Yahya Abdul-Mateen II has been cast in the lead role ofMarvel Studios’Wonder Manproject for Disney Plus. The MCU role marks Abdul-Mateen II’s latest comic book character after previously starring in DC’sAquamanfilm and HBO’sWatchmenseries.
Marvel Studios’Wonder Manseries will be based on the comic book character of the same name, who was introduced in 1964’sThe Avengers#9. Known as Simon Williams, the character made his debut as the son of an industrialist who inherited his father’s company upon the latter’s death. Bestowed with powers that include superhuman strength, speed, and ionic regenerative healing,Williams was later reimagined as an actor and stuntman who left The Avengers.
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Deadlinebroke the news of Abdul-Mateen II joining theWonder Manseries from Marvel Studios. Abdul-Mateen II will be joined by previously announced star Ben Kingsley, who reprises his role as Trevor Slattery, the actor who infamously impersonated the Mandarin inIron Man 3and was imprisoned for it by the true Mandarin inShang-Chi and Legend of the Ten Rings. TheWonder Manseries will be directed and executive produced byShang-Chihelmer Destin Daniel Cretton. Furthermore,Hawkeyeco-producer Andrew Guest will serve as head writer forWonder Man.
As previously mentioned, Abdul-Mateen is no stranger to comic book roles. He is perhaps best known forportraying Black Manta in Aquamanand its upcoming sequel, but he received more acclaim for his performance as Doctor Manhattan in HBO’sWatchmen, for which he earned a Primetime Emmy Award. Abdul-Mateen’s other credits includeThe Matrix Resurrections, in which he took over the role of Morpheus from Laurence Fishburne, and Michael Bay’s Ambulance, which saw him play the brother of Jake Gyllenhaal’s character. However, perhaps his most well-received role aside fromWatchmenwas as Bobby Seale in Aaron Sorkin’sThe Trial of the Chicago 7.
So, Abdul-Mateen II no doubt has the blockbuster experience and acting credentials to expertly handle the role of Wonder Man. Though Abdul-Mateen received flack for referring toroles like those inAquamanas clown work, it appears he’s more than game to try his hand at the silliness of the comic book world again.
It may also be worth noting thatWonder Manis still being referred to as a series. This may not be newsworthy, though some fans were curious to see ifWonder Manwould become a Marvel Studios Special Presentation instead afterWerewolf by Nightreportedly changed upsome of the company’s plans for Disney Plus.
