VisionQuest Introduces New Villain Combining Marvel and Star Wars Elements

VisionQuest opens with Vision working in an Edinburgh pub as he tries to figure out who he is after the strange events of WandaVision. Paul Bettany portrays Vision, who spends his time practicing socializing, sifting through disconnected memories, and hanging out with other AIs in a digital mind palace. That quiet contemplation is brutally interrupted when a hit squad attacks the pub and kills Vision’s boss.

The attack is led by Paladin, played by Todd Stashwick, as the opening gambit in an elaborate plan to capture the former Avenger. Vision and his allies go into research mode so they can get to know their enemy. Here is a primer on Paladin’s comic book origins, how he has changed for the Marvel Cinematic Universe series, and what he might be up to.

Who is Paladin in Marvel Comics?

Paladin’s first comic book appearance was in 1977 on artist Gil Kane’s cover of the 150th issue of Daredevil. The issue included a text box explaining: “Some call him hero. Some call him villain. He’s Paladin, the man-stalker without equal! And Daredevil is his prey!” Writer Jim Shooter followed the classic Marvel team-up trope where Paladin and Daredevil fight before realizing they are on the same side. Paladin was hired to hunt the mind-controlling supervillain Kilgrave, also known as the Purple Man, whom Daredevil was also tracking. After their skirmish, they exchanged information on their target.

Paladin went on to appear as an honorable anti-hero across numerous comic runs. While he always expects payment for his work, he has teamed up with the Avengers and Spider-Man. He has been part of Heroes for Hire and taken jobs for S.H.I.E.L.D., though he also worked for the Hellfire Club and took contracts to hunt the Punisher and Elektra.

How is Paladin different in VisionQuest?

Marvel Comics never gave Paladin much of a backstory, so VisionQuest creator and showrunner Terry Matalas filled in the blanks. This version of Paladin belongs to a centuries-long line of hunters who chase down targets for the highest bidder, killing heroes and villains alike. Once a Paladin takes a job, an unbreakable contract binds them. Matalas described Paladin as “the Boba Fett of the Marvel Universe.” While Paladin will kill anyone who crosses him, he hates collateral damage.

The Paladin in Marvel Comics possesses superhuman strength, speed, and durability, but this version does not seem to have any superpowers. He does have an impressive arsenal, access to other mercenaries, and immense technical knowledge. He proves to be a dangerous adversary for Vision by catching him in a trap and blasting him with adamantium bullets that can damage his vibranium body.

Paladin has an unnamed superhacker ally played by Diane Morgan who helps him track Vision and capture his reincarnated son Tommy, played by Ruaridh Mollica. Because viewers never see this hacker and Paladin in the same room, she might actually be an AI like F.R.I.D.A.Y., voiced by Orla Brady, or E.D.I.T.H., voiced by Emily Hampshire. Their communication appears through a virtual form similar to the ones in Vision’s mindscape.

Who is Paladin working with?

Neither Paladin nor his ally seem to know who put a bounty on Vision. Their boss is clearly a skilled hacker since they managed to break into Paladin’s secure communications, and they are explicit about wanting Vision alive. They used a S.W.O.R.D. satellite to communicate, leading Paladin to assume he works for the intelligence agency. S.W.O.R.D. would want Vision back because they invested significant effort into rebuilding him after Thanos killed him.

That is possible, but numerous organizations and villains would want to capture Vision if they knew he was carrying a backup of Ultron, voiced by James Spader. That backup tipped Paladin off to Vision’s hiding place, and another backup of Ultron elsewhere might have hired Paladin initially. Just as Vision tries to understand who he is after his consciousness and body were fragmented, Ultron might want to get inside Vision’s head to put himself back together. If that is the case, Paladin’s job could lead to disastrous consequences for the world.

Source: Polygon