Yahya Abdul-Mateen II takes center stage as Simon Williams in the new Marvel Television series Wonder Man, which premieres on January 27 on Disney+. Set against the backdrop of Hollywood, the show offers a fresh look at the Marvel universe by focusing on the struggles and passions of an actor trying to make it in the entertainment industry. This series represents a unique challenge for Abdul-Mateen, who portrays a character whose greatest superpower is his dedication to acting.
Getting to Know Simon Williams: A Different Kind of Hero
The Marvel series Wonder Man, created by Andrew Guest and Destin Daniel Cretton—known for Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings—centers on Simon Williams, a young actor navigating his way through the challenges of Hollywood. The story tracks his journey to build a career while forming an unexpected bond with Trevor Slattery, a character played by Ben Kingsley. Together, they confront career uncertainties and personal growth, especially after discovering that director Von Kovak is remaking the cult 1980s film Wonder Man, a childhood favorite of Simon’s.
This eight-episode series offers a heartfelt look at friendship, ambition, and life in Los Angeles, marking a departure from traditional Marvel superhero narratives by focusing on the world behind the camera and the realities actors face.
Abdul-Mateen II expressed his excitement about introducing Simon Williams to the Marvel universe, describing the character as,
“a really quirky character. He’s got a whole lot of upside and potential.”
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Actor
Behind the Scenes: From Destin Daniel Cretton’s Vision to Yahya’s Commitment
When Abdul-Mateen II was approached about the role, his initial draw was less about Simon Williams and more about the show’s creator, Destin Daniel Cretton. Admiring Cretton’s previous works such as Just Mercy and Short Term 12, Abdul-Mateen was captivated by the heartfelt and earnest quality of his filmmaking. Cretton’s aim was to create a series that felt more indie in style, distinct from other Marvel projects.
Destin described Simon as an awkward but relatable character with a passion for acting that outweighed his superpowers, a trait that resonated deeply with Abdul-Mateen. The actor shared,
“Yeah, I really want to be a part of that.”
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Actor
The Dynamic Relationship Between Simon Williams and Trevor Slattery
The central relationship in Wonder Man is the friendship between Simon Williams and Trevor Slattery, portrayed by Ben Kingsley. The dynamic between the two characters is built on opposing approaches to life and acting, yet united by their passion for the craft.
Abdul-Mateen describes their interaction as a “push and pull” between leadership styles. Trevor represents experience and a more relaxed, laissez-faire approach, while Simon embodies earnestness and determination. As Yahya explained, Simon tries to teach Trevor:
“Look, you have to take things more seriously. You can’t always approach things with a laissez-faire attitude.”
Conversely, Trevor advises:
“Sometimes you just need to calm down and be in the moment and let things happen.”
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Actor
Despite their different worldviews, the two find common ground in their shared love of acting, enriching the narrative with authentic emotional depth. Yahya called their bond “pretty special” as it revealed how two individuals from very different career stages can still connect meaningfully.
Learning from a Legend: Working With Ben Kingsley
Abdul-Mateen recalls a memorable moment on set during the filming of a scene in the early episodes where Simon struggles with an audition. In the scene, Trevor encourages Simon to take a breath and approach the audition calmly. Off-screen, Yahya experienced a similar moment in a later episode when he felt overwhelmed. He shared this with Kingsley, who offered mentorship that transcended fiction.
“I’m sort of feeling some of the things that Simon feels,”
Abdul-Mateen said to Kingsley during filming. This led to a candid moment in a car scene where Kingsley’s character advises:
“Just be cool and let it happen.”
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Actor
The blurring of their characters’ mentor-mentee dynamic with their real-life relationship added an extra layer of authenticity to the production, creating a rewarding experience for both actors.
Reflecting an Actor’s Reality: Simon’s Journey Mirrors Yahya’s Own
Wonder Man offers a rare glimpse into the acting profession, capturing the anxieties and efforts actors face—from auditions and self-tapes to the realities of set life. For Abdul-Mateen, Simon’s struggles resonate closely with his personal history.
He described a poignant montage showing Simon creating a self-tape and noticing the same actors continually landing roles. Reflecting on his own career beginnings a decade ago, Yahya recalled the frustration of being unknown despite having talent. He related closely to Simon’s plea:
“I just want a shot. I just want a chance.”
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Actor
Simon is portrayed as the passionate but unrecognized actor, a role that captures a universal experience within the industry. Yahya noted,
“This has to go right, or I’ll never work again.”
as a feeling he shares with many actors, underscoring the precarious nature of their profession.
Moreover, Abdul-Mateen highlighted the seriousness of acting as a craft rather than mere play. He emphasized,
“You’re going through and making choices and marking your script up with lines. It really is a job. It’s not just playtime. It’s a craft.”
This nuanced portrayal, delivered with humor and heart, invites audiences both in and outside the acting world to appreciate the dedication required for the profession.
Childhood Inspirations: The Films That Shaped a Star
Simon’s admiration for the original 1980s Wonder Man film parallels Abdul-Mateen’s own childhood attachment to classic movies. He fondly recalled how films like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Mary Poppins were staples in his household, reflecting a family tradition of sharing these beloved stories across generations.
He said,
“We just loved the idea of a flying car. And we get to sing songs and go to a candy factory and beat up the bad guy? Yeah, I wanted to be those kids. I wanted that life.”
This nostalgic connection to childhood fantasy echoes the hope and dream-chasing spirit that fuels the series.
A Humbling and Confusing First Day on Set
Surprisingly, Abdul-Mateen spoke about his initial experience filming Wonder Man with mixed feelings. His first day coincided with Simon Williams’ debut on the fictional TV show within the series, which led to an unusual and somewhat disorienting atmosphere for the actor.
Used to the star treatment on sets, Yahya found himself standing without a chair, navigating the presence of both real and fake crew members. This led to a moment of confusion:
“Are you a real PA, or are you an actor playing a PA?”
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Actor
Added to this was the trickiness of filming scenes with fake cameras, causing several amusing on-set mishaps where Abdul-Mateen addressed the wrong camera. He observed that making a show about making a show naturally brings these quirky challenges, which ultimately contribute positively to the series’ authenticity.
Significance of ‘Wonder Man’ and What Lies Ahead
Wonder Man stands out within the Marvel landscape by focusing on a hero whose powers are less about superhuman abilities and more about perseverance and passion. Yahya Abdul-Mateen’s reflective performance highlights the struggles and dedication actors experience, giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at Hollywood through a heartfelt and often humorous lens.
The series also promises to deepen Marvel’s offerings with its unique tone and storytelling style, celebrating the city of Los Angeles and the ups and downs of forging a career in entertainment. As the show debuts, it holds potential to resonate strongly with both Marvel fans and anyone familiar with the vulnerability of chasing creative dreams.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s journey as Wonder Man not only marks a new chapter in his career but also enriches the Marvel universe with a character whose greatest superpower is simply the determination to overcome obstacles, on and off the screen.
