Wonder Man offers a fresh take on the MCU without feeling like a chore
In the middle of Wonder Man's premiere, director Van Kovak (Zlatko Burić) poses a thought-provoking question: "What can we learn from Wonder Man today? What can he teach us about ourselves?" This grandiose introduction sets the tone for a unique approach to a familiar superhero story. By reimagining the 1980s movie, Kovak aims to create something "human and spectacular," and the show's co-creators, Daniel Destin Cretton and Andrew Guest, seem to share a similar vision. But what makes their version of Simon Williams (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) stand out in a franchise desperate to regain its former glory?
The answer lies in Simon's lack of centrality to the ongoing Multiverse Saga and the show's focus on his personal journey rather than franchise management. Unlike previous MCU shows, Wonder Man feels self-contained, exploring Simon's dilemmas, family dynamics, and professional aspirations without feeling like a prerequisite for other stories. This approach allows Cretton and Guest to develop Simon as a person first, a superhero second, which is a refreshing change from the usual tie-ins and crossovers.
One of the show's unique elements is the "Doorman Clause," a surprising rule that prohibits superpowered beings from becoming professional actors. This rule is introduced in episode four, which is presented in black and white, and it creates a fun twist for Simon, who must hide his true identity to pursue his acting dreams. The episode also introduces DeMarr Davis (Byron Bowers), a nightclub bouncer who gains the ability to phase through objects and befriends Josh Gad, leading to Gad's disappearance and the rule's establishment.
Wonder Man also incorporates meta pop-culture references, such as a poster of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid in Simon's room, and mentions of actors landing roles in other shows and films. This playful approach adds to the show's charm, as it invites the audience to join in on the joke.
Throughout the eight half-hour episodes, Simon's primary goal is to land his dream role in Kovak's film, and he only dons the Wonder Man costume in the finale, emphasizing his focus on acting rather than world-saving adventures. This departure from traditional superhero origin stories and post-Blip tales makes Wonder Man a refreshing addition to the MCU, offering a more self-contained and character-driven narrative.
The show's emotional core lies in Simon's relationship with Trevor Slattery (Ben Kingsley), a character who made his debut in Iron Man 3 as the Mandarin but later revealed himself to be an actor. Trevor becomes Simon's unexpected best friend, but he has a secret agenda, working for the Department of Damage Control to spy on Simon. The tension between Simon and Trevor's betrayal adds depth to the story, as Simon grapples with the possibility of his trusted mentor's betrayal.
Wonder Man successfully reimagines the MCU by focusing on a relatable character journey, offering a refreshing change from the usual franchise-wide plots. It serves as a reminder of the early MCU's emphasis on character-driven stories, like Captain America: The First Avenger, and provides a welcome break from the recent phases' focus on battles and bringing back fallen heroes.
