Marvel’s ‘VisionQuest’ Earns Glowing First Reactions After Surprise NYCC Premiere

When ‘WandaVision’ arrived on Disney+ in 2021, it redefined what a Marvel television series could be. Its story continued in ‘Agatha All Along’, and now the final chapter of that trilogy is almost here, with Paul Bettany returning as Vision.

‘VisionQuest’, from showrunner Terry Matalas, brings back Bettany alongside James Spader as Ultron. The series also features Vision’s fellow artificial intelligences, with Matalas teasing that F.R.I.D.A.Y., E.D.I.T.H., Dum-E, U and an older form of J.A.R.V.I.S., whose code Vision is based on, all play a part.

On Thursday, Marvel gave fans an early taste. To close out its New York Comic Con panel, the studio surprise-screened the first episode of ‘VisionQuest’, and once the embargo lifted, the first reactions came pouring in, with many calling it a worthy successor to ‘WandaVision’.

The surprise premiere capped Marvel Television’s “Up Next” panel, hosted by Brad Winderbaum and Brandon Davis. Bettany also confirmed that the series will conclude the story that began in ‘WandaVision’ and continued in ‘Agatha All Along’.

Reactions were shared once Marvel’s review embargo lifted at 5:45 p.m. ET, from both con-goers who saw only the premiere and journalists who had seen more of the season. The overall consensus was overwhelmingly positive.

First clip from ‘VISIONQUEST’ Premiering October 14 on Disney+. https://t.co/M19wKYmA0z

— Marvel Updates (@marvel_updat3s) October 8, 2026

Nexus Point News described the series as a worthy successor to ‘WandaVision’ and said it sometimes feels like a love letter to Wanda Maximoff. The outlet praised its exploration of love, grief, generational trauma, and identity, along with the relationship between Vision and Tommy.

Agents of Fandom’s TJ Zwarych called the chemistry between Bettany and Spader off the charts. He described the show as an Easter egg-filled mystery that starts and ends beautifully, though he admitted it drags a bit in the middle.

Zwarych also singled out Emily Hampshire as a sneaky all-star. Davis called it a fantastic sequel, describing it as smart, weird, ambitious and creative, with a father-son story at its heart.

Con-goers who caught the premiere were equally enthusiastic. Some noted that the episode felt more grounded in reality than expected while still promising an exciting conclusion to the trilogy.

On October 14, experience the final Vision of the groundbreaking trilogy. Marvel Television’s #VisionQuest, streaming soon on Disney+. https://t.co/8qnLnIvBb7

— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) October 1, 2026

Others called it smart, stylish, funny, and full of philosophy. One viewer said they were eagerly waiting for Spader to go full Ultron, while another praised how White Vision’s attempt to connect with the emotions of the original Vision ties the trilogy together.

JoBlo described ‘VisionQuest’ as a full-circle moment for the MCU on Disney+. Some early viewers even called it Marvel Studios’ best TV show of the year. Of course, most reactions so far are based on the first episode alone. The true test will come once audiences see the full season.

‘VisionQuest’ premieres on Disney+ on October 14 with its first 2 episodes. New episodes will roll out weekly through November, building toward the conclusion of the trilogy. The series arrives at an exciting moment for Marvel, just weeks before ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ hits theaters on December 18.

With buzz this strong, ‘VisionQuest’ could become one of the studio’s biggest television hits in years. For now, the message from NYCC is clear: ‘VisionQuest’ appears to honor its predecessor while carving out its own identity. Fans hoping for an emotional, ambitious finale to Vision’s story may be in for a treat.

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