====== Wonder Man (TV series) ======
===== Part 1: The Dossier: An At-a-Glance Summary =====
  *   **Core Identity:** **A forthcoming Disney+ series from Marvel Studios, presented under the "Marvel Spotlight" banner, that introduces Simon Williams, an actor and superhero powered by ionic energy, into the Marvel Cinematic Universe through the lens of a Hollywood satire.**
  *   **Key Takeaways:**
  *  **Role in the Universe:** The series is expected to explore the intersection of celebrity culture and superheroism within the [[marvel_cinematic_universe|MCU]], offering a comedic and character-driven look at a man navigating newfound fame and immense power. It will be the formal introduction of the major comic book hero [[wonder_man|Simon Williams]].
  *  **Primary Impact:** ''Wonder Man'' will likely expand the street-level and more grounded stories of the MCU, similar to series like [[she-hulk_attorney_at_law]] and [[hawkeye_tv_series|Hawkeye]]. Its placement under the Marvel Spotlight banner suggests it will be a self-contained story that doesn't require extensive knowledge of the wider MCU saga, making it an accessible entry point for new viewers.
  *  **Key Incarnations:** While the MCU series will focus on Simon Williams' career as a struggling actor who becomes a superhero, his comic book counterpart, [[wonder_man|Wonder Man (Earth-616)]], has a much longer and more dramatic history as a reluctant villain, a deceased hero whose brain patterns formed the basis for the Vision, and a founding member of the [[west_coast_avengers]].
===== Part 2: Production and Development =====
==== Announcement and Early Development ====
The development of a ''Wonder Man'' series was first reported in June 2022. It was announced that [[destin_daniel_cretton]], the director of ''[[shang-chi_and_the_legend_of_the_ten_rings]]'', would serve as an executive producer alongside Andrew Guest as head writer. Guest's involvement was a key indicator of the show's intended tone, given his previous work as a writer and co-producer on comedies like ''Brooklyn Nine-Nine'' and ''Community'', as well as his work within the MCU on the ''[[hawkeye_tv_series]]'' series.
The series was conceived as a Hollywood satire, a genre previously unexplored in depth within the MCU. The premise centers on the life of Simon Williams, an actor and stuntman, providing a unique ground-level perspective on a world populated by gods and super-soldiers. The project officially entered pre-production, with Cretton slated to direct the first two episodes, further solidifying his growing creative role within Marvel Studios following his success with ''Shang-Chi'' and his attachment to ''[[avengers_the_kang_dynasty]]'' (though he would later step down from the latter). In October 2023, Marvel Studios shifted its television strategy, and ''Wonder Man'' was later confirmed to be part of the "Marvel Spotlight" banner, emphasizing standalone, character-focused narratives over sprawling, interconnected saga-building.
==== Casting the Key Players ====
Casting news provided the first concrete details about the series' direction.
  * **Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Simon Williams / Wonder Man:** In October 2022, it was announced that Yahya Abdul-Mateen II had been cast in the lead role. Known for his powerful performances in ''Watchmen'' (for which he won an Emmy), ''Aquaman'', and ''Candyman'', his casting was met with widespread acclaim. Abdul-Mateen's ability to balance dramatic weight with charismatic presence made him a compelling choice to portray a character struggling with both the absurdity of Hollywood and the responsibilities of superpowers.
  * **Ben Kingsley as Trevor Slattery:** A surprising and exciting addition was the confirmation that Sir Ben Kingsley would reprise his role as Trevor Slattery. The character, a failed actor who famously impersonated the Mandarin in ''[[iron_man_3]]'' and later found a new purpose in ''[[shang-chi_and_the_legend_of_the_ten_rings]]'', is a natural fit for a series satirizing the entertainment industry. His role is speculated to be that of a mentor figure or a cautionary tale for Simon Williams.
  * **Demetrius Grosse as Eric Williams / Grim Reaper:** In February 2023, Demetrius Grosse was cast as Simon's brother, Eric Williams, who is known in the comics as the supervillain Grim Reaper. This casting confirms that a core element of Wonder Man's comic book lore—his fraught and often antagonistic relationship with his brother—will be a central conflict in the series.
  * **Supporting Cast:** Other notable cast members include Ed Harris in an undisclosed role, rumored to be Simon's agent, Neal Saroyan, and Lauren Glazier, whose role is also under wraps but is speculated to be a key figure in Simon's professional or superhero life.
==== Filming and Production Timeline ====
Principal photography for ''Wonder Man'' began in early April 2023 in Los Angeles, under the working title ''Callback''. The choice of location was integral to the show's theme, allowing for authentic depiction of the Hollywood environment. However, production was significantly impacted by the 2023 Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Filming was halted in May 2023 and did not resume until after the strikes concluded.
During the production hiatus, a tragic accident occurred on set at Radford Studio Center in February 2024, resulting in the death of a rigger. Production was paused briefly before resuming. Filming officially wrapped in April 2024. The series is currently in post-production, with a release date on Disney+ yet to be officially announced, though it is anticipated for the 2025 slate.
===== Part 3: The Central Character: Simon Williams =====
To fully understand the potential of the ''Wonder Man'' series, it is crucial to examine the rich history of its protagonist in the source material and contrast it with his planned introduction into the MCU.
=== Earth-616 (Prime Comic Universe): The Original Avenger ===
**Simon Williams'** journey in the prime Marvel comic universe (Earth-616) is one of the most complex and tragic in Avengers history. He was not created as a hero, but as a weapon.
**Origin as a Villain:**
First appearing in ''The Avengers #9'' (1964), Simon Williams was the son of industrialist Sanford Williams, owner of Williams Innovations. After his father's death, the brilliant but inexperienced Simon took over the company, but could not compete with the dominance of [[tony_stark|Stark Industries]]. Blaming Tony Stark for his company's failure, a disgraced and embezzling Simon was approached by [[baron_zemo|Baron Helmut Zemo]]. Zemo offered Simon a chance for revenge, subjecting him to an experimental "ionic ray" treatment. The process endowed Simon with superhuman strength, speed, and invulnerability, transforming him into **Wonder Man**.
Zemo's plan was insidious: he told Simon that the ionic treatment was unstable and he would die without regular doses of an antidote that only Zemo possessed. This forced Wonder Man to infiltrate the [[avengers]] with the intent of betraying them. However, during his time with the team, Simon grew to respect their heroism and self-sacrifice. When the time came to betray them, he couldn't do it. He turned on Zemo and saved the Avengers, seemingly dying in the process as the "antidote" was a lie and his body succumbed to the unstable ionic energies. For years, he was considered one of the first figures to sacrifice his life for the Avengers.
**Resurrection and Heroism:**
Wonder Man's story didn't end there. His brain patterns were recorded by Hank Pym before his "death" and were later used by the villain [[ultron]] as the template for the synthezoid [[vision|Vision's]] consciousness. This created an esoteric and complicated bond between the two, especially after Simon was miraculously resurrected years later in ''The Avengers #160'' (1977).
Upon his return, Simon struggled with severe psychological trauma, including a profound fear of dying again. He was initially hesitant to use his powers, but eventually joined the Avengers, becoming a core member. His powers had stabilized, transforming him into a being of pure ionic energy contained within a physical form. His key abilities include:
  * **Superhuman Strength:** Class 100+, capable of trading blows with powerhouses like [[thor]] and the [[hulk]].
  * **Invulnerability:** His ionic form is incredibly durable, resistant to nearly all forms of physical injury, temperature extremes, and energy blasts.
  * **Flight:** He can fly at supersonic speeds.
  * **Ionic Energy Projection:** He can project powerful concussive blasts of ionic energy from his hands and eyes.
  * **Immortality:** As a being of pure energy, he no longer ages and can reconstitute his form even if his physical body is dispersed.
**The Hollywood Star and West Coast Avenger:**
Seeking a life outside of constant battle, Simon moved to Los Angeles and pursued a career as an actor and stuntman, leveraging his powers to great success. This phase of his life, which heavily influences the MCU series, explored his desire for normalcy and public adoration. It was during this time that he became a founding member of the [[west_coast_avengers]], a new branch of the team based in California. He formed a deep, brotherly bond with his teammate [[beast_hank_mccoy|The Beast]] and developed a romantic relationship with the [[scarlet_witch|Scarlet Witch]], which was complicated by her prior marriage to the Vision, who possessed Simon's own brain patterns.
His career, his pacifist beliefs (at one point he refused to use physical force), and his struggles with his "imposter syndrome" as both a hero and an actor defined his character for decades.
=== Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU): A Star is Born ===
The MCU's Simon Williams is largely a blank slate, but key details and the show's premise allow for a well-reasoned analysis of his impending debut.
**Pre-Debut Existence:**
Simon Williams technically already exists in the MCU, albeit in a non-powered, background capacity. In a collection of deleted scenes and set photos from ''[[guardians_of_the_galaxy_vol_2]]'', a "Simon Williams Film Festival" was depicted on Earth. Movie posters showed actor Nathan Fillion portraying Simon in a series of fictional films, including a bio-pic of Tony Stark. While this was cut from the final film and its canonicity is debatable, it established Simon Williams as an active figure in the MCU's entertainment industry long before the ''Wonder Man'' series was conceived. The casting of Yahya Abdul-Mateen II represents a recasting of the role for his official, super-powered debut.
**Anticipated Origin and Powers:**
Unlike his comic origin tied directly to Baron Zemo and the Masters of Evil, the MCU is likely to devise a new origin for Simon's powers. Several possibilities exist:
  * **Accidental Exposure:** He could gain his powers through a lab accident, possibly related to Gamma radiation, Pym Particles, or even cosmic energy, mirroring other MCU origin stories.
  * **Super-Soldier Program:** A clandestine program attempting to replicate the Super-Soldier Serum could be responsible, tying him into a common MCU trope.
  * **Technological Origin:** His powers could stem from advanced technology, perhaps even repurposed Stark or Kree tech, which would fit the more grounded and sci-fi aesthetic of the MCU.
The series' focus on his acting career suggests that Simon will be a public-facing hero from the start. His journey will likely be about managing his brand, dealing with the paparazzi, and figuring out what it means to be a "celebrity superhero." How will the public react to an A-lister who can suddenly fly and shoot energy beams? This question seems to be at the heart of the show's satirical premise. His power set is expected to be visually spectacular, drawing from the ionic energy-based abilities of his comic counterpart.
===== Part 4: Plot, Themes, and MCU Connections =====
==== Anticipated Plot and Genre ====
''Wonder Man'' is being positioned as a workplace comedy set against the backdrop of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The "workplace" in this case is Hollywood. The series is expected to satirize the film industry, celebrity worship, and the very concept of branding a superhero. The plot will likely follow Simon Williams as he navigates the treacherous waters of fame after gaining superpowers.
Potential storylines could include:
  * Simon trying to land a serious acting role while being typecast as "the super-strong guy."
  * A rival actor attempting to sabotage his career.
  * A PR team trying to manage his public image after a destructive battle.
  * The ethical dilemmas of using his powers for personal gain, such as performing his own impossible stunts.
The central theme appears to be a search for identity. Is Simon Williams an actor, a stuntman, a hero, or just a brand? The show will explore this question through a comedic lens, contrasting the glamorous facade of Hollywood with the messy reality of being a superhero.
==== Key Confirmed and Rumored Characters ====
The supporting cast provides major clues about the series' conflicts and connections.
  * **Eric Williams (The Grim Reaper):** In the comics, Eric Williams is Simon's jealous and criminally-minded brother. He blames the Avengers for Simon's initial "death" and becomes the Grim Reaper, a villain with a technologically advanced scythe, to seek revenge. The series will almost certainly feature a sibling rivalry, with Eric potentially representing a darker path Simon could take. He might be a business rival, a family member resentful of Simon's new fame, or even the show's primary antagonist who forces Simon to become a true hero.
  * **Trevor Slattery:** Trevor's inclusion is a masterstroke of thematic resonance. As an actor who was hired to play a world-threatening terrorist, he represents the ultimate cautionary tale about the dangers of performance and false identity in a super-powered world. He could serve as a mentor to Simon, offering bizarre but perhaps insightful advice on how to handle the pressures of a public persona. His journey from the Mandarin's pawn to a more enlightened, if eccentric, individual in Ta Lo could provide a unique philosophical counterpoint to Simon's materialistic Hollywood struggles.
  * **Potential for The Beast:** While unconfirmed, the deep friendship between Wonder Man and [[beast_hank_mccoy|Beast]] in the comics is a fan-favorite dynamic. With the [[x-men]] on the horizon for the MCU, a cameo or guest appearance by a pre-X-Men Hank McCoy could be a possibility, perhaps as a scientist involved in Simon's transformation.
==== Potential MCU Crossovers and Implications ====
As a "Marvel Spotlight" series, ''Wonder Man'' is expected to be largely self-contained. However, its setting and characters create numerous opportunities for connections.
  * **The Department of Damage Control (DODC):** Following their prominent role in ''[[spider-man_no_way_home]]'' and ''[[ms_marvel_tv_series|Ms. Marvel]]'', the DODC would logically have an interest in a newly powered individual, especially one operating in the public eye in Los Angeles.
  * **She-Hulk: Attorney at Law:** The legal and media-savvy world of Jennifer Walters is a perfect crossover point. A celebrity superhero like Simon Williams would almost certainly require legal representation, and who better than a lawyer who understands the unique challenges of the super-powered?
  * **The Vision/White Vision:** The most significant potential connection is to the [[vision]]. In the comics, their shared identity through Simon's brain patterns is a cornerstone of both characters. With [[white_vision]] now active in the MCU, seeking his own identity, a future meeting with Simon Williams could have profound implications for both of them. Could the MCU's Vision have some unknown link to Simon Williams? It remains a compelling fan theory.
===== Part 5: The Source Material: Essential Wonder Man Reading =====
For viewers who want to delve into the comic book history that inspired the series, these storylines are essential.
==== The Avengers #9 (1964) ====
Created by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and Don Heck, this issue marks the first appearance of Simon Williams. It's a classic Silver Age tale of a tragic villain forced into a conflict against his will. It establishes his industrialist background, his rivalry with Tony Stark, his manipulation by Baron Zemo, and his ultimate, noble sacrifice. It is the foundational text for the character.
==== The Avengers #160 (1977) ====
This issue, titled "The Living Ghost!", features the shocking and triumphant return of Simon Williams from the dead. It reveals that he had not died but was in a comatose, crystalline state. His resurrection and subsequent decision to join the Avengers as a full-fledged hero mark the beginning of his second act and his transformation from a tragic footnote into a major Marvel character.
==== West Coast Avengers (1984-1985) ====
This limited series and the subsequent ongoing title by Roger Stern and Bob Hall established Wonder Man as a key player outside of the main New York-based team. Moving to California to pursue acting, he becomes a founding member of this new Avengers branch. The series is crucial for developing his personality, his friendship with the Beast, and his life as a celebrity superhero, all elements that are central to the upcoming MCU show.
==== Wonder Man (1991-1994) ====
Simon's first major solo series delved deep into his psyche. It explored his "survivor's guilt," his struggles in Hollywood, his complicated romantic feelings for Scarlet Witch, and his philosophical journey toward pacifism. It is perhaps the most definitive exploration of Simon Williams as a person, rather than just a powerhouse, and its satirical take on Hollywood is a clear influence on the Disney+ adaptation.
===== See Also =====
  * [[marvel_spotlight]]
  * [[west_coast_avengers]]
  * [[vision]]
  * [[scarlet_witch]]
  * [[grim_reaper_eric_williams|Grim Reaper (Eric Williams)]]
  * [[destin_daniel_cretton]]
  * [[she-hulk_attorney_at_law]]
===== Notes and Trivia =====
((The character of Wonder Man was initially created in 1964 as a direct response to DC Comics' Superman (whose alternate title was //Metropolis' Man of Steel//). However, after a warning from DC over the name's similarity to //Wonder Woman//, Marvel killed the character off in his very first appearance, not bringing him back for over a decade.))
((Nathan Fillion, who was depicted as Simon Williams in cut content from ''Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2'', has a long history of being fan-cast in superhero roles. He also voiced Wonder Man in the animated series ''M.O.D.O.K.''))
((Andrew Guest, the head writer, worked on ''Hawkeye'', which also explored a more grounded, human-level story within the MCU. This suggests a tonal consistency between the two "street-level" Disney+ shows.))
((Wonder Man's ionic energy powers make him functionally immortal in the comics. He once had his entire body dispersed and was able to fully reconstitute himself over time, a power level that makes him one of the Avengers' heaviest hitters, often compared to Thor and Hercules.))
((The romantic triangle between Wonder Man, Scarlet Witch, and the Vision is one of the most famous and tragic in Avengers history. Simon's love for Wanda was complicated by the fact that Vision, her husband, possessed his own mind, leading to an identity crisis for all three characters.))
((In the comics, Simon Williams' filmography includes a range of genres, from action films like "Arkon, the Barbarian" to dramatic roles. His most famous on-screen persona is often a heroic, idealized version of himself.))