Marvel Studios has released a new promotional video for its upcoming Disney+ series Wonder Man, featuring Sir Ben Kingsley’s return as the delightfully eccentric Trevor Slattery. The video shows Slattery marketing his own acting technique, offering a first look at the show’s unique comedic tone. The series, set to premiere on January 27, 2026, will explore the world of Hollywood through the eyes of two very different actors.
The clip, released as part of an innovative marketing campaign, features in-character advertisements for “The Slattery Method.” This approach gives audiences a direct and humorous preview of the meta-narrative that will define the new Marvel show.
The Slattery Method Acting Coach Promo
The newly released video fully commits to the bit, presenting Trevor Slattery as a self-proclaimed “acting coach to the stars.” In the clip, Slattery offers to share his expertise with potential students. This promotional material appeared publicly through advertisements that included a phone number, leading fans to the video online. The campaign is a clever piece of world-building that blurs the line between the Marvel Cinematic Universe and reality, directly pulling viewers into the show’s satirical take on the entertainment industry.
This marketing tactic suggests a significant promotional push for Wonder Man, building anticipation by highlighting one of its most uniquely comedic characters. The video implies that Slattery’s coaching will play a role in the series, potentially with Simon Williams becoming one of his students.
Inside the Wonder Man Plot and Cast
Wonder Man will tell the story of Simon Williams, an aspiring actor struggling to make his mark in Hollywood. His life changes after a chance meeting with Trevor Slattery, an actor whose most notable roles are likely behind him. Together, they learn that a legendary director, Von Kovak, is remaking a superhero film titled Wonder Man, and both actors desperately pursue what they see as life-changing roles.
The series is described as a “two-hander,” focusing on the dynamic between Simon and Trevor as they bond over their shared love for acting. Executive producer Brad Winderbaum described the show as a “love letter to Hollywood” and to the profession of acting itself, exploring the balance between artistic passion and the need to make a living.
The show stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Simon Williams, who gains superpowers in the comics. The cast also includes Ben Kingsley reprising his role as Trevor Slattery, Ed Harris as Simon’s agent Neal Saroyan, and Demetrius Grosse as Simon’s brother, Eric Williams.
A Fresh and Self-Aware Tone for the MCU
According to star Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Wonder Man will bring a different feeling to the Marvel lineup. He revealed that the show is tonally distinct from other Marvel projects, describing it as “fresh, and a bit tongue-in-cheek, a bit self-aware.” He elaborated that the series is self-aware without breaking the fourth wall, and will include commentary on topics like superhero fatigue. However, he was clear that this is not the main focus of the show.
“The focus of the show is about an actor’s journey. It’s about a journey of friendship,” Abdul-Mateen noted.
The decision to shoot the series on location in Los Angeles adds to its authentic Hollywood feel. Ben Kingsley said that LA itself is a character in the show, calling it “emblematic of people’s dreams in this whole wonderful entertainment industry.” He added that the cast and crew were “constantly fed by that wonderful working environment” and the “iconic echoes of the great Hollywood years.”
Trevor Slattery’s Long Road in the MCU
Ben Kingsley first appeared as Trevor Slattery in Iron Man 3, where he was initially introduced as the fearsome terrorist leader, the Mandarin. The film later revealed him to be a failed actor hired to play the part. The character later returned in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, where he was found living in a prison cell before being freed.
Slattery also starred in the Marvel One-Shot short film All Hail the King, which explored the consequences of his impersonation. His upcoming role in Wonder Man marks his most significant MCU appearance since Shang-Chi. Executive producer Brad Winderbaum has said that Slattery has a “very interesting three-act structure” within the new series, describing his arc as “very sincere, very earnest [and] not cynical.”
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Series Development and Creative Team
Wonder Man was created by Destin Daniel Cretton and head writer Andrew Guest. Cretton, who directed Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, also directed the first two episodes of the series. The directing team also includes James Ponsoldt, Tiffany Johnson, and Stella Meghie.
The series was formally announced at New York Comic Con in October 2024, with Marvel Studios releasing the first official footage. The show is confirmed to have eight episodes, each running between 20 to 40 minutes. It will be part of Phase Six of the MCU and will be released under the “Marvel Spotlight” banner, which often signifies stories that are more character-driven and accessible without requiring extensive background knowledge of the wider MCU.
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