‘Wonder Man’ review roundup
The latest installment from Marvel Studios, Wonder Man, now streaming on Disney+, takes a decidedly different approach to the superhero genre. Eschewing the typical spectacle of satin tights and invisible jets, the eight-episode series focuses on the pursuit of Hollywood stardom and the struggles of an aspiring actor with a secret identity. The series is slated to arrive ahead of Avengers: Doomsday this December.
A Spotlight on the Human Side of Heroism
Created by Destin Daniel Cretton and Andrew Guest, and based on the Marvel Comics character first appearing in 1964—conceived by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and Don Heck—Wonder Man distinguishes itself with a “Marvel Spotlight” approach. This means the series largely sets aside the broader storylines of the Marvel Cinematic Universe to concentrate on a more intimate narrative. At the heart of this story are Simon Williams, played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, an actor and secret superhero, and his unlikely mentor, acting guru Trevor Slattery, portrayed by Ben Kingsley.
The unlikely duo find themselves collaborating on a quest to secure roles in a remake of a campy Wonder Man film from before the era of blockbuster superhero movies. This premise sets the stage for a unique exploration of ambition, identity, and the often-absurd world of Hollywood.
Critical Reception and Tone
Reviews of Wonder Man are mixed, with critics noting its departure from the typical Marvel formula. Unlike the more overtly comedic She-Hulk series featuring Tatiana Maslany, this series maintains a more grounded and low-key tone. Some reviewers, such as Rodrigo Perez writing in The Playlist, find the series “woefully unfunny, rarely moving, and rarely compelling,” and criticize its limited focus on superhero elements. Jesse Hassenger of The Wrap agrees, noting the series feels more like an oddly paced movie than a traditional television show.
However, Keith Phipps of TV Guide offers a more positive assessment, praising the series’ unpredictability and its refusal to rely on typical action-packed finales. Despite the varying opinions, Wonder Man currently holds an 89 percent favorable rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 74 percent rating on Metacritic.
What’s Next?
Given the series’ focus on character development and its relatively self-contained narrative, it is possible that Wonder Man could serve as a launching pad for further exploration of Simon Williams’ story within the MCU. The series could potentially introduce new characters or storylines that tie into the larger universe, particularly as Avengers: Doomsday approaches. Alternatively, the series may remain a standalone “Marvel Spotlight” project, offering a unique and unconventional take on the superhero genre. Further seasons could explore the complexities of the Hollywood landscape and the challenges faced by aspiring actors, while subtly integrating elements of the broader Marvel universe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wonder Man about?
Wonder Man is a streaming series on Disney+ that follows Simon Williams, an aspiring actor and secret superhero, and his acting guru, Trevor Slattery, as they navigate the world of Hollywood and attempt to land roles in a film remake.
Who created Wonder Man?
The series was created by Destin Daniel Cretton and Andrew Guest, and is based on the Marvel Comics hero created by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and Don Heck in 1964.
How have critics responded to Wonder Man?
Critical reception has been mixed, with some reviewers finding the series unfunny and lacking in compelling narrative, while others praise its unique tone and character-driven approach.
Does a focus on character-driven narratives represent a shift in strategy for Marvel Studios, and will this approach resonate with audiences accustomed to more action-oriented superhero content?