A brand new series has quietly landed on Disney Plus, and for many Marvel fans, its arrival was a complete surprise. The question on everyone’s lips: is Wonder Man worth your precious streaming time? This eight-part series hails from Destin Daniel Cretton, the director behind Shang-Chi, and Andrew Guest, a seasoned sitcom writer with an impressive resume including 30 Rock, Community, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
Wonder Man marks the 17th television series to be released under the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) banner since the debut of WandaVision in 2019. Its origins trace back to a Marvel Comics character first introduced way back in 1964.
The series stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as the titular character, Simon Williams. Williams is portrayed as a struggling actor, riddled with anxiety and desperately yearning for recognition. His journey begins when he auditions for the lead role in a remake of the iconic superhero film, Wonder Man.
During his pursuit of stardom, Simon crosses paths with Trevor Slattery, played by Ben Kingsley. Fans will recognise Slattery as the actor who famously portrayed the Mandarin in Iron Man 3. It’s hinted that Slattery might be working with the DODC (Department of Damage Control) to uncover a dangerous secret that Simon harbours. However, against all odds, an unlikely friendship blossoms between these two seemingly disparate characters.
This new series represents a significant moment for the character of Wonder Man, as it’s his first standalone story to be depicted on screen. While he made a previous appearance in the two-season animated series Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, voiced by Phil LaMarr, this live-action adaptation is his debut in a leading role. For Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, this also marks his first foray into the MCU.
Abdul-Mateen II, 39, is no stranger to captivating audiences. He’s widely recognised for his powerful performances as Morpheus in The Matrix Resurrections (2021) and as Black Manta in the Aquaman franchise (2018-23). His role in Damon Lindelof’s acclaimed HBO series Watchmen (2019) earned him significant critical praise.
Embracing Vulnerability on Screen
Speaking about his portrayal of Simon Williams, Abdul-Mateen II shared his thoughts on exploring the character’s inner turmoil. In an interview, he described the experience as “really gratifying, and sometimes scary at the same time, to show that vulnerability, to show that anxiety, to show what it looks like to not be sure of myself at all but still have to proceed.” This commitment to portraying a flawed and relatable hero is a key aspect of the series.
Abdul-Mateen II’s upcoming projects are equally compelling. He is slated to star as a CIA officer-turned-bodyguard in a television remake of the 2004 action film Man on Fire, a role originally filled by Denzel Washington.
What to Expect from Wonder Man
Wonder Man delves into the life of Simon Williams, an actor who gains superpowers and uses them to become a superhero, all while grappling with his personal insecurities and the pressures of Hollywood. The series promises a blend of superhero action, comedic elements, and a poignant exploration of identity and ambition.
The creative team behind the show brings a wealth of experience in both the superhero genre and comedic storytelling. This fusion suggests a unique tone that could appeal to a broad audience, offering more than just typical MCU fare. The series is expected to:
- Explore the duality of Simon Williams: The show will likely examine the contrast between Simon’s on-screen superhero persona and his off-screen struggles.
- Leverage strong comedic writing: With writers from 30 Rock and Brooklyn Nine-Nine involved, expect sharp dialogue and witty humour.
- Introduce a fresh perspective on the MCU: As a standalone story focusing on a lesser-known character, Wonder Man has the potential to offer a different flavour within the established universe.
- Feature a stellar cast: Beyond Abdul-Mateen II and Kingsley, the supporting cast is expected to bring depth and intrigue to the narrative.
Wonder Man is now available to stream on Disney Plus.
