Wonder Man is Not the Marvel TV Show You Expect, And That’s a Good Thing

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The initial trailer for Wonder Man led many to believe the show would explore the idea of people getting tired of superhero stories. This seemed like a clever, self-aware approach that could be perfect for television, while also introducing a new Marvel hero. The promotional material had a lively and playful tone, which felt like a welcome change at a time when some viewers are starting to feel overwhelmed by superhero content.

You might expect Wonder Man to be a typical superhero story, but it’s actually a surprisingly funny buddy comedy with minimal focus on traditional heroics. While it touches on interesting ideas about enhanced people in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the show is, at its heart, about the relationship between its main characters. What really makes Wonder Man stand out is that it breaks away from the usual Marvel TV formula, and its unique approach is what makes it so enjoyable. The exceptional chemistry between the leads is key to its success.

At its heart, Wonder Man is a story about trying to succeed in Hollywood. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II plays Simon Williams, an actor who intensely prepares for every role, often to his detriment. He overthinks things and struggles to connect with directors and other creatives because of his approach. He finds guidance and friendship when he meets Trevor Slattery (Sir Ben Kingsley), who fans will remember as the fake Mandarin from previous Marvel films.

That pretty much covers the essentials of Wonder Man. While Simon does have superpowers and the show explores Slattery’s history, it’s their connection that truly makes the series special. This isn’t another typical superhero origin story; it’s the story of an unlikely friendship between a man with powers and an actor who once faked being a terrorist. It’s both humorous and touching, and it perfectly captures the struggles of an actor trying to make it big.

What makes Wonder Man enjoyable is seeing how the central relationship unfolds and the quirky characters the two leads encounter. From Williams’ family to Trevor’s coworkers and the unusual director reviving the Wonder Man film, each person they meet is captivating. Once these two connect, you’re immediately invested in their journey, and the movie skillfully uses their chemistry for both humor and heartfelt moments.

Simon Williams grew up loving the movie Wonder Man, and it’s interesting – he actually developed powers that are quite similar to those of the film’s superhero.

My main issue with the show was one particular plot point felt familiar, but it ended up taking a surprising turn that actually strengthened the connection between the Williams and Slattery characters. Kingsley and Abdul-Mateen II have fantastic chemistry together, and it’s a real pleasure to watch them. I know some people dislike it, but I really enjoyed how Slattery defied expectations in Iron Man 3 and was thrilled to see him back in Shang-Chi. It makes perfect sense that Shang-Chi director Destin Daniel Cretton would bring him back again to create more humor.

What I appreciate most about Wonder Man is that it doesn’t constantly highlight Simon’s powers. While central to the plot, they don’t dictate the story’s direction. The show features strong performances from its leads, moves at a good pace while subtly revealing details about its world, and ultimately feels genuinely heartfelt. It’s interesting that Wonder Man succeeds by not relying on massive spectacle. You might have anticipated a large-scale action finale where Williams fully becomes Wonder Man and joins the wider MCU, but instead, the ending leaves you simply wanting to see Simon and Trevor’s story continue – and I’m hoping it does.

Wonder Man premieres January 27, 2026 on Disney+.

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2026-01-23 07:34