‘Wonder Man’ Is an Acting Masterclass with Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Ben Kingsley

by

Wonder Man is the strongest Marvel TV series so far. This isn’t just excitement – it’s a genuine evaluation of a remarkably well-written, acted, and directed comedy-drama that will keep you hooked throughout its eight episodes. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Ben Kingsley both give outstanding, layered performances that are incredibly engaging. You’ll find yourself invested in the characters and their compelling story. Wonder Man effectively addresses concerns about ‘superhero fatigue’ by being exceptionally inventive, daring, and, most importantly, fun to watch.

The series begins with a fantastic episode called “Matinée.” We meet young Simon Williams (played by Kameron J Meadows) and his father, Sanford (Bechir Sylvain), as they’re completely captivated by a delightfully silly 1980s Wonder Man movie. Years later, adult Simon (Abdul-Mateen II) is anxiously getting ready for a small role on American Horror Story. He’s a very careful actor, spending a lot of time planning his performance, which irritates the director. Things get even worse when Simon returns to his cramped apartment – shared with his girlfriend, Vivian (Olivia Thirlby) – in his old Toyota Camry.

Feeling down, Simon heads to the movies to distract himself. He’s watching Midnight Cowboy when he hears a familiar, loud British voice. It’s Trevor Slattery (played by Kingsley), the actor who famously pretended to be the villainous Mandarin years ago and ended up in jail. Simon surprises Trevor by showing off his deep knowledge of little-known acting parts. Trevor then reveals he’s auditioning for a remake of Wonder Man, directed by the acclaimed Von Kovak (Zlatko Burić). Determined to get the part, Simon rushes to his agent Janelle’s (X Mayo) office, interrupting a meeting, and demands an audition. He feels this role is perfect for him – the one he’s been waiting for his entire career.

Wonder Man is a complex series with a lot going on beneath the surface. At its heart is the growing friendship between Simon and Trevor, played with Emmy-worthy performances by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Ben Kingsley. Their connection drives the story forward, and both characters harbor secrets that will have major repercussions. Despite these hidden depths, they quickly form a bond over their shared passion for acting, which they see as a truly meaningful profession. Neither is interested in fame or wealth; they are dedicated artists who deeply love their craft. Simon, in particular, has found a mentor in Trevor who understands his unwavering commitment to acting.


Disney+

Those who disliked Ben Kingsley’s portrayal of the Mandarin in Iron Man 3 might be surprised by his nuanced performance in Wonder Man. The show’s creators, Destin Daniel Cretton (Short Term 12, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) and Andrew Guest (Community, Brooklyn Nine-Nine), give Trevor Slattery a compelling backstory, finally revealing the full story of his life. Kingsley is fantastic, delivering genuinely funny stories about Trevor’s past struggles with addiction and his attempts to rebuild his reputation. Despite facing a major challenge, Trevor finds purpose in helping Simon, showcasing his inherent compassion and kindness. However, his help always comes with hidden motives and unexpected consequences.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is well-known for playing superheroes, including Black Manta in Aquaman and Doctor Manhattan in HBO’s Watchmen. However, his role as Simon Williams in Wonder Man is something entirely new. The series delves into Simon’s past, showing his upbringing and family. We discover why he turned to acting as a way to express himself. Simon is a complicated character, wrestling with inner struggles that drive his actions. It’s captivating to watch him prepare for the Wonder Man auditions and grapple with finding the right portrayal. He’s a remarkably gifted actor, and those around him recognize both his talent and his vulnerability. Trevor helps to ease Simon’s anxiety and build his self-assurance, reminding him that believing in yourself is the first step to success.

Wonder Man offers a hilarious and surprisingly insightful look behind the scenes of a stage production. The show cleverly portrays the everyday struggles of an actor – from awkward self-tapes to the challenges of working with big personalities. It’s essentially an honest ‘Acting 101’ course, revealing just how difficult it is to make it in the industry. Strong supporting performances, particularly from Josh Gad and Joe Pantoliano playing themselves, add depth and crucial information to the main storyline. The creators strike a perfect balance, playfully satirizing Hollywood while still showing genuine appreciation for the art of filmmaking. The witty dialogue is packed with references to classic movies and TV shows, which film buffs will love, but won’t alienate more casual viewers. It’s a remarkably well-executed series.

While Wonder Man includes action, it’s not your typical special effects spectacle. Viewers expecting realistic alien battles and jetpack stunts will only see brief glimpses of a cheesy, 80s-style version. However, the show’s production design and visuals are impressive. Director Ari Aster and his team favor lengthy, fluid camera movements with minimal cuts, following the characters Simon and Trevor through captivating environments. The series also utilizes close-ups to highlight subtle facial expressions and convey deeper emotions. James Ponsoldt, known for films like The Spectacular Now and The Circle, particularly shines with the fourth episode, “Doorman,” a black-and-white flashback that feels like a complete and captivating story on its own.

Subscribe to the newsletter for deeper Wonder Man coverage and more

Subscribing to our newsletter gives you in-depth coverage of Wonder Man: scene-level analysis, character and performance breakdowns, and thoughtful TV criticism. Ideal for fans who want richer perspectives on Marvel TV and storytelling.

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s
Terms of Use
and
Privacy Policy
. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Cretton and Guest took a bold risk with their Wonder Man series, choosing not to simply retell the comic book story. The result is incredibly clever and self-aware – fans of the original Wonder Man will likely enjoy this fresh and unique take. Plus, Abdul-Mateen II and Kingsley deliver fantastic performances and could be the best duo the Marvel Cinematic Universe has seen yet.

Wonder Man is a new series created by Marvel Spotlight, Family Owned, and Onyx Collective. All episodes will be available to stream on Disney+ starting January 27th.

Read More

2026-01-24 13:18