Emily Hampshire has become one of the most beloved actors of her generation, thanks to her iconic turn as Stevie in Schitt's Creek and her memorable roles in 12 Monkeys and The Rig. This year, she's been everywhere—from the time-travel romp Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice to the Canadian sports series Slo Pitch—but her most exciting project yet is her MCU debut in VisionQuest, where she plays Edith, the fun-loving Stark AI who's been helping Vision navigate his identity crisis.
In Episode 5, Edith's journey takes a deeply emotional turn as she grapples with what it means to be based on a real person—and what that says about her own worth. Hampshire recently sat down with Collider to unpack Edith's relationships, her surprising connection to Ultron, and the heartbreaking reason she feels so expendable.
Edith and Friday's Bond Is the Heart of Episode 5
One of the most touching dynamics in the series is the friendship between Edith and Friday (Orla Brady). When Friday goes off alone to confront Ultron at the end of Episode 5, it's a pivotal moment for Edith. Hampshire was thrilled to explore that bond, noting that the show gives viewers a rare glimpse into the history of these AIs.
“You really do see the history of all these AIs,” Hampshire said. “You think of AIs—do they have history? They have memories, but do they remember those things from the past? You really see this human bond that has formed between them, which I thought was so lovely.”
That connection is especially meaningful for Hampshire, who adores working with Brady. “I also love Orla so much, so it was very nice,” she added.
The Exorcism Scene That Feels Like a 12 Monkeys Throwback
Fans of VisionQuest were thrilled by the horror-tinged exorcism scene in Episode 4, where Edith tries to expel Jo from the mind space. Hampshire says that moment is pure Terry Matalas—the showrunner she previously worked with on 12 Monkeys.
“That scene really reminded me of Terry Matalas’ brain,” Hampshire explained. “When he was writing Edith, he kept hearing my voice—slash Jennifer's voice, who I played in that show.” Jennifer Goins was Hampshire's character in 12 Monkeys, essentially the Brad Pitt role from the film. Matalas even floated the idea that Jennifer might be a variant of Edith, which sent Hampshire down an MCU rabbit hole.
“He taught me all about variants,” she said with a laugh. “That was a big learning curve for me in the MCU. It’s just so Terry, that scene. Everything about it.”
Why Edith Feels So Disposable
Edith's realization about who she's based on triggers a wave of complex emotions. Hampshire explains that Edith's core function is fun—and that makes her feel inherently replaceable.
“You have Friday, who is socialization, and Jarvis, who is security—these are all important things. Edith's thing is fun, and it's so disposable,” Hampshire said. “Even if you look at school, the first thing they get rid of is gym and art. So I think she's so afraid that she is expendable.”
That fear is compounded by the nature of AI existence. “If you were an AI, the minute you are not functioning and doing what is needed, goodbye,” she added. Learning who she's based on only deepens her insecurity, because she doesn't see that person as impressive as she thinks she should be.
Ultron's Unexpected Reassurance
It's Ultron—of all characters—who ultimately reassures Edith of her worth. Hampshire finds that twist both sweet and surprising. “I felt right from the beginning that Edith and Ultron have a real connection,” she said. “He wants to see the Louvre and do all these things, and Edith's thing is to experience life. She has all the information—all the data—but he helps her see that her joy is valuable.”
That unlikely mentorship adds a layer of depth to both characters, and it's one of the reasons VisionQuest has become Disney+'s must-watch sci-fi hit this month. The show continues to explore what it means to be human—even when you're not.
For Hampshire, the role is a dream come true. “I've been so lucky to play such rich characters,” she said. “Edith is one of the most fun and meaningful parts I've ever had.”
New episodes of VisionQuest drop weekly on Disney+. If you're loving the AI drama, you might also want to check out how Prime Video's Carrie season 2 shakes up Stephen King's formula—or dive into Lee Child's three possible endings for Jack Reacher.
