Can you believe Marvel actually allowed the creation of 'Wonder Man'?
Marvel has recently released a new series, and if you missed that it premiered with eight episodes last night, I completely understand. This show, Wonder Man, represents what feels like the end of an era for Marvel, where they briefly highlight specific characters—often disconnected from the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). In fact, Wonder Man stands out as one of the most distinctively non-MCU shows I've encountered. And I mean that in the best possible way.
The narrative follows Simon Williams as he strives to secure the leading role in a reboot of a cherished childhood classic. The twist? Williams’ character is actually a superpowered hero from Marvel comics, adding a layer of complexity to the storyline. It’s a fascinating blend of reality and fiction that could easily go awry, yet it manages to hold its ground beautifully. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II portrays Simon Williams with impressive courage, and he’s joined by Ben Kingsley, who reprises his role as Trevor Slattery—the actor who once played The Mandarin in Iron Man 3. Yes, that's correct; Kingsley's character is an actor portraying another character. Hang tight—we're just getting started!
The result is reminiscent of Seth Rogen's frenetic comedy, The Studio, which humorously explores Hollywood life. While Wonder Man isn’t quite on that level of intensity or humor, you’ll certainly notice the similarities. Interestingly, this show also weaves in references to other popular series like American Horror Story and Sons of Anarchy, creating a crossover that is rarely seen in the Marvel universe, unless you're talking about the fourth-wall-breaking antics of Deadpool.
What Marvel has produced here is genuinely unprecedented. It’s remarkable that they greenlit a project so off their typical brand identity. Unlike other unique heroes like Echo or Ironheart, Wonder Man feels like it hails from a completely different universe, presenting itself as the least superhero-centric show within this superhero-focused domain. Indeed, while Simon’s powers drive the main plot, the overall tone is reminiscent of a lighter version of Unbreakable.
Alongside the stellar performances of Abdul-Mateen II and Kingsley, it's worth noting that the series was co-created by Destin Daniel Cretton and Andrew Guest. Cretton, who directed Shang-Chi and is set to helm the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day, has emerged as one of Marvel’s shining talents. If there was any doubt about his capability, Wonder Man certainly reaffirms his status. He directed the first two episodes, which were penned by Guest.
Critics and audiences alike are responding positively to Wonder Man. At one point, it ranked as the third-highest-rated project in the MCU, and currently boasts a 90% score on Rotten Tomatoes, positioning it as the second-best-rated MCU show, just a hair behind WandaVision. It also enjoys an impressive 88% audience score, tying with notable series such as WandaVision, Hawkeye, and Moon Knight.
In conclusion, Wonder Man is truly a gem that deserved more attention during its promotion. However, its mere existence is a victory in itself, showcasing Marvel's willingness to explore such unconventional concepts. Even if we never see Simon Williams again, this series leaves a significant mark.
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