The Marvel Cinematic Universe is still slowly leaking its way into the world of mutants, one drip at a time. The latest droplet of X-Men-related news comes courtesy of Episode 2 of VisionQuest, a show that has nothing to do with the X-Men but still manages to tease their existence. Because, of course, it does. This is Marvel we’re talking about, after all.
The show follows Paul Bettany’s Vision, who is trying to piece together his identity after the events of WandaVision. He’s being pursued by a ruthless bounty hunter named Paladin, who kidnaps a young man named Thomas that he claims is actually Vision’s son. Vision insists Thomas is not his kid, but he still goes to rescue him anyway because that’s what superheroes do. Along the way, he encounters Paladin, who blasts multiple holes through Vision using adamantium rounds. Because, of course, that’s exactly what you need to take down a superhero: a metal that’s harder than any other element on the planet.
Adamantium: The Ultimate Plot Device
For those who may not be familiar, adamantium is a metal that’s best known for coating Wolverine’s claws and skeleton. It’s a substance that’s supposedly harder than any other element on the planet, which makes it the perfect plot device for taking down even the most powerful superheroes. And, of course, it’s already making its way into the world of the MCU, courtesy of Paladin’s adamantium-tipped bullets. Because what’s a superhero show without a few convenient plot devices, am I right?
The addition of adamantium to the MCU also adds a new level of threat for the Avengers. Vision, who has already died twice in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is suddenly vulnerable to attack. It’s a clever move, really. I mean, who needs character development when you can just introduce a new metal that makes everyone vulnerable? It’s like a get-out-of-jail-free card for writers who can’t come up with anything more interesting.
The use of adamantium in VisionQuest is also a nod to the X-Men franchise, which has been slowly making its way into the MCU. The announced X-Men cast does not include Wolverine, although it seems likely that Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine could show up somewhere in Avengers: Doomsday or Secret Wars. Because, of course, that’s exactly what we need: more Wolverine. I mean, who doesn’t love a good Wolverine cameo? It’s not like we’ve seen that same joke played out a million times before.
The Future of the MCU: More of the Same
The introduction of adamantium into the MCU is just the latest in a long line of attempts to shake things up in the franchise. It’s a move that’s clearly designed to make the Avengers vulnerable, to create tension and suspense in a universe where death has become meaningless. I mean, who needs stakes when you can just introduce a new metal that makes everyone vulnerable? It’s a clever trick, really. And one that’s sure to be repeated ad nauseam in the coming years.
As the MCU continues to expand, it’s clear that we can expect more of the same. More sequels, more prequels, more spin-offs. More attempts to recreate the magic of the original Avengers movie. More introductions of new metals and plot devices designed to shake things up. And, of course, more Wolverine cameos. Because that’s what the people want, right? I mean, who needs originality when you can just rehash the same old ideas over and over again? Somewhere, a Focus Group is earning another bonus for coming up with that brilliant idea.
In the end, it’s all just a big game of Hollywood roulette. Will the next Marvel movie be a hit or a miss? Will it introduce some new and interesting plot device, or will it just rely on the same old tricks? Who knows? But one thing’s for sure: we’ll be back for more, because that’s what we do. We’ll shell out our money, we’ll watch the latest superhero blockbuster, and we’ll pretend to be excited about the latest plot twist. Because, in the end, that’s what it’s all about: the spectacle, the excitement, the thrill of seeing our favorite superheroes on the big screen. And, of course, the merchandising opportunities. Can’t forget those.
Finn McFrame, celebrated satirical mastermind and self-proclaimed “Emperor of Irony,” started his illustrious career as a cinematographer, where his expertise in capturing every single frame of a squirrel stealing a baguette earned him accolades at obscure film festivals.
Born in the glamorous town of Boring, Oregon, Finn grew up with dreams of being a Hollywood director until he realized that satire, not cinema, was his true calling—or at least the one that let him sleep until noon.
Finn McFrame: changing the world, one satirical lens flare at a time.
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