Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sci-fi violence, sweet bromance in superhero show.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
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Wonder Man
What's the Story?
Based on the Marvel Comics character, WONDER MAN centers on Simon Williams (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), an actor looking for his first big role, and Trevor Slattery (Ben Kingsley), an older actor whose career has faded and meets Simon by chance -- or does he? Because not only is Trevor an actor, he's a former criminal who managed to evade part of his prison sentence. That's how Agent Cleary (Arian Moayed) of the federal United States Department of Damage Control manages to get to Trevor: Pretend to befriend Simon, spy on him, or go back to prison. It seems Simon isn't just a humble actor; he's also hiding superpowers that make him extremely dangerous according to the DODC. And when Trevor and Simon both try to earn roles in a remake of the vintage superhero film Wonder Man, things get really complicated.
Is It Any Good?
In an era when superhero dramas seem tired, this series scores by telling a human-sized story about a struggling actor with hidden powers, and the conflicted colleague who becomes his first friend. Wonder Man's Simon Williams and Trevor Slattery are easy to both relate to and root for: Both are hustling desperately for roles and money and feel almost alone in the world. In Trevor's case, his bad behavior destroyed a formerly flourishing career, while Simon's just hoping for his first big break. The realistic details of their quest for roles are one of Wonder Man's greatest assets, and it's a hoot to watch them sweat over a character's backstory or strain to find a peaceful location for a self-tape audition. The self-tape quest brings about one of Wonder Man's funniest scenes, when the pair show up to Joe Pantoliano's house hoping for help, and the actor, playing himself, simultaneously encourages and devastates: "People don't appreciate all that goes into the audition process," he says kindly before noting "I'm offer-only, so I can't relate."
The satire of Hollywood specifics is fun, but the relationship between Simon and Trevor is what gives Wonder Man real emotional weight. They have great buddy chemistry, sharing the pain of an actors' continual rejection, as well as the loneliness of people who find it difficult to open up to others. In one astonishing moment, the two take turns delivering movie monologues; it suddenly becomes clear that both have untapped, unappreciated talent and a deep love of their craft that bonds them. Later, when Trevor tags along with Simon to a family party, Simon's mom Martha tells him how very happy she is to meet him, and explains the stakes: Not only does Simon have no friends currently, he's never had a friend at all. Watching their relationship spark while viewers understand that Trevor's not a new friend who simply happened along is quietly devastating; witnessing the supportive, loving friendship that slowly builds between them nonetheless is absolutely beautiful. This is a story that is totally unique in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and worth viewers' time, even if they're sick of superheroes.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about superhero stories and how Wonder Man compares. What are the battles Wonder Man focuses on? Are they similar to those found in most superhero shows and movies? How is this show different from others in the Marvel Cinematic Universe?
Families can also talk about the setting of Wonder Man, in modern-day Hollywood. Does the setting seem realistic? What is the effect of having real actors, such as Joe Pantoliano, playing themselves? Wonder Man shows actors struggling to get auditions, submitting self-tapes to casting directors, and getting excited over callbacks, is this true-to-life?
Both Simon Williams and Trevor Slattery are characters featured in Marvel comics and movies. Do you need to know these characters' backstories to appreciate them on this series? Does knowing more about these characters enhance or detract from your enjoyment?
TV Details
- Premiere date : January 27, 2026
- Cast : Yahya Abdul-Mateen II , Ben Kingsley , Demetrius Grosse
- Network : Disney+
- Genre : Action
- Topics : Superheroes
- Character Strengths : Courage , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : January 28, 2026
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