Key Highlights
- Marvel’s new show “Wonder Man” feels like a mix between “Atlanta” and “The Studio.”
- The series focuses more on the struggles of an actor than on superhero antics.
- Simon Williams, played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, is a character who tries to hide his superpowers.
- Trevor Slattery, played by Ben Kingsley, offers mentorship and guidance to Simon.
- The show aims to be a return to form for Marvel in its television offerings.
Marvel’s New Show Feels Like a Mix of Atlanta and The Studio
In a refreshing move, Marvel Television has produced “Wonder Man,” a series that almost feels like a cross between the HBO hit “Atlanta” and the critically acclaimed Netflix show “The Studio.” This departure from the usual superhero antics presents an intriguing narrative centered around Simon Williams, a struggling actor who also happens to possess superpowers.
A Fresh Approach in Marvel’s TV Lineup
“Wonder Man,” which premieres on Disney+, is not about a typical caped crusader. Instead, it tells the story of Simon Williams, played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, who is an actor trying to break into Hollywood while grappling with his secret superpowers. The show’s trailer promised a deep tonal difference from most other Marvel properties, hinting at a more grounded and realistic approach.
The Struggle for Success in Hollywood
Simon’s journey is marked by the same struggles that many actors face: finding roles, managing personal life challenges, and keeping his powers hidden. In one of the series’ opening scenes, Simon gets himself written out of a small part in “American Horror Story” due to being overly pedantic about the writing. This sets the stage for a character study that satirizes Hollywood’s cutthroat nature and delves into the craft of acting.
Support from an Unexpected Source
Trevor Slattery, played by Ben Kingsley, becomes Simon’s mentor after crossing paths with him. Trevor is known in their world for playing The Mandarin in “Iron Man 3,” a character who was unmasked as a hired actor and later kidnapped by the Ten Rings organization. Trevor offers Simon guidance and support, helping him navigate his personal obstacles and internal struggles to become a better performer.
Government Oversight and Internal Struggles
However, there’s a twist: Trevor is working for the Department of Damage Control—a government organization tasked with cleaning up superpowered humans’ messes and detaining superpowered criminals or threats—as an informant on Simon. This adds layers to the narrative, making “Wonder Man” more than just a story about a struggling actor.
The show aims to be something of a cross between “Atlanta” and “The Studio,” but it’s far from perfect. The first half struggles with pacing, and Kingsley’s shtick as Trevor works better when it plays off Mateen II than on its own.
Nevertheless, the series offers engaging performances and a unique take on superpowers.
Marvel is in a new phase of trying to get viewers interested once again. This model of superhero TV is reminiscent of the golden era of darker Netflix-Marvel shows from the mid-2010s, like “Daredevil,” “Jessica Jones,” “Luke Cage,” and “Iron Fist.” It’s no surprise that the studio is bringing back characters like Daredevil in these reboots. However, it hasn’t entirely worked out for them thus far, as no new show has come close to the prominence of “Agatha All Along” or “WandaVision.”
“Wonder Man,” while not perfect, is a good show with engaging performances and a meta take on superhero fatigue. It’s clear that Marvel is making shows for story instead of purely for their function within the larger MCU ecosystem.
