Get ready to see Marvel in a whole new light—because Wonder Man isn’t just another superhero story. It’s a satire that flips the script on what it means to be a hero, and it’s coming to Disney+ on January 27. Yes, you heard that right—Marvel’s latest series isn’t about the superhero himself but the actor desperate to play him. And this is where it gets intriguing: Emmy winner Yahya Abdul-Mateen II steps into the spotlight as Simon Williams, a struggling actor whose obsession with his childhood idol, Wonder Man, drives him to the brink of madness—or maybe stardom. Originally slated for a December release, the series has been pushed back, giving fans just a little more time to speculate about what’s in store.
In the trailer, Simon’s world turns upside down when legendary filmmaker Von Kovak (played by Zlatko Burić, known for his role in Superman) announces a remake of the classic Wonder Man film Simon adored as a kid. But here’s where it gets controversial: Simon’s journey to land the role leads him to an unlikely friendship with Trevor Slattery (Ben Kingsley), the infamous actor who once pretended to be the Mandarin in Iron Man 3. Kingsley’s return as Trevor, after his reprisal in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, raises the question: Can a character who’s been a punchline ever truly redeem himself? And is Simon’s quest for the role of Wonder Man just a desperate grab for fame, or something deeper?
Co-created and executive produced by Destin Daniel Cretton (currently directing Spider-Man: Brand New Day), the series also brings in Andrew Guest (Hawkeye, Brooklyn Nine-Nine) as showrunner. With a cast that includes X Mayo, Demetrius Grosse, Arian Moayed, and Olivia Thirlby, Wonder Man promises to blend humor, heart, and a healthy dose of meta-commentary on Hollywood’s obsession with superheroes.
But let’s not forget the comics roots: Created by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and Don Heck in 1964, Wonder Man (aka Simon Williams) was originally a villain turned hero, gaining ionic superpowers after a deal with Baron Zemo. After years of battling the Avengers, he eventually joined their ranks—only to later pursue a career in acting, moving to Los Angeles to work as a stuntman. Is this series a love letter to the character’s complex history, or a bold reimagining? One thing’s for sure: Marvel’s taking a risk here, and it’s one worth watching.
So, here’s the big question: Can a satire about a superhero actor capture the same magic as the comics? Or is this just Marvel dipping its toes into uncharted waters? Let us know what you think in the comments—because whether you love it or hate it, Wonder Man is bound to spark some heated debates. Watch the trailer below and decide for yourself.
