Marvel has announced that its 2026 slate will begin on January 27 with the highly anticipated streaming series “Wonder Man,” which will consist of eight episodes. This series was initially announced in the summer of 2022 but had been surrounded by secrecy, leading some fans to doubt its progress. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, known for “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” alongside writer Andrew Guest, who worked on “Hawkeye,” “Wonder Man” stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Simon Williams, a significant character in Marvel Comics with a complex history in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
The story will center on Simon Williams, also known as Wonder Man, as he navigates the competitive Hollywood landscape to secure the lead role in a reboot of the fictional superhero film “Wonder Man.” Notably, the character will tackle the unique challenge of concealing his superpowers in an industry that prohibits super-powered individuals from working, while also dealing with the scrutiny of the Department of Damage Control, introduced in “Spider-Man: Homecoming” as a key antagonist in the series.
Brad Winderbaum, Marvel Television’s top executive, described “Wonder Man” as both a satire of Hollywood and a heartfelt homage to the entertainment industry, providing viewers with an inside look at the challenges faced by those attempting to forge a career in acting. The dynamic relationship between Simon Williams and Trevor Slattery, played by Ben Kingsley, will serve as the primary focus, exploring the humorous and often tumultuous interactions between these two characters.
Trevor Slattery, after his controversial portrayal as the Mandarin in “Iron Man 3,” returns to the MCU with a redemptive arc. Kingsley’s character, once a washed-up actor, has evolved throughout the MCU, now bringing an interesting perspective as he mentors Simon. The connections established with past MCU films, including “Iron Man 3,” “All Hail the King,” and “Shang-Chi,” enrich the narrative, linking the layered character arcs to the overarching Marvel storyline.
For newcomers and fans alike, it’s recommended to revisit several key MCU titles, including “Iron Man 3,” which introduces Trevor Slattery, and “Shang-Chi,” which further develops his character. The series is poised to explore significant themes around identity, ambition, and the ever-present struggle for creatives within the confines of a sometimes unforgiving industry.
As excitement builds for “Wonder Man,” Marvel aims to recapture the whimsy and charm that accompanied its previous successes while introducing audiences to a fresh narrative that intertwines humor with a critical lens on Hollywood. The eight-episode series will be available for streaming exclusively on Disney+ starting at 6 PM PT on January 27.