While all eight episodes dropped all at once, you won’t want to take a break from watching this wonderful series. The Marvel Cinematic Universe has done a number of series following superheroes, yet none do grounded storytelling quite like “Wonder Man.” This series isn’t your typical action-packed MCU project like “Moon Knight” or “Hawkeye.” However, while it may not focus as heavily on action, it loses none of the suspense and delivers a deeper emotional connection to its characters than any other series in the MCU.
The series follows Simon Williams (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) an aspiring actor whose habit of overthinking every role makes him difficult to work with and often costs him jobs, even when he manages to land them. A lifelong fan of Wonder Man, Williams auditions for a film about the character and befriends Trevor Slattery (Ben Kingsley), a disgraced actor who was previously hired to portray “the Mandarin,” a supposed terrorist leader in “Iron Man 3.” The two characters’ alignment is not a coincidence, as Slattery makes a deal with the Department of Damage Control. Unaware of Slattery’s deal with the DODC, Williams keeps his powers hidden, since in this version of Hollywood, people with super human abilities are unable to work after an on-set accident — explored in episode four that takes you away from the main story its use of black-and-white cinematography creates a clear distinction, allowing you to immerse yourself in this powerful and influential tale.
The magnificence of this series truly comes from the dynamic duo that is Williams and Slattery, as the two go on a journey through both acting and friendship. The characters’ support for one another is heartfelt and hysterical as they come across more issues stemming from Slattery’s past and William’s inability to connect with others. They quickly realize that success comes only when they join forces, and while each holds their own secrets, their character development makes the story especially compelling.
This series highlights how tough the Hollywood industry can be, and lets viewers connect with Williams through his persistent hope and his struggles with anxiety over his career. What draws you in most, however, is how Williams releases his emotions through his superpowers. This raw, unchecked emotion that he struggles to control resonates with the audience, inviting you to imagine what it would be like to express such feelings as he does.
If you were looking for another superhero tale filled with action and superpowers on full display then “Wonder Man” is not the watch for you. The few moments that Williams shows his powers are more of attacks on public property than any actual battle scenes. However, the strength of this series lies in its character development and themes of overcoming adversity through friendship and perseverance. “Wonder Man,” expands the MCU with a truly wonderful series.
