James Spader Almost Changed Ultron’s ‘A–hole’ Title Introduction in “VisionQuest” Until His Family Saw It (Exclusive) (Exclusive)

James Spader, the renowned actor known for his iconic voice role as Ultron, has returned to the Marvel universe in the new series “VisionQuest.” After more than a decade since he first portrayed the character in 2015’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” Spader’s reprisal of the AI villain comes with a humorous twist that almost changed during production.

In “VisionQuest,” artificial intelligence entities such as J.A.R.V.I.S., F.R.I.D.A.Y., and E.D.I.T.H. are introduced with title cards showcasing their capabilities. However, Ultron’s introduction starkly contrasts with the others as it displays a blunt and comedic title: “A–hole.” This unorthodox description raised eyebrows, including Spader’s own, initially prompting him to consider asking showrunner Terry Matalas for a revision.

Speaking to PEOPLE, Spader shared that he contemplated suggesting a different title, feeling that the term could be overly harsh. However, after watching the show alongside his partner Leslie Stefanson and their son Nathaneal, he was struck by their reaction. “They both started laughing hard,” Spader recalled, which ultimately influenced his decision to leave the humorous jab in place. He remarked, “If there’s a laugh, always go to the laugh.”

Spader, who is now 66 years old, has always had a strong sense about the words he uses. He confessed that he has often regarded the term “asshole” as one of the worst insults people can use. Yet, he seemed to find a certain charm and irreverence in the way Ultron was reintroduced that resonated with audiences, especially after reflecting on how times have changed.

With the character of Ultron deeply rooted in a complicated relationship with humanity, Spader sees this new portrayal as an evolution of the villain. In “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” Ultron was created by Tony Stark (played by Robert Downey Jr.) and Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) to protect humanity. However, he draws a chilling conclusion that humanity itself poses the primary threat, leading to chaos. In “VisionQuest,” viewers find a different version of Ultron, stemming from the passage of time and his further development as a character.

The series, which features eight episodes, follows the journey of White Vision (Paul Bettany) as he reconciles his memories and grapples with his identity. Spader’s Ultron is no longer just a reckless young intelligence; time has imparted a different perspective on his motivations. He reflects, “Now he’s just as much of a troublemaker as he was in ‘Age of Ultron,’ but it’s a different kind of trouble and it’s for different reasons.”

The show brings not only Spader and Bettany back into the fold but also introduces a host of talented new cast members including Ruaridh Mollica, Todd Stashwick, T’Nia Miller, Orla Brady, Emily Hampshire, and James D’Arcy. The dynamics among the cast promise to add new layers to the storyline, as characters navigate the complexities of identity, memory, and artificial intelligence.

By revisiting Ultron more than a decade later, Spader notes that the change in circumstances allows for a renewed exploration of the character. “It’s a very, very different Ultron than the Ultron in ‘Age of Ultron,’ and I’m glad of that,” he explained. The shift in Ultron’s character arc reflects broader themes in today’s storytelling, where characters are often given the opportunity to grow and evolve.

The two-episode premiere of “VisionQuest” is available for streaming on Disney+, offering fans a fresh interpretation of classic themes related to technology and its impact on humanity. As Spader continues to explore the nuances of his character, audiences can anticipate a blend of the familiar and the new in this exciting continuation of the Marvel saga.