Wonder Man is a Quirky Superhero Show With Excellent Writing
Wonder Man stands out as a very unique Disney+ show, trading epic battles for a thoughtful look at Hollywood ambition and the messy reality of chasing stardom. Read on for a spoiler-free review of Wonder Man streaming on Disney+.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II stars as Simon Williams, an aspiring Hollywood actor struggling to get his career off the ground. During a chance meeting with Trevor Slattery, played by Ben Kingsley, an actor whose biggest roles may be well behind him. Simon learns that legendary director Von Kovak is remaking the superhero film “Wonder Man,” and he is determined to get the role.
These two actors are at opposite ends of their careers, doggedly pursuing life-changing roles in this film as audiences get a peek behind the curtain of the entertainment industry. Trevor Slattery has a secret and is working with a creepy organization to capture Simon, but his plan doesn’t exactly pan out the way he wants.
Abdul-Mateen II and Kingsley have genuine chemistry, and Kingsley continues to prove he’s a chameleon in every role he takes on. Simon’s background is thoughtfully crafted, showing how his Haitian upbringing molded him into the person and actor he is today.
What’s truly interesting is that Simon’s superhero powers only manifest when he is incredibly frustrated, which seems to be a trauma response tied to an unfortunate accident, featuring actor Josh Gad (who plays himself in a role that’s actually pretty funny).
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Wonder Man puts Los Angeles on display, not only showing movie sets but also peeling back the curtain on moviemaking and the audition process. I can imagine how many struggling actors have looked at those dreary walls in a hallway, attempting to calm their nerves before going in to give their all in a monologue. The show captures that vulnerability and desperation that the majority of actors feel when pursuing their dreams.
Wonder Man is a quirky ride, unlike many of the other Marvel superhero shows that Disney has released. It’s a show more interested in character and craft than spectacle, and that makes it worth watching.
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