By Carly Shaner
How would you react if you found out your favorite childhood superhero was getting a reboot? Would you audition if given the chance? For Simon Williams (played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), an aspiring actor, that is a resounding yes.
“Wonder Man” follows Simon as he befriends Trevor Slattery (Ben Kingsley, formerly the Mandarin) and takes what might be the opportunity of a lifetime. But both are keeping something from each other… something that may jeopardize both of their careers.
What I first liked about this show is how realistic it felt. I know it’s set in a world of superheroes, but the protagonist isn’t an ex-Russian assassin or a Norse god. He didn’t grow up with his powers. He doesn’t even know how he got them.
Simon has to manage his relationships and financial troubles, all while trying to find a steady acting job in Hollywood. His struggles feel real. His triumphs feel earned. The audience is able to relate to him more than many other Marvel characters.
Another positive was the runtime. While some shows are trying for hour-long episodes, which can drag the plot or introduce more subplots, “Wonder Man” is 8 episodes, around 30 minutes each and there are no post-credit scenes (you read that right). In addition to being an easy watch, the plot moves steadily and the characters never stray too far from the storyline.
The one strange thing about this show is that there’s one episode that gives necessary backstory to the show, but it doesn’t have any of the main characters in it until the last few seconds (yes, seconds). There was also no warning; nothing telling us it was coming. It’s just placed in the middle of the show. There’s also almost no action, which is a strange move by Marvel, but this leaves more room to focus on the characters as people rather than “heroes”.
The main theme in this show is friendship. What would you do for your true friends? How far would you go? The “bromance” that develops between Simon and Trevor is something that’s tangible, relatable and grows as the show progresses. The final episode is a great example of how true friendship can last through anything.
The casting in “Wonder Man” is concise but well-chosen. I got nervous watching Yahya Abdul-Mateen II audition as Simon. X Mayo, who plays Simon’s agent, Janelle, works well with him while bringing the sass of an agent who’s trying to maintain both her and her actor’s reputation. Ben Kingsley never fails as Trevor Slattery, and while the character shows up at seemingly odd points in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this was a good choice.
While this show had a happier tone, there was evident commentary on the acting and entertainment industries. The reality of how hard it is to make money, really be “successful” and the tension between actors who believe it’s a job versus a calling. In this same light, the show raises questions like “Do script writers care about the characters they’re making?”
There’s also a focus on the cost of ambitious creativity. Simon can’t seem to land a job because he’s all about giving every character a complete backstory to make them feel real. Some studios he’s worked for just don’t want to sort out every single detail about a character.
Overall, I think this is a great watch, and I would recommend it if you’re looking for a sort of “happy” Marvel watch. The colors are bright. The story is complete and easy to follow. The message can loosely be defined as “the power of friendship,” but it’s about more than that; it’s about what true friends can do with that power.
I give this series a 8/10.
All episodes of “Wonder Man” are available to stream on Disney+.
Carly Shaner is a junior Professional Writing and Information Design Major who stayed up late and delayed doing some homework because of how enjoyable she found this show.
Images courtesy of Marvel Studios
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