Marvel Studios is set to introduce an original Disney+ series titled “Wonder Man,” which takes a distinct approach to the long-standing comic character. The project, spearheaded by creators Destin Daniel Cretton and Andrew Young, has been granted significant creative freedom in crafting Simon Williams’ storyline without being restricted to any specific comic run. Simon Williams first appeared in Marvel Comics in Avengers #9 from 1964, but unlike many MCU characters, this upcoming series does not intend to follow a particular narrative arc.
The creators aim to focus on the character’s journey within the entertainment industry, presenting Simon as both a superhero and a successful actor rather than strictly adhering to any pre-established comic book storyline. This approach allows for a more flexible exploration of his complex relationship with Hollywood, including his dual identity as a superhero and an entertainer.
One significant aspect of “Wonder Man” is its portrayal of the character’s origin story. Unlike traditional superhero narratives, this series highlights Simon Williams’ connection to his powers through childhood experiences, rather than presenting them as a plot point or mystery waiting to be solved. This ambiguity has sparked discussions about whether the character could potentially be a hidden mutant within the MCU universe.
Director Destin Daniel Cretton and producer Jonathan Schwartz initiated the concept during their collaboration on the film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, where they discussed ideas centered around Trevor Slattery’s character. The series was then developed further as a two-part exploration into Simon Williams’ life in Hollywood, focusing primarily on his interactions with Slattery.
In December 2021, Cretton entered a multi-year agreement with Marvel Studios and Onyx Collective to develop television projects for Disney+. This included the creation of “Wonder Man,” which was announced in June 2022. The show’s development involved collaboration between multiple parties, including producer Brian Gay from Marvel Studios and head writer Andrew Guest from Marvel Television.
The eight-episode series is scheduled to premiere on Disney+ starting January 27, marking a departure from typical superhero narratives to offer viewers a character-driven story with emotional depth rather than action sequences. The creators emphasize that this unconventional approach will resonate over time, despite potential surprises for those expecting a conventional superhero-centric show.