How Marvel's VisionQuest Pays Homage To NCIS Guest Star William Katt's '80s Superhero Series

The third episode of the Marvel Cinematic Universe series "VisionQuest" features a nod to another superhero show, one starring recent "NCIS" guest star William Katt. The Paul Bettany-led Disney+ title boasts a massive budget compared to Katt's "The Greatest American Hero," which ran for three seasons on ABC between 1981 and 1983. It's about a high school teacher who is gifted with a superhero suit by aliens that grants him a vast array of superpowers whenever he wears it.

The first season of "The Greatest American Hero," which made a name for itself by mixing superhero action and drama with a healthy dose of comedy, boasts a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The series became a cult favorite over the years, and "VisionQuest" paid homage to this early classic of superhero television in its third episode by featuring the theme tune to "The Greatest American Hero." The theme, "Believe it or Not," can be heard after Vision cauterizes the wound he was dealt by Paladin.

"VisionQuest" paid homage to "The Greatest American Hero" in its October 20, 2026 episode. Just one week later, William Katt's appearance on "NCIS" formed part of a touching storyline that leaned heavily on the classic superhero series. The fourth episode of "NCIS" Season 24, "Like and Subscribe," is about the murder of a sailor who had been taking part in an online game show. It's revealed that the sailor was a fan of "The Greatest American Hero" and would pay visits to a local children's cancer ward wearing the costume from the show.

At the end of the episode, the influencer behind the game show takes up the sailor's role, turning up to the hospital in costume. This is where Katt makes his cameo, appearing as a doctor from the children's ward. He even shows some appreciation for his old costume, quipping, "Nice suit!" As Katt's character leads the costume-clad influencer to see the children, the theme tune from "The Greatest American Hero" plays.

While "NCIS" uses the classic theme tune to underline a direct connection to "The Greatest American Hero," the use of the song in "VisionQuest" is more subtle. Its inclusion continues a trend started on "WandaVision" of drawing on classic TV themes to tell Wanda and Vision's story. The lyrics of "Believe it or Not" fit this moment perfectly, with Vision's son Tommy (Ruaridh Mollica) helping him assess his injuries. "Vision is told he has a human son, and it must be impossible to believe. And yet, there he is," Paul Bettany said in a Disney interview.