Paul Bettany Regrets Joke About ‘WandaVision’ Finale, Warns Fans Might Be Disappointed

Paul Bettany may have underestimated Marvel fans’ obsession with theorizing. The “WandaVision” star didn’t realize that a joke he made teasing an actor he’s “always wanted to work with” would be taken a bit too seriously.

In January, Bettany teased an appearance that hadn’t been spoiled by anyone on the internet.

“So many things get leaked, but there’s this thing that has been completely under wraps that happens and I work with this actor that I’ve always wanted to work with and we have fireworks together,” he told the Lights Camera Barstool podcast (via The Playlist). “The scenes are great, and I think people are going to be really excited. I’ve always wanted to work with this guy and the scenes are pretty intense.”

So could it be Benedict Cumberbatch? Ian McKellan? Al Pacino? No, the answer is…Paul Bettany.

In last week’s “WandaVision,” it was revealed that there are now two Visions. SWORD Director Hayward (Josh Stamberg) has been trying to get Vision’s lifeless synthezoid body back online for years. Wanda (Elizabeth Olsen) created the version in the Hex out of her magic. Hayward is using the Hex to power up Vision’s original body, leading to a White Vision and a Hex Vision. In the “WandaVision” finale, it’ll be a Vision vs. Vision showdown.

While appearing on “Good Morning America” Thursday, Bettany explained that he immediately had anxiety when he realized the joke would be pretty anticlimactic for fans who had built up big theories.

“You know when you think something is going to be funny and then you say it, and then you actually panic about it? [That] is what I did because fans started guessing who it might be, and they were guessing people like Benedict Cumberbatch or Patrick Stewart. And I was thinking, ‘My god, that’s a good idea,’” he laughed. “They’re going to be so disappointed when they find out it’s me.”

Fans are still hopeful that the finale will include a cameo. Considering "WandaVision" is supposed to lead into "Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness," it seems likely that Cumberbatch could appear as the titular character.

The "WandaVision" finale releases Friday on Disney+.