By Ben Wright (@Iamzavagno | www.xgeeks.co.uk)
This review is spoiler-free.
Wonder Man (2026) follows Simon Williams, a struggling actor navigating the absurdities and compromises of Hollywood, whose life becomes entangled with the unpredictable Trevor Slattery. What unfolds is not a conventional superhero origin story, but a sharp, character-driven exploration of performance, identity and friendship, set against the uneasy overlap of fame, failure and fantasy.
Wonder Man is far from your typical Marvel or Disney+ offering, and that is precisely what makes it so compelling. While some viewers may initially struggle with a “superhero” series that largely sidelines traditional superheroics, those who commit to all eight episodes will likely find themselves grateful they did. This is a show that trusts its audience, inviting them into something more introspective, playful and surprisingly heartfelt.
The writing is the series’ greatest strength, incisive, self-aware and often hilariously self-deprecating in its critique of Hollywood and the acting profession. It is a sharp satire that never tips into cynicism, balanced by genuine emotional depth. At its core, Wonder Man is a story about an unconventional friendship, and the script gives both of its leads ample room to explore vulnerability, ego and ambition in ways that feel refreshingly honest for the Marvel brand.
Pacing is another major win, with each episode tightly constructed to allow the comedy to land effortlessly while giving the emotional beats the space they need to resonate. The humour is consistently strong, but when the show leans into its more dramatic moments, it does so with confidence and restraint. The result is a series that lingers long after the credits roll, and one that proves Marvel can step beyond its well-worn formula and take bold, creative risks with its vast catalogue of characters. Notably, the show further deepens Ben Kingsley’s Trevor Slattery, retroactively enhancing the infamous bait-and-switch of Iron Man 3, and evolving the character far beyond his appearance in Shang-Chi.
As for performances, Wonder Man belongs entirely to Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Ben Kingsley. Individually, both are exceptional, but the real magic happens when they share the screen. Their chemistry is electric, effortless and endlessly entertaining. Kingsley feels completely rejuvenated here, delivering an energetic, enthusiastic performance that is nothing short of remarkable, especially given that he is now in his 80s. It is a testament to his enduring talent and love for the craft. Abdul-Mateen II, meanwhile, continues to prove himself as one of the most compelling actors working today, charismatic, grounded and utterly faultless in every scene.
Anchored by phenomenal performances and razor-sharp writing, Wonder Man stands as one of Marvel’s most refreshing and creative projects to date. This is not just a departure from the formula; it is proof that Marvel is at its best when it dares to try something different.
X-Geeks 