Marvel's Wonder Man: First Episode Review

Marvel's latest live-action series, Wonder Man, arrives on Disney+ with a distinct departure from the usual multiverse-spanning spectacle. Debuting on January 27, the show is a smaller, character-driven story that carries the "Marvel Spotlight" banner, signaling a focus on standalone narratives.

Following a similar release strategy to 2024's Echo, the entire series is being dropped on the platform at once. This approach suggests a project Marvel may have hoped would find its audience through word-of-mouth rather than a prolonged weekly rollout. The first episode serves as an entertaining introduction to a version of Hollywood that exists within the MCU, offering a lighthearted character drama that stands apart from the larger cinematic universe's ongoing saga.

The series introduces Yahya Abdul-Mateen II to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Simon Williams, a struggling actor rather than the traditional superhero found in the comics. Viewers should not expect a direct translation of the source material; this Simon is not juggling dual responsibilities as an Avenger, nor is he entangled in the complex love triangles of the comic books.

Marvel has chosen a much more grounded and meta direction for this adaptation. The first episode establishes Simon as a hungry but not particularly successful thespian who is "aggressively overprepared" for his auditions. His potential big break arrives when a Hollywood studio decides to remake the 1970s cult classic Wonder Man, a film-within-a-film concept that allows the series to explore the nature of superhero storytelling itself.

• Simon is portrayed as a true believer in a town full of cynics.
• He possesses a genuine passion for film and his craft.
• The character is overzealous and a bit self-absorbed.
• His journey is defined by persistence rather than innate superpowers.

While Simon Williams takes center stage, the series is anchored by the return of Ben Kingsley as Trevor Slattery. Kingsley reprises his role for the fourth time in the MCU, transforming the character who once posed as the Mandarin into a "manic, nebbish" entertainer. Who in 2013 could have predicted the arc this character would take?

Trevor serves as a fun mentor and foil to Simon. The first episode hints at Trevor's larger story, providing just enough intrigue to invest viewers in his fate alongside the new lead. The unlikely friendship between the two down-on-their-luck actors forms the emotional core of the premiere.

"Kingsley remains his manic, nebbish, entertaining self in his fourth go-round as Trevor Slattery."

The dynamic between the two leads is a highlight. Abdul-Mateen II brings a real energy and gravitas to the role that gels nicely with the series' light and floaty tone. His performance is described as "bang-up," making Simon immensely likable despite his flaws.

Director Destin Daniel Cretton brings a fun sense of energy to the first episode, particularly in scenes depicting Simon's frantic drives to auditions and his grappling with a hallway crammed full of rival actors. The visual style complements the narrative's focus on the grind of the entertainment industry.

The series is set in the MCU's version of Los Angeles, a setting ripe for self-aware humor. Scenes of Simon auditioning and butting heads with his exasperated agent, played by X Mayo, are filled with meta-commentary. While Hollywood often loves making films and shows about itself, the navel-gazing here is described as amusing rather than aggravating, at least for now.

The show's tone is carefully balanced. It avoids the heavy weight of the Multiverse Saga's larger narrative, opting instead for a character-driven piece that feels like a detour. The presence of Kingsley's Trevor provides the only significant tether to the wider universe in the early episodes, allowing the story to breathe on its own terms.

The first episode of Wonder Man is a very solid start, but questions remain about the longevity of its premise. An eight-episode commitment requires more than just a charming character study, which is why the episode's late-game curveball is crucial. By the end of the premiere, the narrative casts everything in a different light, offering a glimpse into where the series is actually headed.

The show does not aim to introduce the next great MCU leading man, a wise choice given the Multiverse Saga's history of introducing characters without proper development. Instead, it offers a lighthearted character drama that happens to take place in a world of superheroes. Whether audiences can run with this very different spin on Wonder Man will determine how well the series resonates.

Ultimately, the promise of a more character-driven MCU show is a compelling hook. If the initial premise carries enough weight to justify its runtime remains to be seen, but the strong performances and unique setting provide a strong foundation for the episodes to come.