Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, in a scene from the Matrix Resurrections
(Picture: Warner Bros Pictures via AP)Wonder Man is in the works, and the eponymous role has been filled after colourblind castings.
Yahya Adbul-Mateen II will take on the role of Wonder Man, who was white in the original comics, in the newest Disney+ superhero series, as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Experienced names have been linked to the project, with director of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings Destin Daniel Cretton taking on executive production of the upcoming series, and Andrew Guest (30 Rock) as head writer.
This work is part of a deal with Disney and Onyx Collective, a Disney content subsidiary that focuses on representation for creators of colour.
“Working on Shang-Chi with Kevin [Feige] and the Marvel Studios team was one of the highlights of my life, and I couldn’t be more excited about Tara [Duncan]’s vision for Onyx Collective. I can’t wait to explore new stories and build new worlds with this community,” said Cretton.
Who has been cast in Wonder Man?
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, known for his roles as Aquaman’s antagonist Black Manta and Doctor Manhattan in HBO’s Watchmen, has been tapped to bring to life the titular character, Simon Williams, according to Deadline.
Although the actor is in talks to take the starring role, he has previously snubbed his comic-book films as “clown work”, expressing his inclination toward serious films.
Clearly, this genre is not above him as he has continued to tackle characters in Aquaman 2, the recent Matrix sequel, and now the MCU’s long line of super-somethings.
And, with his preference for a varied career, Abdul-Mateen II may yet bring a fresh take to this comedy.
Ben Kingsley is also set to return to his role as struggling actor Trevor Slattery, from Shang-Chi of the MCU.
Who is Wonder Man in the MCU?
Simon Williams, aka Wonderman, first appeared in Marvel comics on the cover of Avengers #9 in 1964, alongside Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Wasp, and Giant-Man.
Williams began as a villain but was later rethought as a hero in the Seventies. In the 1980s, Simon became a founding member of the West Coast Avengers, as a daytime actor and stuntman but night-time hero.
Wonder Man’s signature look includes a red jacket, sunglasses, and a polo-neck jumper. The new film will see the character fumble his way through the MCU’s take on Hollywood.
Williams is tied to characters Wanda and Vision, described as almost brothers to the android through a cerebral connection. His romantic feelings for Wanda also make him a long-awaited character.
When is the release date?
It is somewhat early to confirm a release date, as filming has not yet begun for the latest superhero series in the MCU.
In the meantime, there’s plenty of Marvel premieres to look forward to, including November’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and Wasp: Quantumania, with its first trailer released last week.
