Disney+’s Wonder Man Series Casts Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Lead

Natalie Oganesyan
·2 min read
7

Marvel Studios’ Wonder Man series has found its lead in Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, per reports, marking the actor’s third foray into comic book territory following his roles in HBO’s “Watchmen” and DC’s “Aquaman.”

Also Read:
‘Topdog/Underdog’ Broadway Review: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Corey Hawkins Create Sparks

A live-action Wonder Man show from Marvel Studios was announced back in June, with Andrew Guest (“Hawkeye”) serving as the head writer and executive producer for the series, along with “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” filmmaker Destin Daniel Cretton, who is also an EP and is co-developing the project as part of his overall deal with Marvel and Onyx Collective.

In the Marvel comics, “Wonder Man” centers on Simon Williams, an actor and stuntman who was a founding member of the Los Angeles-based West Coast Avengers. Williams inherited his father’s industrial munitions plant and fell on hard times due to competition with Tony Stark’s Stark Industries. Eventually, Williams goes to work for villain Baron Zemo, who gives him superhuman abilities. Despite being an initial adversary to the Avengers, he later joins them.

Also Read:
‘Severance’ Season 2 Adds Bob Balaban, Gwendoline Christie, Merritt Wever as Filming Begins

Back in August, it was revealed that Ben Kingsley would reprise his role as failed actor-turned-fake-terrorist for hire Trevor Slattery, potentially hinting at the fact that the series’ premise may follow closely along with original comic book canon.

Abdul-Mateen II first broke out with his turn as the villainous club owner Cadillac in Netflix’s “The Get Down.” The Emmy-winner has since carved out a space in genre films and series, starring as Black Manta in “Aquaman” (a character he’ll reprise in the 2023 sequel), Dr. Manhattan in “Watchmen” (which earned him that Emmy) and the lead in the 2021 reboot “Candyman.” He’s also co-led Michael Bay’s “Ambulance,” portrayed a hybrid version of Morpheus/Agent Smith in “The Matrix: Resurrections” and appeared in “The Trial of the Chicago 7” as Bobby Seale. His other credits include “Us,” “The Greatest Showman” and series “Black Mirror” and “The Handmaid’s Tale.” Most recently, the actor has garnered critical acclaim for his role in Broadway’s “Topdog/Underdog” revival.

Deadline first reported the news.

Also Read:
Amazon to Launch Day-and-Night Sports-Talk Lineup on Prime