We don’t have to wonder any more who Marvel Studios will tap to play Simon Williams. The MCU has found its star for the upcoming Disney+ Wonder Man series and it’s a big name. It’s no surprise they opted for one of Hollywood’s best young actors. Aquaman‘s Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is set to head from one superhero franchise to another as one of Marvel Comics’ oldest Avengers. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II will play Wonder Man for Marvel. Although it’s been a little while since we’ve seen news about the show, Marvel Studios has happily confirmed it’s definitely still set for a release.
Wonder Man Is Still Happening
After the exciting initial news about Wonder Man, we haven’t heard too much from the series. But fear not, Wonder Man is still on the way.
Speaking to Agents of Fandom, Marvel Studios Head of Streaming, Television, and Animation Brad Winderbaum confirmed that Wonder Man will absolutely still be released. He shared, “We’re editing both of those shows [Ironheart and Wonder Man] as we speak. They’re spectacular, they’re amazing, and they’re different…We’re able to explore corners of the universe that are really exciting… I cannot wait for people to meet Simon Williams.”
There you have it! Although no release date window was shared for Wonder Man, we’re glad to hear the series is moving along.
Wonder Man’s Cast and What We Know About the Series So Far
Abdul-Mateen II (Candyman, The Trial of the Chicago 7) is Disney’s choice to play Wonder Man. The character will finally join the MCU with his own series. The show is just the latest big-time superhero role for the actor. In addition to playing Black Manta opposite Jason Mamoa’s Aquaman, Abdul-Mateen II also played Dr. Manhattan on HBO’s Watchmen series.
Created by Stan Lee, Don Heck, and Jack Kirby, Simon Williams made his first appearance in Marvel Comics in 1964. Baron Zemo originally pushed him to acquire powers. But Wonder Man wasn’t a villain for that long. He is actually one of the oldest Avengers. (The seventh inducted, for those keeping score at home.) Williams also helped found the group’s West Coast squad. As you can imagine, though, his actual comics history is far more complicated.
He’s Vision’s “brother,” dated Wanda who once resurrected him, and died on more than one occasion. While we don’t know exactly how he’ll get introduced into the MCU, we’ve previously speculated it’ll be as the Hollywood star/hero he’s best known as. The Disney+ series will see Sir Ben Kingsley return as the MCU’s most infamous in-world actor, Trevor Slattery. So, it only makes sense to see him perform alongside Simon Williams. In addition, TV Line reports that Demetrius Grosse has come aboard the series as Wonder Man’s brother and adversary, Eric Williams, a.k.a Grim Reaper. While Simon was the darling of the family, Eric turned to crime. In the comics, Grim Reaper wields a scythe that can put others into a coma. So Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s Wonder Man better watch out.
No wonder Marvel wanted a Wonder Man who is already a big Hollywood star/hero. Not just anyone can play this many big-time superhero characters for this many franchises at the same time. We can’t wait to hear more about the show.
Originally published on October 31, 2022.
