
Wonder Man is a standout new series from the MCU. It focuses more on character development than many previous installments, though it still includes plenty of connections to the wider franchise. Like all MCU projects, Wonder Man is packed with Easter eggs and subtle references that you might miss the first time around. While not every connection is major, these details firmly place Wonder Man within the larger MCU and link it to other shows and movies.
Because Wonder Man focuses heavily on the world of acting, it includes numerous references to movies and TV shows not typically part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The show officially adds at least a dozen separate films and series to the MCU canon, highlighting what sets the franchise apart. Many of the references made throughout the season wouldn’t be possible if a different company owned Marvel.
10. Josh Gad Plays Himself With Several References to a Popular Disney Film
Gad Even Sings a Not Safe For Work Remix of Olaf’s Only Song in Frozen 1
Josh Gad is a very successful comedic actor who’s known mostly for voice work. Recently, he’s started appearing in more live-action roles. He’s involved with the movie Wonder Man, but he won’t be playing a character – he’s playing himself, and the movie includes a lot of jokes about his famous role as Olaf from Frozen.
Josh Gad delivers a hilarious and surprisingly suggestive performance of his song “In Summer” from Frozen, and the show repeatedly acknowledges him as Olaf. His role, while small, is important to the story and reinforces the idea that what happens in the real world doesn’t always match up with the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Gad is fantastic, and his performance is just an added bonus to an already impressive cast.
9. A Key Line From Captain America’s Previous Films Is Referenced
Williams Calls Captain America “Just a Guy With a Shield”
Steve Rogers was the first Captain America, enhanced by a special serum before he even started his heroic journey. Sam Wilson, who took over the mantle, is a good person at heart, but doesn’t have any superpowers – he’s just a normal human. Because of this, some critics dismiss him as ‘just a man with a shield.’ The protagonist repeats this phrase after his brother encourages him to use his life for something meaningful, like becoming a superhero.
This is just one of several nods to The First Avenger in the series, but it’s arguably the most emotionally impactful. Simon Williams’ difficulties largely stem from his own internal conflicts, so his harsh words to his brother likely reveal more about his own feelings than anything else. It would be great to see this moment revisited if the brothers share more scenes in the wider Marvel Cinematic Universe.
8. They Are Many Mirrors to the Classic Film, Midnight Cowboy
Williams and Slattery Perfectly Mirror the Movie’s Protagonists
The film draws heavily from the classic buddy movie, Midnight Cowboy. The relationship between Trevor Slattery and Simon Williams echoes that of Ratso Rizzo and Joe Buck, and Wonder Man even features a song from the original film’s soundtrack. While there are differences between the two pairs, their similarities are striking.
Although Midnight Cowboy wasn’t initially a big hit, it’s become a beloved classic. Because Wonder Man focuses on acting and performance, it naturally draws comparisons to Midnight Cowboy, often considered the defining film of the late 1960s. Both movies capture the spirit of their respective eras – Midnight Cowboy reflecting the late ’60s, and Wonder Man reflecting our current fascination with what’s fake or manufactured.
7. Rogers: The Musical Is Preparing For its Theater Debut
Fans Have Seen the Film Go From the Stage to the Silver Screen
The musical about Steve Rogers, which has been a running joke in Marvel movies and shows, is officially becoming a movie! Sets with the musical’s logo have been spotted, suggesting scenes from the production seen in Hawkeye will appear in future projects. With the Wonder Man series focusing on the acting world, it’s possible the title character will take on a role involving Sam Wilson, potentially connecting the two stories.
Wonder Man is a significant character in the comics, so excluding him from big team events would be a missed opportunity. The recent series intentionally left his future uncertain, and it’s still unclear how things will unfold. While Marvel Studios has revealed most of its key characters and plans, they’re still holding back some surprises for the future.
6. Doorman Is An Actual C-Tier Superhero in Marvel
Doorman Has Even Fought Alongside The Fantastic Four
I’ve been thinking about Doorman from the Wonder Man series, and it’s kinda funny – he’s basically the reason why most of the actors in the show can’t have powers! Honestly, the version they used in the series is totally different from the comic book Doorman, and I think that’s a good thing. The comic version was a really strange, deep-cut character – one of the West Coast Avengers, but pretty obscure. It’s probably better the show went in a different direction with him!
This character, often seen as a one-dimensional figure, is the newest to be reimagined for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It’s likely his comic book portrayal will be updated to match. We’ve seen this happen before with lesser-known Marvel characters – the MCU versions become the most popular and are often adopted as the standard.
5. Several Real-Life Shows and Actors Were Canonized by WonderMan
Many Popular Films and Shows Have Been Officially Brought into the MCU
Throughout the show Wonder Man, you’ll find references to popular movies and TV shows like Twilight and The Rookie. Because the series is about the world of acting, many of the characters have connections to famous projects. The show cleverly confirms the existence of these projects within its own universe, while still maintaining a unique identity. For instance, Wonder Man establishes that Megan 3.0 is officially in development within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has confirmed the existence of many actors, writers, and directors within its world. While not a huge surprise, this detail makes the MCU feel more realistic and fully developed. Previous versions of this franchise lacked a strong sense of a broader, interconnected world, and this helps fill that gap.
4. The DODC SuperMax Prison From She-Hulk Makes a Large Appearance
The Prison Is a Major Threat For Both the Series’ Protagonists
The main enemy in Wonder Man is the Department of Damage Control, or DODC. The high-security prison they run, previously seen in She-Hulk, constantly endangers both Trevor Slattery and Simon Williams. While neither wants to be imprisoned, only one of them realizes just how close they are to being locked up.
The Department of Damage Control has seen a few improvements in recent Marvel Cinematic Universe projects, but hasn’t changed drastically. It seems the organization is attempting to fill the role previously held by S.H.I.E.L.D., but that can only last so long before S.H.I.E.L.D. inevitably returns. While we don’t get much information about who’s being held at the prison, we know a cell is reserved for Emil Blonsky, as established in the She-Hulk series.
3. The Shady Company Roxxon Is Responsible for the Doorman Fiasco
Roxxon First Appears in The First Iron Man Film
Roxxon, a consistently appearing and ethically questionable company in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is back. Known for being one of the most environmentally damaging organizations in Marvel Comics, Roxxon prioritizes profit over the well-being of the planet and its people. They were actually the cause of the problems involving Doorman.
DeMarr Davis is exposed to dangerous chemicals dumped by the company, and these chemicals are the source of his powers. However, they also lead to his ultimate ruin. While Doorman contributes to his own problems, it’s likely things would have been different if Roxxon had properly disposed of their toxic waste.
2. Morris, From Shang-Chi, Is Referenced in a Throwaway Line
Morris is the Faceless Creature From a Pocket Dimension
I was rewatching the scene where Trevor is keeping an eye on Simon Williams, and I just loved that little moment when he gets a call from the DODC. He’s so cool about it, brushing it off with that line about a friend from a pocket dimension! It seemed like a funny, random thing at the time, but then it hit me – Slattery actually has a friend from a pocket dimension! It’s such a clever detail, and honestly, it wasn’t who I was expecting at all.
Fans of Marvel movies, especially those who saw Shang-Chi, will remember Trevor being saved by a unique character named Morris. Morris is a cute, faceless creature from another dimension. While Trevor probably doesn’t call Morris regularly, it’s possible they stay in touch. There’s even a chance Morris could appear in the second season of Wonder Man, depending on where the show’s story goes.
1. Wonder Man’s Family Ties Could Bring a Terrifying Villain into the MCU
Simon’s Brother Eric Is a Supervillain Called the Grim Reaper in the Comics
Image via Disney + I’m really seeing a lot of tension brewing between Simon Williams and his brother, Eric, and honestly, it feels like more than just sibling rivalry. Knowing the comics, Eric actually becomes the supervillain Grim Reaper. So, I’m fully expecting the Wonder Man series to explore that possibility, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Eric follows a similar path in the MCU. It’s a great setup for a potentially major conflict down the line.
While their disagreements suggest it’s possible, anything can happen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Characters change direction so frequently it’s often hard to predict what’s next. Whether Eric becomes a villain or not is up to the MCU, and either outcome would work. The actor has already shown he can play a convincing, smaller-scale rival to Simon, even without a superhero costume.
Read More
- Gold Rate Forecast
- How to Unlock the Mines in Cookie Run: Kingdom
- Jujutsu: Zero Codes (December 2025)
- Gears of War: E-Day Returning Weapon Wish List
- How to Find & Evolve Cleffa in Pokemon Legends Z-A
- Most Underrated Loot Spots On Dam Battlegrounds In ARC Raiders
- How to Unlock & Visit Town Square in Cookie Run: Kingdom
- The Saddest Deaths In Demon Slayer
- Where to Find Saltstone in No Rest for the Wicked
- How To Upgrade Control Nexus & Unlock Growth Chamber In Arknights Endfield
2026-02-01 02:09