All episodes of Marvel Television’s Wonder Man will stream globally on Disney+ from January 28, 2026.
Synopsis
Aspiring Hollywood actor Simon Williams is struggling to get his career off the ground. During a chance meeting with Trevor Slattery, an actor whose biggest roles may be well behind him, Simon learns legendary director Von Kovak is remaking the superhero film “Wonder Man.” These two actors at opposite ends of their careers doggedly pursue life-changing roles in this film as audiences get a peek behind the curtain of the entertainment industry.
Review
62 years after he first appeared in the pages of Marvel Comics, Simon Williams -aka Wonder Man- is finally making the jump to live-action this month. Directed by Shang-Chi’s Destin Daniel Cretton under the Marvel Spotlight label, the series opens up a brand new corner of the MCU. It introduces new characters, new powers and a fresh, new tone which should delight viewers.
Bang at the centre of Wonder Man is the unlikely duo of Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Ben Kingsley as Simon and the returning Trevor Slattery. Having worked together on Shang-Chi, Cretton builds much of Wonder Man’s narrative around Slattery using him as an effective tool to introduce Simon Williams to the audience. The alchemy of their relationship is the magic which carries the entire eight-episode season.
Wonder Man introduces Simon as a down on his luck actor. Despite his capability to land work, his tendency to go a little too deep in his research angers producers and directors in Hollywood. Take a moment to soak up that last word. Hollywood. A relatively new location to get the MCU treatment. In this world people with powers are banned from working on film and TV productions for reasons which are later explored in defiantly unique fourth episode, “Doorman”. Throughout the series Simon navigates the Hollywood system, chasing a role in director Von Kovak’s (Zlatko Burić) remake of the in-universe classic Wonder Man.
Those expecting superhero heroics will be shocked to find that Wonder Man is more elevated Apple TV comedy than it is comic book blockbuster. The series takes an incredibly measured approach to Simon’s powers and includes only sparse MCU references (it is a Spotlight series after all), maintaining a consistent, elevated tone that sets it apart from almost every other Marvel production. There’s no villain to defeat, no bright costumes and almost no huge action set pieces. It’s an undeniably big swing for Marvel which is reminiscent of the decision to bring WandaVision to the screen.
The series functions best when it leans into its originality. Aspects of workplace drama, seeing Simon working on self-tapes and attending auditions, paint the picture of a real working man in the MCU. Stepping outside of that, exploring his home life and his upbringing, highlighting his relationship with his father and their connection to the Wonder Man film, show a softer side to Simon. Easily making him one of the most well-written MCU characters since Spider-Man – another grounded, relatable hero navigating real-world problems. Abdul-Mateen’s natural likability shines through in every scene, magnified further by his ability to navigate the more comedic elements of the script.
Second episode, “Self Tape”, and the brilliant penultimate episode, “Kathy Friedman”, play to the strengths of the Williams/Slattery bond. Built around sharp back-and-forth dialogue that wouldn’t feel out of place in a sitcom but drives the narrative forward at a meaningful pace. Supporting players like Janelle Jackson (X Mayo), Simon’s agent, tap into that energy furthering the playful nature of the series.
Ironically Wonder Man struggles most when it reaches for wider MCU recognition. There’s a beauty in seeing Simon struggle to accept his powers. Ultimately there are plenty of analogies to be taken from it. Depending on background the audience could interpret his shame from any number of angles. But applying those powers in a world where Captain America and the Hulk exist seem to be a little beyond its reach. The finale, “Yucca Valley”, utilises the bond Simon has built with Trevor to help his accept his abilities. But in doing so the series writes itself into a corner which goes beyond the standalone Marvel Spotlight branding on every episode.
With the Marvel franchise about to enter the era of Doctor Doom it feels like Wonder Man may become lost in the wider context. Though that shouldn’t be interpreted as a comment on the quality of the series whatsoever. Destin Daniel Cretton has proven in only eight 35-40 minute episode that the MCU still has the ability to surprise the audience. Through excellent casting and attentive storytelling, those who uncover Wonder Man should be delighted to discover its a charming and well deserved moment of true creative vision.
Verdict
Wonder Man proves the MCU can still surprise us with intimate, character-driven storytelling that feels refreshingly human. Though its finale flirts with superhero spectacle, this Hollywood-set dramedy succeeds on the strength of its performances and willingness to break the superhero formula. A rewarding creative risk for Marvel Television.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
