Actor Yahya Abdul-Mateen II recently revealed intriguing aspects of his character Simon Williams, also known as Wonder Man, in Marvel’s upcoming series. At the New York Comic-Con (NYCC), where a new trailer was unveiled featuring Abdul-Mateen alongside Ben Kingsley, the release schedule was updated, moving from December 2025 to January 2026. This shift added further anticipation around the series’ debut and its portrayal of Wonder Man’s abilities.
Insights Into Wonder Man’s Unique Abilities in the Marvel Universe
During his conversation at NYCC, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II offered a glimpse into the powers of Simon Williams. While he refrained from detailing the full extent of Wonder Man’s capabilities, he emphasized that Williams’ greatest strength lies in his talent as an actor. Speaking to Rotten Tomatoes, Abdul-Mateen stated,
“I think Simon is, well, Simon is trying to figure out what his powers, you know. Simon has a superpower. Simon would say that his superpower is his craft.”
– Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Actor
This description frames Wonder Man’s power more as an internal, personal skill rather than traditional superhuman ability. Abdul-Mateen further teased that audiences will witness how Simon balances the challenges of being a superhero alongside his acting career. He highlighted,
“get to see how well he manages”
– Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Actor
Marvel’s Perspective on Wonder Man and Its Distinctive Narrative
Brad Winderbaum, Marvel’s Head of TV and Streaming, discussed the series with Entertainment Weekly, describing it as a meta-narrative that explores Hollywood through the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). He explained,
“It’s one of my favorite things. It’s very different than anything the studio’s produced. In terms of how meta it is, without getting into details, it is a show that takes place within the MCU, but it’s a story about Hollywood. And it’s a story about not just Hollywood, I would say it’s a story about acting and the journey of an actor in Hollywood.”
– Brad Winderbaum, Marvel Head of TV and Streaming
Winderbaum also addressed comparisons between Wonder Man and the Apple TV+ series The Studio, stressing their tonal differences. He noted,
“It is very different than The Studio, actually. It’s different tonally. It’s very sincere, and it’s very focused on acting as a craft. The Studio is really more about the big Hollywood system and the machine and the craziness that ensues. This is really a very intimate portrait of one actor trying to live his dreams while the world and the need to make money intervenes.”
– Brad Winderbaum, Marvel Head of TV and Streaming
Implications for the Marvel Universe and Audiences
The unexpected focus on Simon Williams’ acting as a superpower distinguishes Wonder Man from other Marvel heroes, making the series stand out within the MCU. With Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s portrayal promising both meta-commentary and emotional complexity, the show is set to explore the tension between personal ambition and external pressures. Its delayed release only heightens speculation about how Marvel will balance traditional superhero themes with this more introspective approach.
As audiences await the January 2026 launch, the series could redefine how superhero stories intersect with the realities of Hollywood’s entertainment world, spotlighting both the glamour and the struggles inherent in the craft of acting.
#WonderMan star Yahya Abdul-Mateen II teases Simon’s powers at #NYCC. pic.twitter.com/JrqQh5BBzG
— Rotten Tomatoes 🍅 (@RottenTomatoes) October 12, 2025
