The upcoming Marvel series Wonder Man is bringing a fresh, Hollywood-centered story to the MCU. The show follows aspiring actor Simon Williams as he tries to land the lead role in a movie remake, teaming up with a surprising mentor. Marvel fans can meet the full cast when all eight episodes arrive on Disney+ on January 27, 2026.
The series stands out by looking at superhero culture from the inside. It features a mix of new heroes and familiar faces from the Marvel universe, all brought together by an award-winning creative team.
Meet Simon Williams and His Hollywood Guide
At the center of the story is Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, who plays Simon Williams. Simon is an actor trying to make it in Hollywood, and he gets a chance to audition for a big-budget remake of a superhero film called Wonder Man. Interestingly, Simon discovers he has real superpowers, adding a complicated twist to his acting journey.
Simon’s guide through the chaos of show business is Ben Kingsley, returning as Trevor Slattery. Trevor is a faded actor known for his past role as the fake Mandarin. The show pairs these two characters at very different points in their careers. Executive producer Brad Winderbaum has called the series a “two-hander,” focusing on their growing friendship and shared love for acting.
“The focus of the show is about an actor’s journey. It’s about a journey of friendship,” said Yahya Abdul-Mateen II about the core of the series.
The Supporting Cast: From Agents to Villains
Simon’s professional life is managed by his agent, Neal Saroyan, played by the acclaimed actor Ed Harris. On the other side of the law is Arian Moayed, reprising his role as Agent P. Cleary of the Department of Damage Control (DODC). Fans last saw Cleary dealing with fallout in Spider-Man: No Way Home and Ms. Marvel.
The director of the Wonder Man film within the show is the celebrated and reclusive Von Kovak, portrayed by Zlatko Buriฤ. Adding to the meta-humor, actor Josh Gad appears as himself.
Simon’s personal life introduces major conflict. Demetrius Grosse plays Eric Williams, Simon’s older brother. In the comics, Eric becomes the villain Grim Reaper, and the series will explore this dynamic. The character of Martha Williams, Simon and Eric’s mother, will also appear.
Other confirmed cast members include X Mayo, Olivia Thirlby, Byron Bowers, Lauren Glazier, and Bรฉchir Sylvain in roles that are yet to be fully revealed.
A Creative Team with Marvel Experience
Wonder Man was co-created by Destin Daniel Cretton and Andrew Guest. Cretton, who directed Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, also directs the first two episodes. Andrew Guest, who worked on Hawkeye, serves as the showrunner and head writer.
The directing team includes James Ponsoldt, Tiffany Johnson, and Stella Meghie, each directing blocks of the eight-episode season. The series is produced by Marvel Studios in association with Cretton’s company, Family Owned, and Onyx Collective.
A Different Kind of Marvel Show
This series represents a new direction for Marvel television. It is the second show to be released under the “Marvel Spotlight” banner. This label is for stories that stand more on their own, focusing on character-driven narratives without requiring viewers to watch every other MCU project.
The show’s setting allows it to comment on the entertainment industry itself. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II has said the series is self-aware and includes “commentary about superhero fatigue,” though he emphasizes that this is just background to the core story about an actor’s path.
Marvel has started promotion with character-focused content. A recent parody video called “Actors Unscripted” featured Abdul-Mateen II and Kingsley in character as Simon and Trevor in a chaotic fake interview, complete with chicken wings and puppies.
Wonder Man will be available to stream worldwide on Disney+ starting January 27, 2026.
