Yahya Abdul-Mateen IIis set to move over from DC to Marvel to lead the studio’s Disney+ seriesWonder Man,Deadlinehas reported. In June, the series was announced to be in development withShang-Chi and the Legend of Ten Rings’ directorDestin Daniel CrettonandHawkeyeco-producerAndrew Guestinvolved in the project.
Wonder Manwas created byStan Leeand illustrated byDon HeckandJack Kirbyand was first introduced in Marvel Comics in 1964 withThe Avengers #9. The character, also known as Simon Williams, is the son of the industrialist, Sanford Williams. Upon his father’s death, he assumes control of their ammunition business, seeing its successes limited when it comes into competition with Tony Stark’s Stark Industries. Simon gains ion-based superpowers, including super strength. He establishes himself as an antagonist toThe Avengerswhile working under Baron Zemo; though later he decides to become part of the same superhero team. He then develops an interest in acting and fellow superhero Hercules helps him to establish a career.
The Disney+ series will also see the return of Oscar winnerBen Kingsley’s Trevor Slattery, who was introduced as The Mandarin in theIron Manfranchise but was retconned as a good guy inShang-Chi. Given Wonder Man has his roots in (in universe) Hollywood and Slattery is an actor his involvement in the series makes sense. Further, things in the MCU have gone quite meta withShe-Hulk, where the protagonist literally strolled into Marvel Studios’ office and had a chat with KEVIN. It’ll be interesting to see how the upcoming series will shape up.
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Abdul-Mateen II is no novice to the superhero genre having won an Emmy Award for playing Cal Abar/Dr. Manhattan in HBO’s Watchmen. He then appeared as Black Manta aka David Kane in Jason Momoa’sAquamanand will reprise his character in the upcomingAquaman and the Lost Kingdom, which is slated for release on June 29, 2025.
His recent credits include features likeKean Reeves’The Matrix Resurrectionwhere he played Morpheus,Nia DaCosta’sCandymansequel,Michael Bay’sAmbulance,Aaron Sorkin’s Oscar-nominated dramaThe Trial of the Chicago 7,Jordan Peele’sUsandMichel Gracey’sThe Greatest Showmanled by Hugh Jackman. His TV credits include fan-favorite featureBlack MirrorandThe Get Downamong others. His upcoming features include FX’s limited seriesScent of Burnt Flowers,Dwayne Johnson’s action thrillerEmergency Contactand Amazon Studios' filmI Helped Destroy People. With Abdul-Mateen II’s amazing acting chops it’s no doubt he’ll bring out the best of the character in his new superhero stint.
You can check out our conversation with Abdul-Mateen, Gyllenhaal, andEiza Gonzálezabout the role they most prepared for below:
