TV Review: ‘Wonder Man’ Season 1

Arriving on Disney+ on January 27 is the first season of Marvel’s ‘Wonder Man’. All eight episodes, which dive into the life of struggling super-powered actor Simon (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), will be released that evening.

​Arriving on Disney+ on January 27 is the first season of Marvel’s ‘Wonder Man’. All eight episodes, which dive into the life of struggling super-powered actor Simon (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), will be released that evening.   

Arriving on Disney+ on January 27 is the first season of Marvel’s ‘Wonder Man‘. All eight episodes, which dive into the life of struggling super-powered actor Simon (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), will be released that evening.

The series also stars Sir Ben Kingsley, who reprises his role as Trevor Slattery, and Arian Moayed, who returns as Department of Damage Control Agent P. Cleary.

Related Article: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Joins the Cast of ‘The Adventures of Cliff Booth’

Initial Thoughts

Simon Williams is one of the lesser known Marvel characters. He is not Iron Man, Captain America, or even Hawkeye. So to focus a series on him comes with a little bit of risk from the studio. That said, this is the perfect series to allow Marvel to embrace their comedic side. Simon Williams is an actor, which means that ‘Wonder Man’ gets to dive into a metaness that industry folks, and Marvel fans, will enjoy.

Script and Direction

Directors Destin Daniel Cretton and James Ponsoldt know exactly what they are doing with a show like this. Those who work in the industry will love all of the references to the audition process, crafty, and what goes on behind the camera.

The story itself is intriguing from the start, and only gets better the longer it goes on. While there are some things that could be fine tuned, the overall pacing and timing of reveals is brilliant.

What is best described as this season’s standalone episode, episode four, tells a much needed backstory that helps bring clarity to the second half of the season. With exciting guest stars and a dark, twisted, premise, it stands out as the best of the season.

Cast and Performances

The reason this series works as well as it does is because of the unmatched chemistry between the leads, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Sir Ben Kingsley. They bring both humor and heart to the roles, and the relationship of their character, making it easy for viewers to root for them.

Arian Moayed’s Agent P. Cleary is the perfect villain for a series like this. Fans have seen him time and again in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but he is truly allowed time to shine in ‘Wonder Man’.

Final Thoughts

‘Wonder Man’ will surely be enjoyed more by those who know the ins and outs of the industry, but it is not written in a way that will alienate viewers who are not a part of it. Thanks to the great chemistry between the leads and smart writing, this fast-paced sitcom is absolutely worth checking out.

‘Wonder Man’ Season 1 receives 78 out of 100.

What’s the plot of ‘Wonder Man’?

Aspiring Hollywood actor Simon Williams is struggling to get his career off the ground. During a chance meeting with Trevor Slattery, an actor whose biggest roles may be well behind him, Simon learns legendary director Von Kovak is remaking the superhero film ‘Wonder Man’. These two actors at opposite ends of their careers doggedly pursue life-changing roles in this film as audiences get a peek behind the curtain of the entertainment industry.

Who stars in ‘Wonder Man’ Season 1?

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