Wonder Man is Marvel’s newest series and it’s surprisingly one of the best shows in the MCU.
Starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Ben Kingsley, the show follows working actor, Simon Williams, who finds himself in the crosshairs of the Department of Damage Control while he tries to get the role of a lifetime. The show is a significant departure from the MCU formula which makes Wonder Man a clear standout in the MCU series catalogue and truly one of the best Marvel shows.
Wonder Man tells the story of how Simon Williams (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) strikes up an unlikely friendship with Trevor Slattery (Ben Kingsley), the unassuming actor who participated in a ruse to portray the terrifying international crime lord known as the Mandarin. Trevor Slattery still finds himself dealing with the repercussions of his notorious performance, and the two have to navigate the shadow of Trevor’s past, while also trying to land the biggest role of their lives. This offbeat premise opens the door for Marvel to think outside the box when creating a new superhero show. The story doesn’t feature massive action scenes or drawn out origin stories, instead, it focuses on the mundane life of an actor who just happens to have superpowers.
Creators, Destin Daniel Cretton and Andrew Guest, lean into the natural comedy of the plot with a sharp sense of humor running throughout the entire series. Wonder Man dives head first into modern Hollywood, with a look in the life of a working actor. Complete with the hurdles, disappointments, and ridiculous moments, that are all too common for those working in the film industry. The shows finds the humor in the bizarre situations that actors often find themselves in. This is one of major successes of the show. Wonder Man is legitimately flat out hilarious! A non-stop comedic adventure into the bizarre world of both Hollywood and the MCU.
Although, the series does poke fun at the industry’s oddities and flaws, it’s also a love letter to the art of acting. The series is, at its core, about the highs and lows of an actor’s life and the meaning actors can find in the true essence of the art form. There is always a sincerity to the way the show discusses acting. It showcases the immersion, humanity, and power that acting can have on an individual and a mass audience. Wonder Man earnestly demonstrates the magic and true superpower of film and performance.
Wonder Man is one of Marvel’s best shows. The show is an unconventional, eccentric exploration of the passion behind performing arts and the sometimes strange challenges it takes to pursue it. Wonder Man steers away from the typical superhero formula to create a singular Marvel show that is truly memorable. Yahya Abdul-Mateen’s performance drives the show forward and invites audiences to root for an uncommon hero. Wonder Man has so much heart behind the comedy and crafts a captivating series that is undoubtedly a standout.
