Who Hired Paladin In 'VisionQuest'? A List Of Possible Clients

VisionQuest (2026) is the latest series in the Marvel Cinematic Universe that not only ends a trilogy but also finally reunites us with a character we haven't seen since WandaVision (2021). The Disney show came out swinging as Vision, trying to lay low as he understands who he once was, becomes the target of a hit from a mysterious client.

As of now, we have no idea who this client could be who hired Paladin to hunt down Vision. However, there are many possibilities we have yet to explore properly. While some may be hiding in plain sight, others could be much harder to assume, especially in a world like the MCU that continues to grow.

Ultron

Considering Ultron is an evil character from top to bottom, he is the obvious first choice of the Client. Even the other AI, alongside Vision, immediately thought it was him, which Ultron vehemently denied. That said, he could have easily been lying. Ultron is a crafty character who has been in a cage ever since Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), and he's already making moves to talk to the outside world. Whether or not he hired Paladin is up in the air, but he's making a great case as the culprit hiding in plain sight.

Jocasta

Jocasta is a new character who, in Marvel Comics, was designed to be Ultron's spouse. In VisionQuest, that doesn't seem to be the case, as she fights for freedom above all else. She's already taken on Vision, with Ultron in control, and it's unclear if she's an ally or an enemy. What makes her a potential culprit is that she has the hacking abilities to talk to Paladin whenever she wants to and is a largely unknown player in the story. But if her mission is solely independent, finding someone like Vision and hiring a mercenary may be too messy for her.

Jim Hammond

In the comics, Jim Hammond was not only the first synthezoid introduced in the Marvel Universe, but he was also the original Human Torch, whose body ignited when it hit oxygen. VisionQuest treats this character as a cautionary tale from the past, as it was the emotional instability of Hammond that led to him igniting in flames. We haven't seen this character aside from an Easter egg in Captain America: The First Avenger (2011), and considering the mystery already surrounding him, an emotionally unstable character pulling the strings to get Vision is a logical choice for a potential identity for the Client.

Tyler Hayward & S.W.O.R.D.

WandaVision revealed that, as the head of S.W.O.R.D., Tyler Hayward was the reason Vision was rebuilt as a weapon with a new body. He also grew obsessed with killing Wanda and destroying the Hex, no matter the cost. But since the end of that series, we haven't seen Hayward again. It's possible that Hayward could still be operating through S.W.O.R.D. to get what he sees as his property back. Pulling strings that lead to unnecessary deaths is already a motive that makes sense for him, so Hayward may be using resources to return as a thorn in Vision's side all over again.

Machine Man

A character who has never appeared in the MCU before, Machine Man is the 51st android made by a doctor who gains sentience. In the comics, he's a hero who fights for AI rights but is also incredibly aggressive against humans who hate his kind. Considering Machine Man isn't afraid to be abrasive and has a history with Jocasta, it's possible he could be a wild card choice to hire Paladin. It would make sense if he had questions only Vision could answer and a great introduction to a character as well. It would also justify why the Client doesn't care if innocent people are caught in the crossfire.

Billy Maximoff

Billy Maximoff is the brother of Tommy Maximoff, and all he wants to do is find his brother. Being skilled in magic, he could easily manipulate technology as the mysterious Client who puts his father and brother on a collision course so he can finally be reunited with his family. Of course, the major issue with this is that Paladin's forces, as well as Paladin himself, aren't afraid to kill people for the mission, and that's not something a person like Billy would be okay with. If he had no idea, it's one thing, but to put his family and others through so much pain just to reunite isn't in his character.