Wonder Man: A Hidden Gem Among the MCU’s Finest

Let’s take a moment to explore a personal theory: the less significant a Marvel Studios show is to the broader MCU, the more enjoyable it tends to be.

Consider the evidence. WandaVision’s innovative concept and its initial dive into the sitcom style created a captivating and unique experience. Loki’s first season delivered a fantastic psychedelic, interdimensional buddy cop vibe, but it stumbled in season 2 as it got tangled in the complexities of Kang. Ms. Marvel, while more traditional, offered a charming and self-contained coming-of-age tale. In contrast, shows like The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Secret Invasion, which were supposed to be pivotal to the ongoing saga, felt heavier and easier to overlook.

Now we arrive at Wonder Man, a series that wasn’t exactly on anyone’s wish list, but it’s kicking off what promises to be a big year for Marvel. This relatively obscure character, created by Stan Lee, Don Heck, and Jack Kirby, started as a minor villain in the ’60s Avengers before being reimagined as a hero. While he’s made sporadic appearances in comics over the years, it was unclear how Simon Williams/Wonder Man would fit into the expanding MCU or why he was chosen to headline a show.

The answer is refreshingly straightforward: he doesn’t fit in – and that’s the whole point.

Simon (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) possesses some loosely defined powers, but he must conceal them to pursue his dream of becoming an actor. In a world where superheroes are both celebrated and scrutinized, Simon’s biggest challenge is maintaining the facade of being just an ordinary guy – a struggling actor trying to make it in Hollywood.

Enter Ben Kingsley’s Trevor Slattery, the washed-up actor who once played the fake terrorist The Mandarin in Iron Man 3. After a chance meeting at a screening of Midnight Cowboy, just after Simon has been dumped and fired from a role on American Horror Story, the two form a close friendship. When an audition for a high-profile revival of the superhero movie Wonder Man comes up, they both aim for the lead roles. For Simon, landing this part is a childhood dream, but Trevor is hiding a secret that could jeopardize everything.

This series effectively serves as Marvel’s take on a Hollywood meta-comedy, reminiscent of other shows in the genre. While it may not be as sharp as some, the dynamic between Simon and Trevor creates an endlessly charming duo.

Release date: January 27

Available on: Disney Plus

Showrunners: Destin Daniel Cretton and Andrew Guest

Episodes reviewed: 8 of 8

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II brings genuine emotion to Simon, who is never referred to as Wonder Man in the show – that’s just the character he portrays. He’s a tall, striking figure, ideal for a leading role, yet Abdul-Mateen emphasizes Simon’s vulnerability and heartache. He may be a “pain in the ass,” as his agent puts it, but he’s a dedicated one, deeply passionate about acting.

Ben Kingsley’s Trevor is given more depth than in previous roles. He’s revealed to be a decent actor, and his 13 years of sobriety post-Mandarin have provided him with a new outlook on life, even if the world won’t let him forget his past. There’s a quiet tragedy to his character, but he remains as hilariously unique as ever.

While other Marvel shows have experimented with their formats, they often revert to the typical superhero narrative by the end. Wonder Man, however, stands apart. Although Simon’s powers make occasional appearances, the focus remains on the humor and the quirky friendship between Simon and Trevor as they navigate various misadventures in LA.

The standout moment comes in the fourth episode, a hilarious yet poignant standalone story presented in black and white, focusing on another powered actor, DeMarr “Doorman” Davis (Byron Bowers). This episode not only shines on its own but also highlights the struggles Simon faces. The theme of characters masking their true selves to survive adds a layer of depth, making it more than just a commentary on Hollywood’s fickleness.

Wonder Man doesn’t directly tackle superhero fatigue, as some trailers suggested, but it offers a refreshing alternative. This is a show that could resonate with viewers who have no interest in comic book characters, as the superpowers serve as an added layer rather than the main focus.

In a year when Marvel is rolling out major titles like new Spider-Man and Avengers films, Wonder Man’s concise, 30-minute episodes showcase the advantages of a different approach. It’s a small, perfectly crafted gem that ranks among the best of the MCU.

Wonder Man is streaming on Disney Plus starting January 27.