Marvel has quietly launched a brand new television series on Disney Plus that has taken many fans by surprise. Wonder Man, an eight-part comedy series, represents the seventeenth television production under the Marvel Cinematic Universe banner since the groundbreaking WandaVision debuted in 2019.
A Fresh Take on a Classic Character
The series brings to life Simon Williams, a Marvel Comics character first introduced in 1964 who has only made one previous screen appearance in the animated series Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes. This marks the character's first standalone live-action story and serves as Yahya Abdul-Mateen II's debut within the Marvel universe.
Star-Studded Cast and Creative Team
Abdul-Mateen II takes on the lead role of Simon Williams, portraying an anxiety-ridden jobbing actor desperate for recognition who auditions for the lead role in a remake of the beloved superhero film Wonder Man. The actor, best known for his roles as Morpheus in The Matrix Resurrections and Black Manta in the Aquaman franchise, brings a compelling vulnerability to the character.
Speaking about his approach to the role, Abdul-Mateen II revealed: "It was 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."
He is joined by Academy Award winner Ben Kingsley, who reprises his role as Trevor Slattery, the actor who famously portrayed the Mandarin in Iron Man 3. The series explores whether Slattery has been recruited by the Department of Damage Control to uncover a dangerous secret harboured by Simon, leading to an unlikely friendship between the two characters.
Behind the Scenes Talent
The series benefits from impressive creative credentials, being helmed by Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings director Destin Daniel Cretton and sitcom writer Andrew Guest, whose previous credits include acclaimed shows like 30 Rock, Community, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. This combination promises a unique blend of superhero action and comedic timing.
Is Wonder Man Worth Your Streaming Time?
As Marvel continues to expand its television offerings on Disney Plus, Wonder Man represents a departure from more serious superhero fare, embracing comedy and character-driven storytelling. The series offers viewers:
- A fresh perspective on the Marvel universe through comedic lens
- Strong performances from both lead and supporting cast members
- Eight episodes of content for binge-watching enthusiasts
- Connections to established MCU characters and organisations
The Independent's Chief Film & TV correspondent Jacob Stolworthy has reviewed the series, providing expert analysis on whether this latest Marvel offering justifies a place on your watchlist. With Abdul-Mateen II's next project being a television remake of the 2004 action film Man on Fire, where he'll play CIA officer-turned-bodyguard Creasy, Wonder Man showcases the actor's range before this anticipated role.
Wonder Man is available to stream exclusively on Disney Plus now, offering Marvel fans another dimension of the ever-expanding cinematic universe to explore.
