I went into Wonder Man expecting to resist it. Marvel has a very specific rhythm, and when a project steps outside of that, it can feel shaky. Instead, this show commits to a different lane, and that confidence is what makes it work. The direction feels deliberate, character-first, and refreshingly patient.
Ben Kingsley’s Trevor Slattery continues to be one of the most unexpectedly satisfying character arcs in the entire MCU. Seeing him again here feels earned. From the fake Mandarin in Iron Man 3, to the self-aware redemption tour in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Trevor’s growth finally lands somewhere meaningful. He is still funny, still awkward, but now there is depth and self-reflection underneath it. Kingsley plays him with warmth and restraint, and it turns what was once a joke into a genuinely layered supporting character.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is the backbone of the series. His performance gives Wonder Man real emotional weight. He brings vulnerability, ego, insecurity, and confidence into the same space without overplaying any of it. You believe him as an actor navigating fame and identity, and you believe him as someone stepping into something larger than himself. Yahya does not just play a superhero, he plays a man trying to figure out who he is when the spotlight is on and the mask comes off.
The surprise cameos are where the show quietly flexes its MCU muscle. Ben Kingsley’s Trevor is the most prominent, but the appearances of Nathan Fillion as Simon Williams’ in-universe Hollywood rival adds a sharp, meta edge that fits the tone perfectly. There are also nods to the wider world through characters tied to Stark Industries and subtle references to Wakanda and Talokan, reminding us this story exists in a post-Endgame MCU. None of these cameos feel like distractions. They feel like connective tissue.
What is especially exciting is how the show clearly sets the table for more Marvel characters. You can feel the groundwork being laid for future introductions tied to Hollywood, media, and power. There are hints that point toward characters connected to the West Coast Avengers, and the themes of perception, control, and influence feel like they are building toward something much bigger. It would not be surprising if this series becomes a doorway for characters like Tigra or even deeper Avengers-level players.
A second season feels almost inevitable given how much is left open. The show ends with the sense that Wonder Man’s story is just beginning, not wrapping up. If Marvel is smart, this series could slot neatly into the road toward Avengers: Doomsday. The emotional groundwork, the character positioning, and the subtle world-building all suggest that Wonder Man could play a meaningful role when the universe starts colliding again.
Overall, Wonder Man is Marvel taking a creative risk and trusting strong performances and smart direction to carry it. It is not loud, it is not flashy for the sake of it, but it is confident. I wanted to dislike it. Instead, it left me impressed and genuinely curious about what comes next.
