WandaVision Star Will Be Surprised If Hayward Doesn't Return

Screen Rant

By Cooper Hood

Published Mar 21, 2021

WandaVision star Josh Stamberg will be surprised and disappointed if former SWORD director Tyler Hayward doesn't return in a future MCU project.

WandaVision star Josh Stamberg will be surprised if former SWORD director Tyler Hayward doesn't return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The first MCU Disney+ series ended its nine-episode first season a few weeks ago. Marvel Studios used WandaVision to set up a lot of future storylines and characters for Phase 4. Wanda Maximoff officially became the Scarlet Witch, Monica Rambeau got powers, and White Vision was created, but WandaVision also established SWORD's role in the MCU and introduced its then-leader Tyler Hayward.

Viewers met Hayward in WandaVision episode 4, where he introduced himself as the acting director of SWORD. As the series progressed, it became clear that Hayward was very much in charge of the organization. It was under his authority that SWORD began experimenting with creating sentient weapons. They accomplished the goal in the final episodes when White Vision came online. Hayward became more of a villain as WandaVision went along, and the series ended with the FBI arresting him. This was an unsatisfying conclusion to his story for some viewers and left many wondering if Hayward would be back in the MCU.

During a recent interview with ET, actor Josh Stamberg discussed his role in the MCU and WandaVision. He talked about what it was like to be part of the series and see the fan reaction to his character and the theories about who Hayward could really be. The interview included some talk about what future, if any, Hayward had. Stamberg didn't confirm that he'll be back in a specific upcoming MCU project, but the actor says he'll be surprised and disappointed if Hayward doesn't come back.

I do pray as the creator of the White Vision that I’ll come back somehow. I would not only be disappointed, but a little surprised if I didn’t show up somewhere.

The end of Hayward's story in WandaVision could go in just about any way Marvel Studios wants. They might not have any plans to bring Hayward back in the immediate future. Since he did survive the series, though, there is a good chance that Stamberg will get to play the character again. Marvel Studios has no shortage of announced projects and likely several others that are secretly in the works. Some of the known movies and TV shows could include Hayward depending on what Kevin Feige has planned for Hayward's future.

WandaVision did directly set up Scarlet Witch's return in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, but that would be a strange project for Hayward to pop up in too. He might be a better fit with upcoming Disney+ shows like Armor Wars, Secret Invasion, and She-Hulk. Since White Vision includes some Stark technology, Hayward's attempt to misuse that technology could be part of War Machine's mission in Armor Wars. Hayward could also factor into Secret Invasion if SWORD has a history with the Skrulls or if he was a Skrull himself. She-Hulk might be another option if his criminal trial is one that Jennifer Walters potentially gets involved with due to Hayward's hatred for superheroes. With so many possibilities, it might just be a matter of time before the MCU reveals what happened to Hayward after WandaVision.