Wonder Man: 5 Key Facts About Marvel’s 2026 Hollywood Adventure

Marvel Studios is launching the new year with a fresh take on the superhero genre. “Wonder Man,” an upcoming series starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, arrives on Disney+ on January 27, 2026. The show blends superhero action with a satirical look at Hollywood, following the journey of an aspiring actor who lands a life-changing role.

The Show’s Premise and Cast

The series centers on Simon Williams, a struggling actor trying to get his career off the ground. His life intersects with Trevor Slattery, the actor formerly known as the Mandarin, who is now looking for his next big part. Together, they learn that a legendary director, Von Kovak, is remaking a superhero film called “Wonder Man,” and they both doggedly pursue roles in the production.

The show features a robust cast led by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Simon Williams. He is joined by Ben Kingsley, who reprises his MCU role as Trevor Slattery. The cast also includes Ed Harris as Simon’s agent, Neal Saroyan, and Demetrius Grosse as Simon’s brother, Eric Williams. Arian Moayed will return as DODC Agent P. Cleary, and the ensemble is rounded out by actors such as Zlatko Burić, Olivia Thirlby, X Mayo, and Byron Bowers.

A Love Letter to Hollywood and Acting

Executive producer Brad Winderbaum has described “Wonder Man” as a “love letter to Hollywood.” The series explores the profession of acting, focusing on the craft itself and the balance artists strike between their creative passions and the need to make a living. It is a character-driven story that Winderbaum calls “very sincere,” and it aims to show a behind-the-scenes look at the entertainment industry.

“LA is emblematic of people’s dreams in this whole wonderful entertainment industry,” said Ben Kingsley, adding that filming in Los Angeles fed the cast and crew with a “wonderful working environment.”

The show is set to be a “two-hander” between the characters of Simon and Trevor, two actors at very different stages of their careers who bond over their shared love for acting.

Production Background and Creative Team

“Wonder Man” was created by Destin Daniel Cretton and Andrew Guest. Cretton, who directed Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, also serves as an executive producer and directed the first two episodes. Guest acts as the showrunner and head writer. The series is produced by Marvel Studios, Cretton’s production company Family Owned, and Onyx Collective.

Filming took place in Los Angeles, starting in April 2023. Production was temporarily paused due to the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike but resumed in early 2024 and was completed by that April. The series will consist of eight episodes, with each episode’s runtime varying between approximately 20 to 40 minutes.

A New Direction for the MCU

“Wonder Man” is officially part of Marvel Phase Six and will be released under the “Marvel Spotlight” banner. This banner indicates that the series is designed to tell a more grounded, character-focused story that may not require extensive knowledge of the wider MCU to enjoy.

The series represents a shift in tone for Marvel, moving towards stories that are more reflective and self-aware. Early footage suggests the show will tackle topics like fame, media scrutiny, and even “superhero fatigue” with a meta-humor that pokes fun at the industry and the MCU itself.

A Significant Step for Representation

The casting of Yahya Abdul-Mateen II marks a significant milestone for Marvel. While the Simon Williams character was originally Caucasian in the comics, the series reimagines him as a Black man. This makes “Wonder Man” the first live-action Marvel Disney+ series to be headlined by a Black male actor, a notable step for diversity and representation within the MCU.

Credits: marvel.com, Wikipedia

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