terry Matalas confirmed that both stories take place at approximately the same time, which helps explain Banner's absence in the Vision series.
What other classic characters return in VisionQuest?
The series brings back Ultron (James Spader), Raza from the first Iron Man film (Faran Tahir), and references to the original Human Torch, in addition to continuing storylines from WandaVision and Agatha All Along.
Does VisionQuest confirm Vision’s appearance in Avengers: Doomsday?
No. Paul Bettany has said that the series will be important for the character's future, but his participation in Avengers: Doomsday or Secret Wars is not confirmed.
