The following Wonder Man review is spoiler-free.
Marvel Studios returns to Disney+ with its second-ever spotlight series, following up on Echo with an all-new story featuring the struggling actor Simon Williams (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) in Wonder Man. The series is self-contained and doesn’t require any prior MCU knowledge to enjoy, though Marvel fans will appreciate the volume of Easter Eggs and callbacks to previous films.
All eight episodes of the newest MCU installment release on Disney+ on January 27 as a binge model, though that’s certainly not an indictment of the series’ quality. Wonder Man features suspenseful twists and turns throughout, plus a unique storytelling style that doesn’t feel like a typical Marvel Television show.
Much like the Marvel Spotlight categorization suggests, the series focuses on telling the story of Simon Williams rather than setting up the future of the MCU. Check out our full Wonder Man spoiler-free review!
Simon Williams and Trevor Slattery Explore the Power of Friendship
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II performs admirably in the lead role, portraying a flawed character that audiences won’t be able to help but root for. However, the real magic happens when Simon Williams shares the screen with Trevor Slattery (Ben Kingsley). They’re both incredible in their individual roles, but it’s their chemistry together that makes Wonder Man work so well.
Their personalities couldn’t be more different, yet their shared passion for acting, alongside their struggles with loneliness and self-worth, bind them together like two sides of the same coin. Although the series shines when focusing on their adventures, it does lag briefly in the middle when it explores other stories.
From a quality standpoint, this series deserves to be enjoyed by a weekly audience tuning in at the same time. However, the story in the middle episodes works better binged, as the episodes are shorter and feature less of the dynamic duo of Simon Williams and Trevor Slattery.
‘Wonder Man’ Highlights the Potential for Marvel Television on Disney+
Despite Marvel Television delivering some must-watch bangers in the past, like WandaVision and Loki, many still view MCU world-building on Disney+ as homework. By highlighting a lesser-known (for non-comic readers) Marvel character like Simon Williams in a spotlight series that doesn’t worry about setting up the future of the universe, Wonder Man delivers an intimate, contained story that focuses on character growth.
While that undoubtedly leaves the next time we see Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Simon Williams in the MCU up in the air, the series beautifully walks the tightrope of teasing Marvel fans with references and story beats they’ll recognize, while providing a contained story that will make sense even for those who have never seen a Marvel Studios project.
All eight episodes of Wonder Man will begin streaming exclusively on Disney+ on January 27. Follow the Agents of Fandom podcast and socials for more Wonder Man content, as well as all the latest entertainment news and reviews.
'Wonder Man' Review
'Wonder Man' ReviewThe Good
- Wonder Man is a beautifully emotional story of friendship.
- Sir Ben Kingsley and Yahya Abdul Mateen II have incredible chemistry together.
- The story features genuinely surprising story turns.
- There is strong comedic writing woven throughout.
The Bad
- The series could've benefited from a weekly release model.
- Certain middle episodes aren't as strong as the rest of the series.
