TheMarvel Cinematic Universehas had some struggles in their television offerings, but the recent teaser forWonder Mansuggests something truly meta and unique that could be one of their most original offerings yet. Following in the footsteps ofShe-Hulk: Attorney at Law, theupcoming Marvel releaseappears to take a humorous and original look at the world of superhero cinema from a completely different context, set in Los Angeles.Simon Williams' powersdo not seem to be on display in the teaser, which focuses on the world itself.
While the series is still a fair distance away, with a projected release in December 2025, theWonder Mantrailerteases how the story of Simon Williams will be explored in a refreshing way. Superhero veteran star Yahya Abdul-Mateen II stars as the titular hero, fresh from his role as Black Manta inAquaman and the Lost Kingdom. This new role seems to explore a different side of Abdul-Mateen, whose star has been rising in Hollywood these past years for good reason, and is set to rise further withWonder Manand its unique narrative choices.
Wonder Man Looks Set To Completely Rewrite The Comic Character
This New Take On The Hero Does Not Seem To Pull Much From Marvel Comics
The very short trailer forWonder Man -featured in a Marvel Television reel - sees Simon Williams enter an audition to read for the part of Wonder Man in an upcoming film.This is a departure from the comics, which saw Simon Williams become Wonder Man before later joining the world of Hollywood.In fact, in the comics, Williams began as a foe to the Avengers due to the schemes of Baron Zemo, and later wound up joining the team. Williams then went on to found the West Coast Avengers.
None of this seems to be present in the upcoming series, where Simon appears to be simply an actor looking for work. Without this dark past behind him, and without these larger links to the Marvel Cinematic Universe - including a competitive relationship with Iron Man -it is likely that the character is being mostly reimagined for the show.
How Wonder Man and his incredible ionic powers translate to the series remains to be seen, but the show seems to be an original and interesting look at what superhero movies could be like inside a world where they’re already real.
This Is Marvel’s Most Meta Idea To Date
Marvel Has Found Success With Meta Properties Like Deadpool
Following in the footsteps ofThe Boysand even the more recent HBO comedyThe Franchise,Wonder Man, made by Marvel, looks to explore the production of a superhero film.This is a very meta idea that will be interesting to see the tone of. With productions likeRogers: The Musicalalready established in the MCU, it is clear that superheroes influence media in this world, and it will be interesting to see how that is explored in the upcoming show.
With characters like Trevor Slattery set to play an important role and with Ralph Bohner rumored to appear, the larger world of actors inside the MCU will be explored in the impenidng series. However, it does not appear that the series will be meta in the same way as Deadpool andShe-Hulk, which saw the heroes talking to the audience. Instead,Wonder Manlooks to be a refreshing look at superhero movie production from inside of the genre itself.
Marvel Can Create Something Truly Iconic With Wonder Man
The Disney+ Series Debuts In December 2025
There are not likely to be many people who have greater insight into what it means to make a superhero movie than the production team behind this show. WithShang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Ringsdirector Destin Daniel Cretton behind the series, there seems to be real passion for original superhero stories being explored here, but in a way that still allows the MCU to interrogate classic comic tales in new ways. Seeing this as a Marvel Spotlight series will allow the series to be effective without having to tie into the larger MCU story.
Simon Williams has had a strange place in Marvel Comics, and understanding how he fits into this larger universe is a promising prospect. TheWonder Mancastis led byYahya Abdul-Mateen II, who has proven himself an excellent comic-book movie and television performer with his significant roles inAquamanandWatchmen. Seeing him play the lead of a series like this is an excellent proposition. Combined with the creative team behind it, this series could likely be truly special.
Marvel TV In 2025 Trailer Breakdown: 22 Reveals About Daredevil, Wonder Man, Ironheart & More
Marvel has released a trailer detailing its 2025 television output, proffering some thrilling insight into the MCU’s future as it approaches Phase 6.
Marvel’s 2025 television slate is interesting and varied, withWonder Manbeing perhaps the most unusual project on the list. While not much is yet known about the series, the setting and the tone appear to be unique in the universe. Expanding the scope and feel of the MCU inWonder Manis an exciting prospect, and based on the team behind this series - both behind and in front of the camera - the project is bound to turn into something distinct and engrossing.
Wonder Man
Cast
Released on Disney+ as a limited series, Marvel Studios' Wonder Man introduces the titular Avengers hero in the MCU. Starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as the actor-turned-superhero Simon Williams, Wonder Man also features Ben Kingsley, who reprises his Iron Man 3 and Shang-Chi role as the eccentric thespian Trevor Slattery.
